Arteriosclerosis

Types of arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is an umbrella term for three conditions that cause hardening of the arteries. Each type affects different arteries in different ways.

Atherosclerosis is the most common type. It occurs when plaque builds up in medium-sized and large arteries throughout the body. Atherosclerosis has different names depending on which arteries are affected. These include carotid artery disease (neck arteries providing blood to the brain), coronary artery disease (heart arteries) and peripheral artery disease (usually in leg arteries). Other types of atherosclerosis affect arteries leading to the kidneys, back of the brain and intestines.

The other two types of arteriosclerosis include:

• Arteriolosclerosis: This is hardening of small arteries called arterioles. It often develops in people with high blood pressure or diabetes and commonly affects the kidneys.
• Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis: This usually harmless condition occurs when calcium builds up in small to medium-sized arteries, causing them to harden but not narrow.

Arteriosclerosis symptoms

Arteriosclerosis symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and which arteries are affected. In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, you may not experience any symptoms. The first signs may occur when your body needs more oxygen but blood flow cannot keep up. For example, this could be when you are exercising or during times of stress.

Symptoms of arteriosclerosis can vary and may include:

• Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or cramps in your legs when walking or using stairs
• Problems with memory or cognition
• Slurred speech
• Swelling (edema)
• Vision problems
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Weight loss

See your doctor if you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis. Seek emergency care if you experience signs of a heart attack or stroke.

What causes arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood, that builds up on damaged arteries. This damage can happen from unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet, as well as medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Genes can also play a role.

Plaque forms when inflammatory cells travel to damaged areas and send chemical signals, attracting white blood cells that attach to the artery wall. Cholesterol and fatty waste in the blood gather at these spots, turning into plaque. As the plaque builds up, the artery narrows, restricting blood flow.

Complications

Untreated arteriosclerosis can cause dangerous complications in some cases. Many people do not know they have arteriosclerosis until a complication occurs. The condition often doesn’t cause symptoms until plaque buildup has become significant.

Some complications related to arteriosclerosis include:

• Heart attack: This occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart becomes suddenly blocked.
• Heart failure: Hardening of coronary arteries can cause the heart to fail to pump blood properly.
• Intracranial hemorrhage: This is bleeding on the brain that can occur when a blood vessel leaks or bursts.
• Ischemic stroke: A blockage in an artery carrying blood to the brain can prevent part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs.
• Kidney failure: Thickening of the arterial walls can cause kidneys to stop functioning properly.
• Limb loss: Blockages in leg arteries can lead to a dangerous infection called gangrene in a toe, foot or leg. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
• Vascular dementia: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the brain can prevent the brain from functioning as it should.

How is arteriosclerosis diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough exam and ask detailed questions about your symptoms. Your doctor will then do tests based on your symptoms and where they suspect you might have a blockage. The goal is to determine what organs are involved and the extent of any blockages.

Frequently asked questions