The body’s arteries pump blood and oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body. Healthy ones are flexible enough to accommodate blood volume easily, but over time, they can harden with plaque, a substance composed of cholesterol, fat, and calcium. If you have a history of atherosclerosis in the family, visiting the cardiologist annually is essential to prevent and detect this hereditary condition. To help you protect your health, here’s more information about it and what to look out for.

All You Need to Know About Atherosclerosis

What raises my risk of developing this?

The cause of atherosclerosis remains unknown, but there are numerous factors that might contribute to it. In addition to genetics, high levels of bad cholesterol from diets high in sugar, salt, and trans and saturated fats increase your risk of developing this condition.

Other factors include being overweight or obese, which puts more pressure on the heart and the arteries, as well as age, high blood pressure, insulin resistance that raises blood sugar, and sedentary lifestyles. Tobacco use is another risk factor because it tightens and damages the blood vessels.

What are a few common symptoms?

Symptoms can include angina, or chest pain, as well as shortness of breath, arm and leg numbness or weakness, dizziness, severe headaches, trouble speaking or understanding others, high blood pressure, and drooping facial muscles. Symptoms differ depending on the affected arteries.

If you experience any atherosclerosis symptoms, see a cardiologist as soon as possible.

How is it diagnosed?

Physicians may perform several tests depending on the patient’s symptoms, including chest X-rays, blood tests that look at cholesterol levels, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) exams to check for blood clots in the arms and legs.

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

How can I prevent this?

Manage your stress level, lose weight if you’re overweight, quit smoking, and enjoy a heart-healthy diet that’s high in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins, including fish and turkey.

Avoid processed foods high in sugar and trans and saturated fats, and get 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
 

Help your heart with a visit to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. Based in Gloversville, NY, this family practice provides residents throughout Fulton County with the cardiology services they need to diagnose, prevent, and manage atherosclerosis. Call (518) 725-8621 today to make an appointment, follow updates on Facebook, or visit the cardiologists online for more information.