Atherosclerosis happens when arteries become narrow and hard due to a buildup of plaque around the artery wall.
Other terms for the condition include arteriosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.
The plaque that is the cause of atherosclerosis consists of cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances, and it can harder over time.
The changes in a person’s arteries disrupt the flow of blood around the body and increase the risk of complications, such as heart attack or stroke. These complications can be life threatening.
Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup on the artery walls.
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thin layer of cells forms a lining that keeps them smooth and allows blood to flow easily. This is called the endothelium.
Atherosclerosis happens when the endothelium becomes damaged, due to factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or high levels of glucose, fat, and cholesterol in the blood.
This damage allows a collection of substances, known as plaque, to build up in the artery wall. These substances include fat and cholesterol.
Over time, plaque can build up and become hard.
If plaque continues to collect, it can block the artery and disrupt the flow of blood around the body.
Sometimes, pieces of plaque break open. If this happens, particles from blood cells, known as platelets, gather in the affected area. These can stick together, forming blood clots.
A clot can block the artery, leading to life threatening complications, such as stroke and heart attack.
Atherosclerosis can affect any artery, but it mainly occurs in the larger, high pressure arteries.
Atherosclerosis usually affects older people, but it can start to develop during adolescence. Inside the artery, streaks of white blood cells will appear on the artery wall.
Often, there are no symptoms until a bit of plaque ruptures, or the blood flow becomes restricted. This may take many years to occur.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected.
Carotid arteries
Carotid arteries provide blood to the brain. Restricted blood supply can lead to a stroke.
Symptoms of stroke can appear suddenly and include:
- weakness
- difficulty breathing
- headache
- facial numbness
- paralysis
If a person has signs of a stroke, they need immediate medical attention.
Coronary arteries
Coronary arteries provide blood to the heart. When the blood supply to the heart falls, it can cause angina and heart attack.
A person may experience:
- chest pain
- vomiting
- extreme anxiety
- coughing
- faintness
Renal arteries
Renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. If the blood supply becomes limited, chronic kidney disease may develop.
Someone with renal artery blockage significant enough to cause chronic kidney disease may experience:
- loss of appetite
- swelling of the hands and feet
- difficulty concentrating