Atherosclerosis
Information on atherosclerosis such as what is atherosclerosis, what causes atherosclerosis, the signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis and the risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries contributes to diseases that are the leading cause of illness and death in the United States.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is hardening and narrowing of the arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body). This occurs from a slow buildup of plaque on the inside of the walls in the arteries. Plaque is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Some of the plaque is hard and stable which leads to narrowed and hardened arteries, where as some plaque is soft and may break open causing blood clots. Over time the buildup narrows the arteries and may restrict blood flow. The restriction of blood flow will starve the organ supplied by the artery and it may either suffer damage or die. Atherosclerosis is a slow and progressive disease that can affect the arteries of the brain, heart, kidneys and arms and legs. It can also cause the following diseases and complications:
- Coronary artery disease
- Angina
- Heart attacks
- Sudden death
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini strokes
- Peripheral arterial disease
What causes Atherosclerosis?
It is not exactly known how atherosclerosis begins or the cause. It is slow and complex and may start in childhood. It develops faster in some people as they grow older. Scientists think that plaque buildup starts when the lining of the artery is damaged or injured. Research is still trying to find out why/how arteries become damaged, how plaque develops and changes over time and why plaque can break open and lead to clots.
Signs and Symptoms
There are generally no symptoms until an artery is severely narrowed or totally blocked. Once this occurs you will have the symptoms based on the artery that is narrowed or blocked. I.e. coronary artery disease (heart), stroke (brain), peripheral arterial disease (legs, pelvis or arms) and renovascular hypertension (kidneys).
Risk Factors
The following factors make it more likely that you will develop atherosclerosis: The more risk factors you have the greater your chance of developing atherosclerosis.
- Age (men - after 45/women - after 55)
- Family history
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette/tobacco smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
Information gathered 3-28-05.