Paul Maurice turned to Inspira Rehab Services for pain relief and mobility after an ankle injury. He...
Read MoreAtherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits clog your arteries, gradually narrowing them and reducing blood flow. Over time, this can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications, but early detection and healthy lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.
What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis, a type of arteriosclerosis, is a condition in which fatty deposits, called plaque, build up on the inner walls of your arteries. Over time, these plaques harden and narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood and the oxygen it carries to reach vital organs and tissues.
The condition begins when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol infiltrates the arterial lining, causing inflammation. In response, immune cells and smooth muscle cells migrate to the area, trapping more lipids and forming a fibrous cap around the growing plaque. As plaques enlarge, they stiffen and constrict vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the likelihood of clots.
Types of atherosclerosis
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) : Plaque in the arteries of the legs or arms, leading to leg pain when walking or, in severe cases, nonhealing wounds
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Plaque buildup in the arteries supplying the heart muscle, often causing chest pain (angina) or heart attack
- Carotid artery disease: Plaque in the neck arteries that supply blood to the brain, which can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Cerebral atherosclerosis: Involves arteries within the brain and may contribute to stroke or cognitive decline
- Aortoiliac atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the aorta and iliac arteries that can reduce blood flow to the pelvis and legs, causing pain, fatigue or erectile dysfunction
- Renal artery disease (renal artery stenosis or renal stenosis): A renovascular disease in which plaque buildup causes renal vessel narrowing, impairing renal artery function, leading to hypertension and reduced kidney function
- Mesenteric artery disease (MAD): Sometimes called mesenteric artery stenosis, MAD is atherosclerosis of the mesenteric arteries, the vessels that supply blood to your intestines
- Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) disease: A specific form of mesenteric artery disease where plaque affects the SMA, leading to post-meal abdominal pain and risk of intestinal injury
- Aortic atherosclerosis: Plaque along the aorta, the body’s main artery, which increases the risk of aneurysm or embolism if a piece of plaque breaks off
- Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta affects the lower portion of the aorta and may lead to aneurysm or blocked blood flow to lower organs and limbs
Atherosclerosis Risk Factors
Non-modifiable risks include age, family history of heart disease, and genetic conditions that raise cholesterol. Modifiable factors include high LDL, low HDL, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Multiple risk factors together accelerate plaque buildup, making prevention and medical care essential.
What Are the Symptoms of Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis, including calcific atherosclerosis, where calcium-rich plaques stiffen vessel walls, often develops silently. As these deposits grow and restrict blood flow, symptoms may depend on which arteries are affected (for example, aortic atherosclerosis symptoms can differ from those of peripheral or coronary disease).
Atherosclerosis symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness
- High blood pressure
- Post-meal abdominal pain
- Cold or numb feet
- Impotence
- Dizziness or confusion
- Back or chest pain (angina)
- Pain or cramping in the legs (claudication)
How Is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?
To diagnose atherosclerosis, your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and risk factors. Blood tests check cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation markers. Non-invasive imaging like ultrasound, CT angiography or MRI—detects plaque and artery narrowing. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) compares blood pressure in your ankles and arms to spot blockages. Advanced tests such as coronary angiograms may be used to pinpoint the location and severity of arterial disease.
three
Atherosclerosis Treatment Options
Angioplasty and Stenting
In this minimally invasive procedure, a balloon catheter is used to widen a narrowed artery, and a small mesh tube (stent) is placed to keep it open, restoring blood flow.
Antiplatelet Therapy
Aspirin or P2Y12 inhibitors prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together, reducing the chance of a clot forming on a ruptured plaque.
Atherectomy
A catheter-mounted device removes or shaves off plaque from the arterial wall, often used when lesions are heavily calcified and not easily treated by balloon angioplasty alone.
Bypass Surgery
In cases of extensive blockage, a vessel from another part of the body or a synthetic graft is used to create a new pathway around the blocked artery, commonly done in coronary or peripheral circulation.
Endarterectomy
Surgeons remove plaque directly from the inner lining of an artery, commonly performed in the carotid artery, to restore normal blood flow and prevent stroke.
Cholesterol-lowering Medications (Statins)
Statins reduce LDL cholesterol production in the liver, stabilize existing plaques and lower inflammation, significantly decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Inspira’s Approach to Atherosclerosis Treatment
At Inspira, we help you manage atherosclerosis and its related vascular health issues through a collaborative, multidisciplinary network. With board certified cardiologists and vascular surgeons to dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, interventional radiologists and more, our team works together to provide seamless, patient-centered care. Early detection is key, so we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics, including advanced imaging and noninvasive vascular testing, to accurately assess plaque burden and vascular function.
Inspira providers develop personalized treatment plans that combine lifestyle counseling, medication management and minimally invasive procedures when needed. We coordinate care across primary care, nutrition, rehabilitation and specialty services to help you improve blood flow, control risk factors and restore your quality of life.
