Atherosclerosis Signs and Symptoms: An Overview
Also known as
hardening of the arteries,
atherosclerosis is a condition that results from the slow buildup of
plaque on the inside walls of the arteries. As the plaque builds up, it can cause serious health problems, such as
heart attack,
angina, and sudden death. A person's particular symptoms will depend on which part of the body is not receiving enough blood and oxygen due to the narrowing of arteries. These symptoms take some time to develop, as the disease must progress to the point where an artery is severely narrowed or completely blocked.
Common locations for narrowing and hardening of the arteries to occur include the:
- Heart
- Brain
- Legs, pelvis, or arms
- Kidneys.
Symptoms of Atherosclerosis in the Heart
If the arteries that supply the heart with blood (called the coronary arteries) are affected, you may have symptoms that include:
- Chest pain or chest discomfort (angina)
- Pain in one or both arms, the left shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Faster heartbeats
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Feeling very tired.
In some people, the first symptom is a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, most commonly by a blood clot.
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