Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are two correlated diseases of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood flow. At the same time, arteriosclerosis is the hardening and thickening of arterial walls. These diseases increase the risk of major cardiovascular issues, like peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. By following certain lifestyle modifications and early detection, the risk of developing complications from atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis is reduced.
Arteriosclerosis is a serious health problem in Pakistan, contributing to 30-40% of cardiovascular-related deaths. Key risk factors include hypertension (affecting 26% of adults) and diabetes (19% prevalence), which accelerate its progression.
Symptoms
A few common symptoms of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis are:
1- Chest Pain (Angina)
The narrowing and blocking of the arteries reduces the heart’s supply of oxygenated blood, leading to chest pain or discomfort with any physical activity.
2- Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is caused by the reduced blood flow to the heart and other organs. It commonly occurs during physical activity or other stressful times when the body is straining to fulfill oxygen demands.
3- Fatigue
Due to poor blood flow, atherosclerosis can cause chronic fatigue, even after performing a minor physical activity.
4- Numbness or Weakness in Limbs
The blockage in the arteries through which blood reaches the arms and legs will result in numbness, weakness, or pain in the affected region. It is called peripheral artery disease (PAD).
5- High Blood Pressure
The narrowing of the arteries makes the heart work harder, pumping blood harder, which increases the blood pressure even more and further stresses the cardiovascular system.
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When to See a Doctor
It’s important to see a doctor if you are continuously suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or numbness in your limbs. Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis develop without prominent symptoms until a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.
Thus, early detection is important to prevent further complications. Continuous monitoring of cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other risk factors is also necessary, particularly for individuals with a family history of heart disease. At FitwellHub, our cardiovascular specialists are available to provide comprehensive diagnostic services for arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Book an appointment with us today, and let our experts guide you on your wellness journey!
Causes
The following are the main causes of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis:
1- High Cholesterol
Excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood accumulate on the wall of the artery, forming plaques that narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow.
2- High Blood Pressure
Chronic high blood pressure damages the artery walls and makes them more susceptible to plaque buildup and hardening.
3- Smoking
Cigarette smoke worsens atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. It damages the artery’s innermost lining and increases the development of plaque.
4- Diabetes
High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can destroy blood vessels. This increases the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.
5- Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of adequate physical activity can lead to gaining weight and acquiring high cholesterol and other risk factors that cause arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis to build up.
Risk Factors
The following are the main risk factors for developing arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis:
| Risk Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | As individuals grow older, the risk of developing arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis increases. The arteries naturally lose their elasticity. |
| Genetic Factors | Individuals with a family history of heart problems, high cholesterol, or hypertension are at a higher risk of developing arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. |
| Obesity | Being overweight increases the possibility of acquiring high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all contributing factors to atherosclerosis. |
| Poor Diet | High consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can deposit plaques into the inner lining of arteries, increasing susceptibility to arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. |
| Stress | Chronic stress may increase blood pressure, support other risk factors, and contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. |
Complications
If left untreated, complications of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis include the following serious conditions:
1- Heart Attack
Blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart can lead to a heart attack if the blood flow becomes completely obstructed.
2- Stroke
Atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying blood to the brain greatly increases the risk of stroke when a blood clot or piece of atherosclerotic plaque obstructs the artery and deprives the downstream part of the brain of oxygen.
3- Peripheral Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis of arteries supplying blood to the arms and legs can lead to reduced blood flow, producing symptoms ranging from pain to numbness and even tissue death in the region fed by the affected arteries.
4- Aneurysm
The weakened walls of the arteries cause an aneurysm, which may be caused by arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. It is a balloon-like rupture in the wall of an artery. If the artery bursts, it can have fatal results.
5- Chronic Kidney Disease
Arteriosclerosis decreases the blood flow to the kidneys, which lowers the kidneys’ ability to function and results in chronic kidney disease or renal failure.
Prevention
Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis can be prevented by minimizing risk factors and adopting heart-healthy behavior:
1- Healthy Diet
A diet containing cholesterol, saturated, and trans fats is very low; fruit-rich, vegetable, whole grain-rich, and lean protein foods help reduce cholesterol intake, which, as a result, reduces the chances of developing plaque formation in arteries.
2- Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity or exercise, like walking, jogging, or swimming, reduces body weight and strengthens cardiovascular health.
3- Quit Smoking
By quitting smoking, the risk of arteriosclerosis lowers, caused by atherosclerosis and additional damage to the arteries.
4- Control Blood Pressure
By reducing the pressure on the arteries through diet, medicine, and exercise, you can reduce plaque accumulation in the arteries.
5- Manage Stress
Participation in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing balances blood pressure and promotes heart health.
At FitwellHub, we offer heart-healthy programs and preventive screenings that help in the reduction of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. For more information, please visit our help page.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, clinical evaluations and imaging tests are used:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests check cholesterol and blood sugar levels and other factors that cause arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
- Electrocardiogram: It is used to record cardiac electrical impulses. It identifies the absence of blood flow or an artery blockage.
- Angiography: In an angiography, X-rays and a contrast dye injection are used to observe blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels.
- Doppler Ultrasound: In this procedure, sound waves are used to check the blood flow through the arteries. It also identifies reduced blood flow or blockages.
- CT Scan: CT scans are used to get detailed images of the arteries. They help doctors to evaluate the extent of plaque accumulation and hardening of the arteries.
At FitwellHub, our diagnostic services include advanced imaging and tests to detect and assess arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Visit our lab for more information.
Treatment
The following treatment plans are used for arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis:
- Angioplasty: It is a minimally invasive procedure. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a balloon into the blocked artery to widen it and improve blood flow.
- Stent Placement: During angioplasty, the doctor places a stent, or small mesh tube, in the artery to keep it open and prevent future blockages.
- Bypass Surgery: Doctors use bypass surgery in severe cases where they need to perform surgery on the coronary artery to restore blood flow around the blocked arteries.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
Medications
The commonly used medications in the treatment of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis are:
- Statins: This medication lowers cholesterol levels by reducing plaque formation within the arteries. It prevents further process and development of atherosclerosis.
- Antihypertensives: Antihypertensives are used to control high blood pressure. Doctors use ACE inhibitors or ARBs to lower the burden on arteries and reduce the risk of complications caused by arteriosclerosis.
- Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, like aspirin or warfarin, are used to prevent blood clot formation. They decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Beta-Blockers: The beta-blockers are used to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure to ease the tension in the heart. They also avoid further damage to the arteries.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These are used to relax the blood vessels. They make the flow of blood easy and help lower blood pressure to avoid any further damage to the arteries.
At FitwellHub, we have a wide range of medicines that will help reduce the symptoms of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Visit our pharmacy to explore available options and consult with our experts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Arteriosclerosis is the hardening and thickening of the artery walls, while atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis in which plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood flow.
Early symptoms of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, or numbness in the limbs.
To prevent arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, follow heart-healthy habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Though the damage caused by arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis cannot be completely reversed, by following lifestyle changes and medications, the development of the disease can be slowed down, and further complications can be prevented.
In advanced cases, medications, angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery are used depending on the severity of the condition.
