Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis)

Overview

Plaque builds over decades.

It can cause chest pain, leg pain with walking, or stroke.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Often no symptoms

Less common

• Chest pain with activity
• Leg pain when walking

When to get medical care

Causes

Cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Age

Possible complications

• Heart attack
• Stroke

Diagnosis

Your doctor checks your risk.

The exam

Blood pressure and pulses.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests:
• Imaging: As needed.

Treatment

Slow it down.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Eat heart-healthy food
• Exercise
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Don't smoke
• Stay active

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a vascular specialist (blood vessel doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment lowers risk a lot.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis)