Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis

What Is Arteriosclerosis?

What Is Atherosclerosis?

How Common Are Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis?

Who Is at Risk?

• With unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. These include high LDL cholesterol (sometimes called “bad” cholesterol) and low HDL cholesterol (sometimes called “good” cholesterol).
• With high blood pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if it stays at or above 140/90 mm/Hg persistently. For people with diabetes * or chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mm/Hg or higher.
• Who smoke. Smoking can damage blood vessels and cause them to lose their elasticity and become more rigid. Smoking can also raise cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In addition, smoking does not allow enough oxygen to reach the body's tissues.
• With insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body cannot use its insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar into cells where it is used as an energy source. Insulin resistance may lead to diabetes.
• With diabetes. In diabetes, the body's blood sugar level is too high because the body does not make enough insulin or does not use its insulin properly.
• Who are overweight or obese. The terms overweight and obesity * refer to body weight that is greater than what is considered healthy for a certain height.
• Who do not get enough physical activity. A lack of physical activity can worsen such other risk factors for atherosclerosis as unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
• Who eat an unhealthful diet. An unhealthful diet can raise the risk for atherosclerosis. Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats * * or lifestyle factors cause plaque to build up in the arteries as one ages. By middle age or older, enough plaque has built up to cause signs or symptoms. In men, the risk increases after the age of 45; in women, the risk increases after the age of 55.
• Who have a family history of early heart disease. A family history of early heart disease suggests that a person could develop arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis at an earlier age than normal.

How Do People Know They Have Arteriosclerosis or Atherosclerosis?

• Heart. If there is decreased blood flow to the heart because of coronary artery disease, the person may have a heart attack. Signs of a heart attack include irregular heartbeat; severe chest pain; shortness of breath; pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back; feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness; increased fatigue or tiredness; nausea and vomiting.
• Brain. Decreased blood flow to the brain resulting in cerebrovascular disease may present as headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, or stroke.
• Kidneys. When plaque builds up in the arteries that provide oxygen to the kidneys, chronic kidney disease can occur, resulting in decreased kidney function. This loss of function leads to the kidneys having difficulty removing wastes and excess fluid from the body.
• Extremities. When plaque builds up in the peripheral arteries, primarily the arteries of the legs, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral atherosclerosis occurs. The most common symptom of peripheral atherosclerosis includes cramping or aching pain in the calves of the legs, the thighs, and the buttocks, which is called intermittent claudication (KLAW-di-KAY-shun). Other signs and symptoms include numbness or decreased sensation in the legs and feet; decreased or absent pulses in the legs and feet; skin paleness when the leg is raised above the level of the heart; and skin redness when the leg is lowered below the level of the heart.

How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis?

How Can Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis Be Prevented?

• Physical activity is important in maintaining effective blood flow. The National Institutes of Health recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity on all or most days of the week. Such activities as walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle, and gardening are types of activities recommended.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking increases damage to arterial walls. People who smoke should quit. Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of heart and vascular disease.
• Eat a nutritious diet that includes low-fat foods and foods low in sodium (salt), fruits and vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Avoid fatty foods in the diet. Fatty foods can raise the cholesterol level in the blood, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
• Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Manage stress through such activities as meditation, exercise, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques.