Atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries or artereosclerosis, is a common medical condition that can increase your risk of heart disease.
getting to know your risks and understand how to make healthy choices for your heart, you can reduce your chances of developing this condition.
What Is Atherosclerosis?
you might not think about them very often, but your arteries do important work. When they are smooth, soft, and not clogged, blood can flow through them easily, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. This keeps your body on track and working in the right direction.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque forms on your arterial walls. The plate is composed of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium and other substances in the blood.
When plaque builds up, it can make your arteries hard and narrow or blocked. This can lead to serious problems, even life-threatening, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that occurs when blood flow to your arms, legs, or pelvis becomes blocked
What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis?
Many people with atherosclerosis do not know they have it. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Chest Pain
- Heart attack, which can be fatal
- stroke symptoms such as dizziness or weakness
- Leg, arm or pelvic pain
Who is at risk for atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis can happen slowly over time. As you age, your risks become higher
Some conditions and habits that can accelerate plaque buildup include :.
- high cholesterol
- Hypertension
- smoking
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- not getting regular exercise
- Have an unhealthy diet
atherosclerosis prevention and staying healthy
You can reduce your risk by making choices heart healthy, including:
- a healthy diet for the heart
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- quit
Talk to your doctor about what is right for you, and how you can stay on track with healthy -habitudes heart. Learn more by visiting UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online.
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