Plaque formation along with excess cholesterol deposition in the arteries carrying blood to the heart causes coronary artery disease, often cited as the precursor to multiple cardiovascular conditions, mainly heart attack. Excess plaque formation along the arterial linings leads to thickening and narrowing of the arteries causing poor blood circulation, which is referred to as atherosclerosis.
Lipid molecules including excess cholesterol circulating in the blood gets attached to these plaques which gradually grows in size and could even completely obstruct blood flow to the heart. Atherosclerosis not only affects the coronary arteries but could affect any blood vessel, restricting the blood flow to any organ in the body. It could seriously affect your brain, limbs, and even eyes (retinopathy). Poor blood circulation to the brain can cause brain stroke, which could result in paralysis or even death.
Risk factors and prevention of atherosclerosis
The major risk factors of atherosclerosis are high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, or genetic disorder such as familial hypercholesterolemia, says Dr Jyoti Kusnur, consultant interventional cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Goa.
Dr Srinivas Prasad, senior consultant, interventional cardiologist and heart valve replacement specialist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, explains if the blockages are less than 50 percent, it may not induce any major symptoms.
“Only when they begin walking or perform any physical activity, they will experience some symptoms of atherosclerosis like chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision problems,” he adds.
However, atherosclerosis progresses gradually and could be effectively managed with early detection and intervention either in the form of better lifestyle practices or medication, as recommended by the medical expert. Cholesterol reduction with inclusion of healthy diet with more healthy fats and ensuring at least 30 minutes of daily exercise are often recommended to improve blood circulation.
Cardiologists also point out there are some persistent early warning signs or symptoms of atherosclerosis, which if identified on time could be helpful in seeking professional help at the earliest.
7 symptoms of atherosclerosis
1.Chest pain
Dr Prasad says chest pain is one of the main symptoms of atherosclerosis. When there is a plaque buildup in the coronary artery (supplying blood to the heart muscle), it will lead to reduced blood flow to the heart. While walking or doing any physical activity, a person can experience chest pain (angina), discomfort or shortness of breath due to poor blood circulation.
2. Weakness or numbness in legs
“If you develop atherosclerosis in arteries supplying blood to your legs, you may experience pain when walking,” says Dr Kusnur. She adds, “Initially, the person may experience leg pain or calf muscle pain, which usually subsides once they stop walking.”
Dr Prasad says claudication (pain in the arms or legs while using arms or walking) in the lower limbs is a sign of a blockage in the blood circulation to the lower limb, basically a warning sign of atherosclerosis. The person can experience slightly altered sensation, or numbness in the legs, that may eventually lead to gangrene, if not treated properly.
3. Hypertension
“Atherosclerosis is sometimes a manifestation of hypertension,” says Dr Prasad. Hypertension (high blood pressure) puts excessive strain and can damage the inner lining of an artery that leads to inflammation, and further cause buildup of plaques within the arteries. These plaques can narrow and limit the blood supply to the heart.
Sudden high blood pressure or worsening of an already existing blood pressure condition can also occur when the blood supply in the renal arteries gets disrupted due to atherosclerosis. “When atherosclerosis develops in the renal arteries (vessels supplying blood to the kidney), it can lead to renal artery stenosis, ” says Dr Kusnur. It usually does not cause any symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage and can affect one or both the kidneys. She adds it may then lead to kidney failure, if left untreated.
4. Vision problems
Dr Kusnur says if the ophthalmic artery (supplies blood to the eyes) or the arteries leading to the brain that controls vision, do not receive proper blood circulation due to atherosclerosis, it can cause vision loss.
According to Dr Prasad, some people may experience a sudden blurring of vision in one eye, or feeling a certain weakness of one side of the body that improves within a few minutes or a few hours.
5. Discolouration of skin
Dr Prasad says, “When the arteries supplying the legs become narrow due to atherosclerosis, it limits oxygen supplies to the tissues. If ignored, it could lead to skin discoloration, which is often accompanied with pain in the calf or legs while walking. This indicates a peripheral vascular disease.”
6. Erectile dysfunction
According to Dr Prasad, when atherosclerosis affects the vessels supplying blood to genital organs, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. “That could also be one of the earliest signs of atherosclerosis in people, especially with diabetes,” he adds. Diabetes can cause damage to the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.
7. Abdominal pain
One may also develop abdominal pain after eating and the fear of that pain may cause reduced food intake and unintentional weight loss. This could also be a symptom of atherosclerosis when the intestinal arteries get clogged. Dr Kusnur says, “We call it intestinal ischemia where the blood flow to the intestine decreases. Even when there is less blood circulation in the heart, one can develop abdominal pain.”
