Atherosclerosis, which is also called arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, is an accumulation of plaque deposits in the lining of the arteries. Your arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.
As a recognized leader in cardiovascular care, UPMC offers innovative treatment techniques for atherosclerosis and other heart and blood vessel conditions.
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What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis, causes a hardening of your arteries due to plaque build-up. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.
As plaque builds up, the arteries narrow and harden, slowing—and even stopping—blood flow.
How common is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a common condition that affects nearly 4.6 million Americans.
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that happens when the cells that line your blood vessels become damaged.
What is the main cause of arteriosclerosis?
Common causes of damage that lead to atherosclerosis include:
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Inflammation from chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
Atherosclerosis risk factors
At UPMC, we can screen people for atherosclerosis risk factors and provide treatments to minimize the risks. Common risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- A family history of cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Obesity.
Complications of atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is a serious condition that can lead to:
- Heart attack.
- Stroke.
- Death.
Atherosclerosis prevention
You may not be able to control some of your risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as a family history of heart disease. However, certain lifestyle habits may lower your risk:
- Avoiding recreational drugs.
- Controlling chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Limiting alcohol.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular (heart) disease with no visible symptoms. It often remains undetected until the arteries leading to a vital organ are blocked.
What are the warning signs of atherosclerosis?
When a blockage occurs, symptoms vary — depending on the location of affected arteries — and may include:
- Chest pain (angina).
- Heart attack.
- Stroke symptoms, such as weakness or dizziness.
- Leg, arm, or pelvic pain (peripheral arterial disease).
When should I see a doctor about my atherosclerosis symptoms?
If you think you may have atherosclerosis, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If your symptoms are sudden and severe, dial 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.
How Do You Diagnose Atherosclerosis?
Your doctor may suspect atherosclerosis based on your symptoms and medical history. However, additional testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
During your physical exam, your doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms and when they started.
- Discuss your medical history.
- Listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Your doctor will order further tests if they suspect you have atherosclerosis.
Tests to diagnose atherosclerosis
Following your exam, you may need to have additional tests to help confirm a diagnosis of atherosclerosis, such as:
- Blood tests – Blood tests check for signs of diabetes, high cholesterol, or inflammation in your arteries.
- CT scan – A CT scan is a test that creates images of your heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO) – This noninvasive ultrasound test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart's chambers and valves. The ECHO sound waves create an image on a monitor as an ultrasound transducer is passed over your heart.
- Cardiac catheterization – This diagnostic procedure involves the insertion of a tiny, hollow tube (catheter) through a large artery in your leg or arm leading to your heart to provide images of your heart and blood vessels. This procedure is helpful in determining the type and extent of certain valve disorders.
- Angiography – This imaging test looks at the arteries that supply your heart muscle. Unlike a cardiac catheterization procedure, this test uses a powerful x-ray machine to produce images of your heart and heart vessels.
- Ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to show how well your blood flows through your blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis prognosis
If left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your risk of complications from atherosclerosis and keep your condition from getting worse.
How Do You Treat Atherosclerosis?
Medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery may be helpful in treating atherosclerosis.
UPMC's multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and nutritionists provides a full range of advanced atherosclerosis treatments.
Treatments focus on:
- Increasing blood flow to affected organs.
- Reducing strain on the heart.
Lifestyle changes
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes including:
- Eating a healthy diet.
- Exercise.
- Losing weight.
- Quitting smoking.
- Reducing fat and cholesterol intake.
Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to:
- Control blood pressure.
- Improve blood flow through narrowed arteries.
- Lower cholesterol.
- Prevent blood clots.
Catheter-based procedures
Your doctor may recommend minimally invasive treatment to restore blood flow. These procedures are performed using a thin tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision and guided to the narrowed artery during the procedure. Procedures include:
- Balloon angioplasty – This procedure uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen narrowed arteries and increase blood flow.
- Stenting – Stenting is often performed along with balloon angioplasty. Using a catheter, your doctor will insert a wire mesh tube into your artery to hold it open.
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
Also known as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery, CABG restores blood flow to the heart if you have blocked or narrowed arteries. UPMC cardiac surgeons offer all CABG options, including traditional, open-heart CABG procedures and minimally invasive and robotic CABG.
During CABG, your surgeon:
- Takes a healthy blood vessel from a different part of your body and grafts it onto your artery.
- Uses the new blood vessel to bypass the blockage, restoring proper blood flow and oxygen levels to your heart.
How effective is treatment?
Surgical and catheter-based treatments for atherosclerosis are effective at reducing symptoms, restoring blood flow, and lowering your risk of complications. Medications and lifestyle changes may slow or stop your condition from getting worse.
Why Choose UPMC for Atherosclerosis Care?
At UPMC, we offer a full range of standard and minimally invasive procedures to treat atherosclerosis. When you choose UPMC for your atherosclerosis care, you will benefit from our:
- Treatment experience – Our team has performed thousands of procedures to treat atherosclerosis.
- Cardiac surgeons – Our cardiac surgeons have pioneered novel cardiac surgical procedures, including minimally invasive CABG techniques.
- Advanced technology and facilities – We perform procedures to treat atherosclerosis in our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and operating rooms equipped with the latest technology.
- Our commitment to research – Our team is at the forefront of emerging research on new techniques, devices, and approaches to treat atherosclerosis.
