Atherosclerosis Symptoms
Atherosclerosis is the most common form of arteriosclerosis. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, atherosclerosis refers to hardening of the arteries caused by accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) and other substances. This disease is commonly thought of as affecting the heart, but atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis can affect arteries anywhere in your body.
Atherosclerosis Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms until one or more arteries are so clogged with
plaque that blood flow is severely reduced. This reduced flow of blood and
oxygen to some part of the body (such as the heart) is called ischemia and may
cause pain or discomfort. Some people have no symptoms until a blood clot forms,
completely blocks an already narrowed artery, and causes a heart attack or
stroke.
The symptoms you have depend on which arteries are badly clogged and what
part of the body is affected by the reduced flow of blood.
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If arteries taking blood to your heart muscle are affected,
you have coronary artery disease (CAD). You may have chest pain called
angina that happens when you exert yourself and goes away when you rest. You
could also have a heart attack.
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If arteries taking blood to your brain are affected, you
have cerebrovascular disease. You could have a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
or a stroke.
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If arteries taking blood to your legs are affected, you have
peripheral arterial disease (PAD). You may have pain in the calf or thigh
muscle called intermittent claudication that happens when you walk. This
kind of pain goes away when you stop and rest.
All of these conditions are serious and should not be ignored. Arteries
taking blood to the intestines, the kidneys, or other organs can also become
clogged by plaque. This can sometimes lead to a medical emergency similar to a
heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis can also cause erectile dysfunction in
men.
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