Arteriosclerosis Explained: Causes, Signs, Treatments

Arteriosclerosis develops slowly, often beginning early in life and becoming more apparent with age. It refers to a group of conditions that stiffen and narrow the arteries, most commonly due to plaque accumulation. Several factors accelerate this process—high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, heredity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices all contribute to arterial damage and the growth of plaques that restrict blood flow.

Causes and risk factors

Arteriosclerosis arises from long-term injury to the inner lining of blood vessels. The main contributors include:

• High blood pressure, which stresses arterial walls and speeds wear and tear.
• Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can deposit inside vessel walls and form plaque.
• Smoking, which promotes inflammation and impairs circulation.
• Diabetes, which damages blood vessels and increases plaque buildup.
• Family history and genetic predisposition that affect cholesterol handling and vascular resilience.
• Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity, which amplify other risk factors.

Over time these factors promote the development of fatty streaks, inflammation, and fibrous plaques that narrow or stiffen arteries, reducing oxygen-rich blood delivery to tissues.

Symptoms by area affected

Arteriosclerosis can be silent for years. Often there are no early warning signs until blood flow becomes limited or a clot forms. Symptoms depend on the arteries involved:

• Coronary (heart) arteries: Chest discomfort or angina, shortness of breath, fatigue during exertion, and in severe cases, heart attack.
• Cerebral (brain) arteries: Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision changes, dizziness—signs of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
• Peripheral arteries (legs and arms): Cramping, pain, numbness, or heaviness in the limbs, especially during activity (claudication), and in advanced cases, non-healing wounds.

Because symptoms may not appear until advanced, routine screening and awareness of risk factors are important.

How arteriosclerosis is diagnosed

Clinicians use a combination of clinical assessment and tests to confirm arteriosclerosis and gauge severity:

• Medical history and physical exam to identify risk factors and signs of poor circulation.
• Blood tests to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and other cardiovascular risk markers.
• Noninvasive imaging such as ultrasound (carotid or arterial Doppler), CT angiography, or MRI to visualize plaques and narrowing.
• Stress testing to evaluate how the heart performs under exertion.
• Invasive angiography when detailed images are needed to plan interventions.

These tests help determine which arteries are affected and guide treatment planning.

Treatment approaches

The goals of treatment are to slow disease progression, relieve symptoms, and prevent life-threatening events like heart attack and stroke. Management is typically a combination of lifestyle measures, medications, and, when necessary, procedures.

• Lifestyle interventions: Adopting a heart-healthy eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats; limiting saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars; quitting tobacco; increasing regular physical activity; and managing stress.
• Medications: Statins and other lipid-lowering agents to reduce LDL cholesterol; antihypertensive drugs to control blood pressure; antiplatelet agents (like aspirin) in selected patients to lower clot risk; blood sugar control medications for people with diabetes.
• Procedures and surgery: For significant blockages or acute events, options include angioplasty with stent placement to open narrowed arteries, coronary or peripheral artery bypass surgery to reroute blood flow, and clot-removal techniques when appropriate.

Decisions about interventions are individualized based on symptoms, test findings, overall health, and patient preferences.

The role of cholesterol

Cholesterol is essential for cell structure and hormone production, but imbalanced cholesterol levels contribute to arteriosclerosis. LDL cholesterol can penetrate artery walls and accumulate, triggering inflammation and plaque formation. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps transport excess cholesterol away from arteries to the liver for disposal. Maintaining low LDL and adequate HDL levels is central to preventing plaque buildup and slowing disease progression.

Prevention and long-term management

Controlling modifiable risk factors is the most effective strategy to prevent or manage arteriosclerosis:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and limit processed and fried foods.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight and manage stress through techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation exercises.
• Monitor and treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes under medical supervision.
• Avoid tobacco in all forms.
• Attend regular medical check-ups and screenings to detect issues early.

Working closely with healthcare providers ensures treatments and lifestyle plans are adjusted as needs change.

Costs vary widely by region, facility, and insurance coverage; the figures above are estimates only.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

By addressing risk factors early, following recommended therapies, and maintaining healthy habits, many people can significantly reduce their risk of serious complications from arteriosclerosis and preserve vascular health for the long term.