How atherosclerosis harms our arteries

Atherosclerosis – quite a mouthful of a word that also does quite a bit of damage to our arteries.  The term atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque within our arteries clogging them up.  The process can begin when we are quite young - as early as childhood for some – but for most of us for sure by our teens, 20s, or 30s.   Having this condition places us at an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease as it slowly but surely progresses over the years.

The health ramifications of artherosclerosis

Why is atherosclerosis a major health concern?  It all starts with the health of our arteries. Our arteries help carry oxygen-rich blood from our heart to the rest of our body.  When we are young and healthy, these arteries should be free and clear of any fatty, plaque buildup, allowing blood to flow through easily.  Because there is little to no plaque buildup, our artery walls are elastic meaning they can expand and contract with the flow of blood as needed.

However, as the years go by, deposits of cholesterol along and within our arteries begin and by the time we are 40, most of us will have some plaque buildup.  These deposits within the arteries can be compared to a plumbing problem.  Just like sludge can build up on the inside walls of plumbing pipes, so too can fatty deposits build up on the walls of our arteries.  As the plaque builds up, the artery wall gets thicker.  This narrows the opening, reducing blood flow and the supply of oxygen to our cells.

Every single one of us can be affected differently as to what arterial walls plaque may build up in.  Plaque may partially or totally block blood flow through a large or medium-sized artery in the heart, brain, pelvis, legs, arms, or kidneys.  When this happens, various diseases may develop which include the following:

·      Coronary heart disease – Plaque buildup in arteries in or leading to the heart

·      Angina – Chest pain one experiences from reduced blood flow in arteries supplying the heart muscles

·      Carotid artery disease – Plaque forming in the neck arteries that supply blood to the brain

·      Peripheral artery disease  or PAD – Plaque forming in the extremities, especially in the legs

The danger of atherosclerosis is not only the formation of plaque within arteries but also the danger of a piece of plaque breaking off.  When this happens, the piece of plaque can be carried in the bloodstream until it gets stuck in a narrowed artery.  Another concern is that a blood clot or thrombus may form on the plaque’s surface.  Again, this can result in the artery being blocked and blood flow cut off.  If it’s an artery leading to the heart, a person will have a heart attack.  It it’s an artery leading to the brain, they will have a stroke. Arteries that supply oxygen to the extremities such as the legs that get blocked, can result in gangrene which is tissue death.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

The majority of us will not know of the gradual buildup of atherosclerosis as there are few if any symptoms until it has significantly progressed.  Once an artery is so narrowed or clogged that it can’t supply adequate blood to your organs and tissues will you possibly notice something is amiss.

There are some warning symptoms if you have moderate to severe atherosclerosis which can result in the following:

·      Atherosclerosis in arteries leading to the heart – chest pain or pressure (angina)

·      Atherosclerosis in arteries leading to the brain – sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping muscles in the face.  These signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and need immediate medical help.

·      Atherosclerosis in arteries in the arms and legs – leg pain when walking, leg numbness or weakness, sores that won’t heal on toes, feet, or legs, change in leg color or loss of hair on legs or feet.

·      Atherosclerosis in arteries leading to the kidneys – high blood pressure or kidney failure

When to see a doctor

If you think you have atherosclerosis, talk to your doctor.  Pay attention to early symptoms of inadequate blood flow, such as chest pain, leg pain or numbness. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop atherosclerosis from worsening and prevent a heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergency.