Atherosclerosis - Medical Glossary

Understanding Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease where plaque (a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries. Over time, this causes arteries to stiffen and narrow, reducing blood supply to vital organs. It can affect any artery in the body, including those leading to the heart, brain, and limbs, causing serious health problems.

Symptoms and Signs of Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis often develops silently without symptoms until an artery becomes severely blocked. When symptoms appear, they may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, numbness in limbs, or high blood pressure. If it affects brain arteries, it can lead to stroke symptoms like slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis develops due to damage to artery walls caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and inflammation. Risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, genetic predisposition, aging, and chronic stress. Unhealthy lifestyle habits accelerate plaque buildup, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Treatment Options for Atherosclerosis?

Treatment focuses on slowing or reversing plaque buildup and managing risk factors. Options include lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation), medications (cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medications, and blood thinners), and in severe cases, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore blood flow.

When to Seek Medical Help for Atherosclerosis?

Seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, sudden weakness, or numbness in the limbs. These may be warning signs of a heart attack or stroke. If you have risk factors such as high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, regular checkups can help with early detection and prevention.