What is arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the body, harden or become thicker and less flexible. It is often caused by the buildup of fatty, lipid-rich deposits, known as plaque, along the artery walls, which reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues.
Arteriosclerosis develops gradually and often causes no symptoms until you have complications. The condition puts you at higher risk for heart attack, strokes and many types of heart and vascular conditions. However, treatments may reduce plaque, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent the condition from developing.
It is important to note that when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of arteriosclerosis, this is general information, and you should follow the specific guidance and instructions given to you by your doctor.
Types of arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is an umbrella term for three conditions that cause hardening of the arteries. Each type affects different arteries in different ways.
Atherosclerosis is the most common type. It occurs when plaque builds up in medium-sized and large arteries throughout the body. Atherosclerosis has different names depending on which arteries are affected. These include carotid artery disease (neck arteries providing blood to the brain), coronary artery disease (heart arteries) and peripheral artery disease (usually in leg arteries). Other types of atherosclerosis affect arteries leading to the kidneys, back of the brain and intestines.
The other two types of arteriosclerosis include:
- Arteriolosclerosis: This is hardening of small arteries called arterioles. It often develops in people with high blood pressure or diabetes and commonly affects the kidneys.
- Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis: This usually harmless condition occurs when calcium builds up in small to medium-sized arteries, causing them to harden but not narrow.
Arteriosclerosis symptoms
Arteriosclerosis symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and which arteries are affected. In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, you may not experience any symptoms. The first signs may occur when your body needs more oxygen but blood flow cannot keep up. For example, this could be when you are exercising or during times of stress.
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis can vary and may include:
- Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or cramps in your legs when walking or using stairs
- Problems with memory or cognition
- Slurred speech
- Swelling (edema)
- Vision problems
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Weight loss
See your doctor if you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis. Seek emergency care if you experience signs of a heart attack or stroke.
What causes arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood, that builds up on damaged arteries. This damage can happen from unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet, as well as medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Genes can also play a role.
Plaque forms when inflammatory cells travel to damaged areas and send chemical signals, attracting white blood cells that attach to the artery wall. Cholesterol and fatty waste in the blood gather at these spots, turning into plaque. As the plaque builds up, the artery narrows, restricting blood flow.
Arteriosclerosis risk factors
Many different factors can contribute to arteriosclerosis. Some risk factors are within your control, but others, like your age, are things you cannot change. As you get older, your risk of developing arteriosclerosis increases. Additionally, men are more likely than women to have the condition. But by making healthy lifestyle changes, you can help to lower your risk.
Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include:
- Age: The risk of arteriosclerosis increases with age.
- Family history: Your risk is higher if you have a close male family member who developed the condition before age 55 or a close female relative who was diagnosed before 65.
- Smoking: Tobacco causes arteries to narrow and may damage artery walls. It also affects cholesterol and increases clotting activity in the blood.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol, can cause damage to arteries.
- High blood pressure: Long-term high pressure in arteries can cause damage that leads to arteriosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar can lead to arteriolosclerosis and greatly increase the risk for atherosclerosis.
- Obesity: Having a higher weight increases the risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, all risk factors for arteriosclerosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity increases the risk for coronary arteriosclerosis.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating fatty foods and not enough fruits and vegetables increases the risk for coronary artery disease.
Complications
Untreated arteriosclerosis can cause dangerous complications in some cases. Many people do not know they have arteriosclerosis until a complication occurs. The condition often doesn’t cause symptoms until plaque buildup has become significant.
Some complications related to arteriosclerosis include:
- Heart attack: This occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart becomes suddenly blocked.
- Heart failure: Hardening of coronary arteries can cause the heart to fail to pump blood properly.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: This is bleeding on the brain that can occur when a blood vessel leaks or bursts.
- Ischemic stroke: A blockage in an artery carrying blood to the brain can prevent part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs.
- Kidney failure: Thickening of the arterial walls can cause kidneys to stop functioning properly.
- Limb loss: Blockages in leg arteries can lead to a dangerous infection called gangrene in a toe, foot or leg. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
- Vascular dementia: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the brain can prevent the brain from functioning as it should.
How is arteriosclerosis diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough exam and ask detailed questions about your symptoms. Your doctor will then do tests based on your symptoms and where they suspect you might have a blockage. The goal is to determine what organs are involved and the extent of any blockages.
Arteriosclerosis treatment
Treatment for arteriosclerosis varies widely depending on which arteries have blockages and how severe the condition is. Your overall health also plays a big role in your treatment plan. Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that best meets your individual needs.
Your doctor will likely recommend making lifestyle changes to lower risk factors and improve heart health. In addition, medications can often help treat conditions that increase your risk for arteriosclerosis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open blocked arteries.
Find specialized care for arteriosclerosis
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert cardiology care. Our specialized cardiovascular centers are designed to meet the unique needs of people who have been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or need ongoing support, our teams are here to help you.
Loading locations...
Loading locations...