Atherosclerosis Overview
Atherosclerosis (commonly known as hardening of the arteries) is an accumulation of plaque deposits in the lining of the arteries — the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.
Atherosclerosis affects nearly 4.6 million Americans.
Atherosclerosis complications
Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. As plaque builds up, it causes the arteries to narrow and harden, slowing — and even stopping — blood flow.
This serious condition can lead to:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
About the UPMC Heart and Vascular Program
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Program offers standard and minimally invasive approaches to treat:
Diagnosing Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis has no visible symptoms, and it often remains undetected until the arteries leading to a vital organ are blocked.
Atherosclerosis symptoms
When a blockage occurs, symptoms vary — depending on the location of affected arteries — and may include:
Most people are diagnosed after they develop symptoms.
Atherosclerosis risk factors
People can be screened and treated for risk factors.
Common risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- A family history of cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
Testing for atherosclerosis
If you have symptoms, your doctor will ask you questions during your physical exam to help determine what arteries might be affected.
Following your exam, your doctor may order additional tests and procedures to help confirm a diagnosis of atherosclerosis, such as:
Testing results
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect your test results and will call you when they're available.
Atherosclerosis Treatment
Medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery may be helpful in treating atherosclerosis.
Working together, UPMC's multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and nutritionists provides a full range of advanced atherosclerosis treatments focusing on:
- Reducing strain on the heart
- Increasing blood flow to affected organs
| Medicines |
- Prevent blood clots (aspirin or clopidogrel)
- Control blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Improve blood through narrowed arteries (cliostazol, pentoxifyline)
|
| Lifestyle changes |
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing fat and cholesterol intake
- Exercise
- Losing weight
- Eating a healthy diet
|
| Catheter-based procedures |
- A balloon angioplasty to widen narrowed arteries to increase blood flow
- Stenting — repair of a damaged artery by inserting a wire mesh tube to keep it open and support the arterial walls
|
| Surgery |
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to create an alternate route for blood
|
Learn more about heart and vascular treatments at UPMC.
Request an appointment today.