What is Atherosclerosis, its Symptoms, and Treatment?

• Written by Bhawika Khushlani

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Feeling chest discomfort, numbness, weakness in the leg, or shortness of breath? If so, then don’t take it lightly at all, as these could all be warning signs of Atherosclerosis.

It is a condition in which a sticky substance, made from fat, cholesterol, or other substances, called plaque, builds up inside your arteries, making them hard. If not treated on time, the condition can affect the blood flow through the arteries and can cause a heart attack, stroke or a blood clot.

Let’s discuss atherosclerotic heart disease in detail, including its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and medical treatment.

What is Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease?

Atherosclerosis Cardiac disease is a condition where the arteries, the blood vessels, become narrow and stiff. It is due to the arterial plaque, made of fat, cholesterol, and other materials, that begins to build up on the inside walls of the arteries. Over time, the plaque makes it harder for blood to flow freely. This can cause problems because your organs and muscles don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. Atherosclerosis of the aorta can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and problems with your legs or kidneys. It usually develops slowly and may not exhibit symptoms until it becomes severe.

What are the Common Atherosclerosis symptoms?

Atherosclerosis signs and symptoms depend on the affected arteries. One of the major issues is that it can develop silently over many years and may not cause Atherosclerosis symptoms until the blood flow becomes significantly restricted or blocked. Although there are some common symptoms to keep an eye on before the situation gets out of hand:

Atherosclerosis Causes

There are several causes of atherosclerosis development. This can affect or damage the inner lining of the arteries over time. Take a look at common causes of atherosclerosis cvd:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure 
• Tobacco products
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• High cholesterol
• Family history
• Chronic inflammation

What are the Atherosclerosis Risk Factors?

Atherosclerosis of the heart is associated with various risk factors, some of which are in your control, but some aren’t:

Things You Can’t Control:

• Age: The risk increases as you age.
• Family history: If close relatives had early heart disease or stroke, your risk is higher.
• Genetics: Certain inherited genes can increase the risk of heart atherosclerosis.
• Chronic inflammatory conditions: Diseases like lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis can raise your risk.

Things You Can Control:

• Unhealthy eating habits: Diets high in fat, salt, and sugar can lead to plaque buildup.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels.
• High blood pressure: Puts stress on artery walls.
• High cholesterol: Especially high “bad” LDL cholesterol.
• Lack of exercise: Not staying active can raise several risk factors.
• Obesity: Extra body weight increases your risk.
• Poor sleep: Poor sleep and low oxygen levels can affect heart health.
• Smoking or tobacco use: Damages arteries and speeds up plaque buildup.

What are the Complications of Atherosclerotic Plaque?

The type of complication depends on which part of the body the plaque narrows or blocks the arteries. This can reduce blood flow to organs and tissues, leading to serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease. Take a look at the possible complications below:

• Coronary Atherosclerosis Disease: Plaque in the heart’s arteries can cause chest pain, heart attacks, or heart failure.
• Carotid Artery Disease: Arterial plaques near the brain can lead to a stroke or a mini-stroke (TIA).
• Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrowed arteries in the arms or legs can cause poor blood flow, pain, or, in rare cases, tissue death (gangrene).
• Aneurysms: A bulge in a weakened artery wall can form anywhere in the body. If it bursts, it can cause severe internal bleeding.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can limit their ability to remove waste and fluids properly.

What is the Atherosclerosis Diagnosis Process?

If you are facing any signs of atherosclerotic heart disease, then it is a wise choice to consult a doctor and proceed further with the diagnosis process. Here are some common tests performed by healthcare providers before starting atherosclerosis treatment:

• Physical exam
• Imaging tests (Chest X-ray, MRI, and CT Scan)
• Medical history and family history
• Blood tests
• EKG
• Coronary catheterization
• Stress test

Atherosclerosis Medical Treatment

The atherosclerosis treatment suggested by the doctor depends on the location of your atherosclerosis, its complications, and its severity or how much the arteries are blocked. You may see specialists like a cardiologist (heart), nephrologist (kidneys), neurologist (brain), or vascular surgeon (blood vessels).

Here are some common treatments performed by a doctor in the case of atherosclerotic plaque disease:

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to:

• Lower blood pressure or cholesterol
• Manage blood sugar
• Prevent blood clots

Lifestyle Changes

These can reduce your risk and improve your health:

• Quit smoking and avoid tobacco in all forms
• Eat a heart-healthy diet (like the Mediterranean diet)
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight

Procedures or Surgeries

For severe blockages, you may need:

• Angioplasty – Opens narrowed arteries
• Stent placement – Keeps arteries open
• Atherectomy – Removes plaque
• Bypass surgeries – Reroute blood around blockages (heart or limbs)
• Carotid endarterectomy – Removes plaque from neck arteries

Goals of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

Treating atherosclerosis and heart disease is all about easing symptoms, avoiding problems, and keeping your heart healthy. Here are the main goals doctors work towards:

• Prevent heart attacks or strokes
• Lower the risk of blood clots
• Relieve symptoms
• Slow or stop plaque buildup
• Improve blood flow
• Support healthy eating and lifestyle habits

Don’t Let Plaque Block Your Future!!

Atherosclerosis may be silent at first, but its impact can be life-changing. The good news? With early awareness, healthy lifestyle changes, and the proper medical support, you can manage the risks and protect your heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs.

For seniors, especially, regular check-ups and timely treatments are crucial to staying healthy, and having a health insurance plan that truly understands your needs is also essential. That’s where Care Health’s Senior Citizen Health Insurance comes in.

Designed specifically for people aged 60 and above, it offers:

• No pre-policy medical check-up
• Lifelong renewability
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Annual health check-ups
• 21,700+ Cashless healthcare providers
• 11,500+ Network hospitals

With rising healthcare costs, this plan ensures you get the care you need without financial stress. Take control of your health today. Stay informed, stay active, and stay covered with Care Health’s smart, senior-friendly insurance.

Because good health should never be a compromise at any age.

>> Also Read: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.