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Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up on the insides of the arteries or blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, reducing the flow of blood. This can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and stroke, and may also result in death.
Symptoms
Atherosclerosis usually does not cause signs and symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have the disease until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke. Depending on which arteries are severely narrowed or blocked, however, some signs and symptoms may be present:
- Angina
- Shortness of breath
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Numbness, weakness and dizziness
- Pain or infection
Diagnosis
To diagnose atherosclerosis, your physician will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and solicit information about your risk factors such as family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) or other heart disease. Your physician may order or perform one or more of the following assessments:
Treatment
Treatments for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medication therapy, medical procedures, (angioplasty) or surgical procedures (coronary artery bypass graft).
The Heart and Vascular Center at Providence offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment resources for atherosclerosis:
Physicians
Need current list of relevant physicians.
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