What is atherosclerosis?
A person with atherosclerosis has narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Advanced atherosclerosis in the arteries that supply the heart can lead to coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries in the neck and the arteries in the brain can lead to stroke. Atherosclerosis in the arteries that supply the lower limbs is the number one cause of peripheral vascular disease.

What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis does not cause symptoms until there is significant blockage in an artery. Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Symptoms of atherosclerosis may include chest pain (angina), breathing difficulty, leg pain, and a wide variety of stroke symptoms.

How does the doctor treat atherosclerosis?
Important general measures to reduce atherosclerosis include regular exercise, maintain normal body weight, low fat diet, and avoid smoking. Patients should be encouraged to manage high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.