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Atherosclerosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery
Enlarged view of atherosclerosis
Enlarged view of atherosclerosis
Prevention of heart disease
Prevention of heart disease
Developmental process of atherosclerosis
Developmental process of atherosclerosis
Angina
Angina
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol producers
Cholesterol producers
Coronary artery balloon angioplasty - series
Coronary artery balloon angioplasty - series

Alternative Names    Return to top

Arteriosclerosis; Hardening of the arteries; Plaque buildup - arteries

Definition    Return to top

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens (forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing.

Causes    Return to top

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques.

Eventually, the plaques can make the artery narrow and less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms.

Pieces of plaque can break off and move through the bloodstream (embolization). This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around a tear (fissure) in the plaque. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into an artery in the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

Atherosclerosis can affect many different organ systems, including the heart, lungs, brain, intestines, kidneys, and limbs (extremities).

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms usually do not occur until blood flow becomes restricted or blocked.

See the specific condition for more details on symptoms:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Atherosclerosis can create a whooshing or blowing sound ("bruit") over an artery.

Tests that may be used to diagnose atherosclerosis or its complications include:

Treatment    Return to top

To help prevent atherosclerosis or its complications (such as heart disease and stroke), make the following lifestyle changes:

Get your blood presure checked every 1 - 2 years, especially if high blood pressure runs in your family. Have your blood pressure checked more often if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or you have had a stroke. Talk to your doctor.

Have your cholesterol checked and treated if it is high.

See: High cholesterol and triglycerides

Your doctor may suggest taking aspirin or another drug called clopidogrel (Plavix) to help prevent blood clots from forming in your arteries. These medicines are called antiplatelet drugs. DO NOT take aspirin without first talking to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about the safety of hormone replacement therapy for menopause.

Guidelines no longer recommend vitamins E or C, antioxidants, or folic acid to prevent heart disease.

A number of surgeries are performed to help prevent the complications of atherosclerosis. Some of these are:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Everyone starts to develop some amount of atherosclerosis as they grow older. In some people, the condition can cause complications such as a heart attack or stroke.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are at risk for atherosclerosis, especially if you have symptoms.

Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease or you have ever had a heart attack.

References    Return to top

Goldstein LB. Prevention and management of stroke. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 58.

Fuster V. Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 69.

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; 115: 1481-1501.

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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