Arteriosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Imagine if the blood vessels in our body suddenly became hard and stiff, like an old, clogged pipe. This condition not only disrupts blood flow but can also trigger serious problems.

Many people think this condition only occurs in old age. In fact, blood vessel blockages can begin to develop at a young age.

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes, 2023), cardiovascular disease, including disease triggered by arteriosclerosis, accounts for 37% of deaths in Indonesia. In addition, the World Heart Federation (2022) states that most cases of heart attack and stroke are triggered by this condition.

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What Is Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become hard and lose their elasticity. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the arteries harden, blood flow is no longer smooth, so the organs that depend on that blood supply can experience impaired function.

The term arteriosclerosis is often confusing because it is similar to atherosclerosis and arteritis, even though all three are different. Arteriosclerosis is a general term for hardening of the arteries that involves a loss of elasticity in the blood vessel walls. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is one type of arteriosclerosis caused by a buildup of fatty plaque, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls, which narrows the blood vessels. Meanwhile, arteritis is inflammation of the artery walls that is usually caused by an infection or an autoimmune disorder.

The hardening of the arteries in arteriosclerosis begins with damage to the inner lining of the artery (the endothelium), which can be triggered by various risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. This damage causes substances such as fat and cholesterol to stick and build up to form plaque. Over time, this plaque hardens and thickens, so the arteries lose their elasticity and narrow. As a result, blood flow to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys is disrupted.

It is important to recognize arteriosclerosis early because this condition often develops slowly without clear symptoms. If left untreated, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries can lead to serious complications such as a heart attack, stroke, and impaired function of other organs.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the artery walls harden and thicken, disrupting blood flow. Its main causes are related to various conditions and habits that damage the inner lining of the blood vessels. Here is an explanation of the main causes and risk factors you need to know.

1. What Are the Main Causes of Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis does not happen suddenly; rather, it develops slowly over many years. Here are some of the most common causes that speed up the hardening and thickening of the artery walls:

1. Natural Aging of the Arteries

As we age, the arteries naturally become stiffer and less elastic. This is a normal biological process, but in some people, these changes happen faster and are more severe due to an unhealthy lifestyle or other coexisting diseases.

Fact: According to CDC (2023) data, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly after age 45 in men and age 55 in women.

2. Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Diabetes

High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the artery walls over time. High cholesterol, especially LDL (“bad” cholesterol), can build up in damaged areas of the arteries and form plaque. Meanwhile, diabetes speeds up blood vessel damage because of persistently high blood sugar levels.

These three, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, belong to the group known as the “major risk factors” for arterial disease.

3. Smoking and an Unhealthy Diet

Cigarettes contain chemicals that damage the inner lining of the blood vessels and speed up plaque formation. Meanwhile, a diet high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar worsens cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

According to a report by the World Heart Federation, smokers have a twofold higher risk of developing atherosclerosis compared with nonsmokers.

2. Risk Factors That Increase the Chance of Arteriosclerosis

In addition to the main causes, there are a number of risk factors that make a person more vulnerable to arteriosclerosis. Knowing and managing these factors is very important to prevent serious complications later on.

1. Genetics (Family History)

If your parents or siblings have a history of heart disease or stroke, your risk of developing arteriosclerosis may be higher. Genes affect how the body processes cholesterol and blood pressure.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle (Lack of Movement)

A lack of physical activity slows down the body’s metabolism and worsens conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Yet regular exercise has been shown to help keep the blood vessels flexible and cholesterol levels healthy.

3. Obesity

Excess body weight, especially fat around the abdomen, increases the risk of various metabolic diseases that are directly related to blood vessel damage. Obesity also makes the heart work harder to pump blood.

According to data from the WHO (2022), 1 in 3 adults worldwide is overweight or obese, which is a strong risk factor for arteriosclerosis.

4. Chronic Stress

Prolonged stress causes surges in certain hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which over the long term can raise blood pressure and trigger inflammation in the body. This combination speeds up the hardening of the arteries.

It is important to understand that arteriosclerosis is rarely caused by a single factor. Usually, this condition is the result of a combination of causes and risk factors that influence one another. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chance of developing blocked blood vessels.

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Types of Arteriosclerosis by Location

Arteriosclerosis can occur in various parts of the body, depending on which arteries are affected. Although the basic process is the same, namely the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels, the symptoms and effects can be very different depending on where the problem occurs. Here are the three main types of arteriosclerosis by location:

1. Coronary Arteriosclerosis (Heart)

What is it?

Coronary arteriosclerosis occurs when the coronary blood vessels, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.

What are the effects?

When blood flow to the heart is disrupted, the heart does not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• A heart attack (myocardial infarction) if the artery becomes completely blocked

Who is at risk?

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a smoking habit, and a family history of heart disease have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Fact:

According to the AHA (2024), coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world, and coronary arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of this condition.

2. Cerebral Arteriosclerosis (Brain)

What is it?

This type occurs when the arteries in the brain harden or narrow, reducing the blood supply to the brain.

What are the effects?

If blood flow to the brain is disrupted or stops, the following can occur:

• Ischemic stroke (due to a blockage)
• Mini-stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Mild cognitive impairment or vascular dementia (in chronic cases)

What symptoms should you watch out for?

• Sudden dizziness
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Vision problems

Important note: Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment is very important to save brain function.

3. Peripheral Arteriosclerosis (Legs and Limbs)

What is it?

Peripheral arteriosclerosis occurs when the arteries in the arms or legs, especially the lower legs, become narrowed due to plaque buildup.

What are the effects?

This condition reduces blood flow to the leg muscles, especially when moving or walking. Symptoms include:

• Cramping or pain in the calves when walking (claudicatio intermittens)
• Legs feeling cold, numb, or weak
• Wounds on the legs that are slow to heal

Why is this dangerous?

If left untreated, this condition can progress to critical limb ischemia, a medical emergency that can cause tissue damage and amputation.

Data from the NHLBI show that more than 200 million people worldwide live with peripheral artery disease (PAD), and many of them are unaware of their condition until it is too late.

Understanding the types of arteriosclerosis by location helps us recognize symptoms that often differ depending on which organ is affected. Although they all come from the same process, damage and hardening of the arteries, the effects can be very serious and even fatal if not detected early.

The wisest step is to have regular health checkups, especially if you have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease and stroke.

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Symptoms and Signs of Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is often called a “silent killer” because in its early stages, the disease usually does not cause clear symptoms. This happens because the blood vessels are still able to carry blood even though they have started to harden or narrow. Symptoms only appear when the narrowing of the arteries is severe enough to disrupt blood flow to vital organs. That is why many people do not realize they have arteriosclerosis until serious complications occur.

Symptoms by Location of the Blockage

Because arteriosclerosis can occur in various blood vessels, the symptoms that appear depend greatly on the location of the blockage. Here are the common signs based on the affected organ:

1. Coronary Arteriosclerosis (Heart)

If the blockage occurs in the heart arteries, the flow of oxygen to the heart muscle is disrupted.

The most common symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina) that feels like pressure, burning, or tightness
• Shortness of breath, especially during light physical activity
• Tiring quickly even without doing strenuous activity
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Early signs of heart disease are often mistaken for masuk angin (a common Indonesian term for feeling unwell with bloating, chills, and body aches) or ordinary fatigue.

2. Cerebral Arteriosclerosis (Brain)

If a blockage occurs in the blood vessels of the brain, the symptoms that appear are related to the nervous system.

The signs include:

• Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Vision problems in one or both eyes

The symptoms above can be signs of a mini-stroke (TIA), which is a strong signal that a major stroke may follow if not treated promptly.

3. Peripheral Arteriosclerosis / PAD (Legs)

If the blockage occurs in the arteries of the legs or feet, this condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Typical symptoms of PAD:

• Cramping or pain in the calves when walking (claudicatio intermittens) that eases with rest
• Legs feeling cold or numb, especially on one side
• Pale or bluish skin on the legs
• Wounds on the legs that are slow to heal

PAD often goes unrecognized because it is mistaken for an ordinary “sprain,” even though it can be an early sign of systemic arteriosclerosis.

When Should You See a Doctor Right Away?

Do not delay consulting a doctor if you experience the following symptoms, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a history of heart disease:

• Chest pain that spreads to the left arm, jaw, or back
• Sudden dizziness and difficulty speaking
• Unusual leg pain when walking
• Irregular heartbeat
• Vision problems or numbness on one side of the body

The sooner arteriosclerosis is detected, the greater the chance of controlling it before it develops into a serious condition such as a heart attack or stroke.

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Diagnosis and Medical Examinations

Diagnosing arteriosclerosis accurately is very important to determine the right treatment and prevent serious complications. The doctor will usually perform several medical tests aimed at examining the condition of the blood vessels and the function of the affected organs.

Tests Used to Detect Arteriosclerosis

Because arteriosclerosis can develop without symptoms, medical examinations are an important step in detecting this condition early. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and several supporting tests aimed at evaluating the condition of the blood vessels and blood flow in the body.

Here are some of the commonly performed tests:

1. Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to measure levels of cholesterol, blood sugar (glucose), triglycerides, and proteins that mark inflammation (such as CRP). These values help assess your risk of arteriosclerosis.

High LDL cholesterol and uncontrolled blood sugar levels are major factors in plaque formation in the arteries.

2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A CT scan, especially CT angiography, provides a detailed visual picture of the blood vessels throughout the body. This test can detect:

• Thickening of the artery walls
• Plaque buildup
• Narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels

3. Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to look at blood flow in the arteries, especially in the legs (to detect peripheral artery disease, or PAD).

This test can show:

• How fast and how strongly the blood is flowing
• Whether there is any obstruction to flow due to narrowed arteries

This test is safe, does not cause pain, and is often used as an initial screening for PAD.

4. Angiography

Angiography is a more in-depth imaging procedure and is usually performed if the doctor suspects a serious blockage. In this procedure:

• A special dye (contrast) is injected into the blood vessels
• Images of the blood vessels are then taken with X-rays or CT to see the location and severity of the blockage

Angiography is often used to evaluate conditions of the heart (coronary), brain (cerebral), or legs (peripheral) before an interventional procedure is performed.

Because it is invasive, angiography is usually performed only when needed based on the results of other initial tests.

Can It Be Detected Through a Routine Medical Checkup?

Yes, arteriosclerosis can begin to be detected through a routine medical checkup, especially if your checkup includes:

• Complete blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function)
• ECG (electrocardiogram) for early detection of heart problems
• Blood vessel ultrasound or a treadmill test for patients with certain complaints

However, it is important to understand that not every standard medical checkup will immediately reveal arteriosclerosis if there are no specific symptoms yet. That is why you should tell your doctor if you have a family history or risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, or diabetes, so that additional tests can be done as needed.

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Treatment of Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled and its progression slowed with the right treatment. The main goals of treatment are to keep blood flowing smoothly, prevent serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

1. Nonsurgical (Conservative) Treatment

Initial treatment of arteriosclerosis is usually done without surgery, especially if the blockage is not yet severe. This approach involves a combination of medication and healthy lifestyle changes.

Commonly Used Medications:

• Statins: Used to lower LDL cholesterol levels (“bad” cholesterol) and help stabilize plaque so it does not rupture. Statins such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin are often the main choice.
• Antihypertensives: Lower blood pressure so it does not keep damaging the blood vessel walls. The drugs used may include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers.
• Aspirin (low dose): Works as a blood thinner to reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombosis) forming in narrowed areas of the blood vessels.

Medications must be used under a doctor’s supervision, because each individual’s response can differ.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your lifestyle is the main foundation for controlling arteriosclerosis. This therapy not only helps slow the disease but also prevents complications in the future.

Recommended steps include:

• Reducing foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt
• Increasing your intake of fiber, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as omega-3s)
• Quitting smoking completely
• Exercising regularly at a light to moderate level, at least 30 minutes a day
• Losing weight if you have obesity
• Managing stress with relaxation techniques or counseling

A combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle may help lower the risk of recurrent cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease.

2. Medical Procedures (If Needed)

If conservative treatment is not enough or if there is a severe blockage, the doctor may recommend a more invasive procedure to restore blood flow directly.

• Angioplasty and Stent Placement
  • This minimally invasive procedure is done by inserting a small catheter into the narrowed artery.
  • A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to open the blockage.
  • After that, a stent (often called a “ring” in Indonesia), a kind of small wire tube, is placed to keep the artery open.
  • This is a common procedure for patients with coronary arteriosclerosis or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Bypass Surgery
  • Performed when the blockage is too severe or widespread to be treated with a stent.
  • This procedure involves grafting a blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new route for blood to flow around the blocked area.
  • Bypass can be performed on the heart arteries (CABG, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting), the brain, or the legs, depending on the location of the blockage.

When Are Invasive Procedures Needed?

Invasive procedures are generally considered when:

• Symptoms such as chest or leg pain greatly interfere with daily activities
• Blood flow is already severely limited and there is a risk of organ damage
• Acute complications such as a heart attack or stroke occur
• Treatment with medication and lifestyle changes does not show improvement

The decision to undergo a medical procedure is always based on a thorough evaluation by a specialist, including the results of imaging tests (angiography, CT scan) and an assessment of how severe the blockage is.

Not all patients with arteriosclerosis need surgery. Many can live healthy and productive lives with conservative treatment alone. However, for those who need a medical procedure, modern technology makes it possible to restore blood flow and prevent long-term complications.

It is important to have regular consultations with a cardiologist or vascular specialist so that treatment can be personalized to your needs.

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Lifestyle, Diet, and Exercise for Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis can not only be slowed; in many cases, this condition can be significantly controlled through lifestyle changes. The three important pillars of this effort are: a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and daily habits that support heart health.

Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat

Foods to Avoid (They Trigger Plaque and Inflammation):

• Saturated and trans fats: Found in processed foods, gorengan (deep-fried snacks), stick margarine, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products.
• Excessive added sugar: Sweet drinks, cakes, candy, and instant foods.
• Excess salt: Raises blood pressure and speeds up artery damage.
• Processed meats: Such as sausages, bacon, and corned beef, which are high in sodium and nitrates.

Recommended Foods (They Support Artery Health):

• Fish high in omega-3s (salmon, tuna, mackerel): Lower triglyceride levels and inflammation
• Green & brightly colored vegetables (spinach, broccoli, bell peppers): Rich in antioxidants and fiber
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries): Contain flavonoids that protect the blood vessel walls
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia, flaxseed): Sources of healthy fats and fiber
• Oats and whole grains: Lower LDL cholesterol
• Extra virgin olive oil: A natural anti-inflammatory that is good for the heart
• Green tea and enough water: Help circulation and metabolism

The foods above are very good as part of the “DASH diet” or the “Mediterranean diet,” two eating patterns that have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can Arteries Be “Cleaned” Naturally?

Medically, arteries that have already hardened or built up plaque cannot be completely “cleaned” by natural means. However, their progression can be stopped or slowed, and in some cases, the plaque can become more stable and less likely to rupture.

Steps that help “clean” the blood vessels in a functional sense:

1. Lowering LDL levels and triglycerides through healthy food and medication when needed
2. Avoiding smoking
3. Exercising regularly
4. Managing stress and getting enough sleep

A study from Harvard (2020) shows that a combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and statin therapy can help reduce plaque volume within a few years, depending on its severity.

Safe and Recommended Types of Exercise

Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, and controlling body weight.

Exercise Recommendations for Heart Health:

• Brisk walking: Safe for all ages, easy to do, and beneficial.
• Leisurely or stationary cycling: Suitable for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Swimming: Good for people with hypertension and obesity.
• Heart-health exercise classes or light aerobics: Keep the heart fit and help burn fat.
• Tai chi or yoga: Reduce stress and improve flexibility and blood flow.

Recommended Exercise Time

At least 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

If you are not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually. Consult your doctor first, especially if you have heart disease or diabetes, or have had a stroke.

There is no instant way to clean the blood vessels, but small steps taken consistently, such as choosing healthy food, staying active, and managing stress, can bring about big changes.

If you have already been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis or its risk factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle is an important part of treatment and of preventing complications.

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Complications If Arteriosclerosis Is Not Treated

If not treated properly, arteriosclerosis can progress to a serious and life-threatening condition. Ongoing blockage and hardening of the arteries can disrupt the supply of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, triggering various severe complications that can have permanent effects.

Here are the main complications that can occur:

1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common complication of arteriosclerosis and affects the coronary arteries. Plaque buildup in these arteries causes narrowing and obstructs blood flow to the heart muscle. As a result, the heart muscle lacks oxygen and nutrients, which can cause chest pain (angina), heart rhythm disorders, and a risk of heart failure. CHD is the leading cause of death from heart disease in the world and in Indonesia.

WHO data state that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world, responsible for more than 9 million deaths each year.

2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack occurs when plaque in a coronary artery ruptures and triggers the formation of a blood clot that suddenly blocks blood flow. This condition causes sudden death of heart muscle tissue and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms of a heart attack include severe chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and fainting.

A heart attack requires emergency treatment within minutes, because every delay can cause progressive death of the heart muscle.

3. Stroke

Arteriosclerosis that affects the blood vessels in the brain can cause ischemic stroke, a disruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage. Stroke causes brain damage that can lead to paralysis, speech problems, vision loss, and even death. Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly, such as sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and loss of balance.

According to the CDC, about 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes, and many of them are caused by complications of arteriosclerosis.

4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

When arteriosclerosis occurs in the blood vessels of the legs or arms, the condition is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Blockage of the peripheral arteries causes pain when walking, numbness, and wounds that are slow to heal in the legs and feet. If left untreated, PAD can progress to critical ischemia, which carries a risk of severe infection and amputation.

PAD is often not recognized early, even though it is an important indicator of systemic blockage, including in the heart and brain.

5. Long-Term Decline in Quality of Life

Complications of arteriosclerosis are not only potentially fatal but also have a major impact on daily quality of life, especially in older adults or patients with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Some long-term effects:

• Lifelong dependence on medication
• Reduced mobility and independence
• Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression
• High and ongoing treatment costs

Late treatment of arteriosclerosis not only threatens life but also creates a physical, emotional, and financial burden.

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Can Arteriosclerosis Be Prevented?

The answer: yes, the risk of arteriosclerosis can be reduced, especially if prevention starts at a young age. Although some risk factors such as age and genetics cannot be changed, many other factors can be controlled through a healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, and ongoing education.

1. Screening From a Young Age

Many people think that arteriosclerosis only affects older adults. In fact, the process of plaque buildup in the arteries can begin in your 20s or even earlier, especially if unhealthy lifestyle habits have formed early on.

That is why it is important to start regular health checkups earlier, especially for those who have risk factors:

• A family history of heart disease or stroke
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Obesity or a smoking habit since a young age

According to the American College of Cardiology, early detection of cardiovascular risk at a young age significantly lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.

Some recommended screening tests:

• Complete blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides)
• Blood pressure
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Family medical history

2. A Healthy Lifestyle as the Main Key

Preventing arteriosclerosis is not just about avoiding certain foods, but about building an overall lifestyle that supports blood vessel health.

Here are practical steps you can apply every day:

A Balanced Diet:

• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fatty fish, and nuts
• Reduce foods high in trans fat, salt, and added sugar
• Replace regular cooking oil with olive or canola oil

Regular Physical Activity:

• 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming)
• Avoid sitting for too long; get up and move every 30 to 60 minutes

Avoid Smoking:

• Smoking speeds up the hardening and blockage of the arteries
• Even exposure to other people’s cigarette smoke (secondhand smoke) also increases the risk

Manage Stress:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or enjoyable activities
• Get enough sleep, at least 7 to 8 hours per night

A healthy lifestyle not only helps prevent arteriosclerosis but also lowers the risk of various chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer.

3. The Role of Family Education

Preventing arteriosclerosis is easier when it becomes part of a healthy living culture within the family.

Why is this important?

• Children learn from their parents’ habits
• Daily eating and activity patterns are formed at home
• Emotional support from family helps maintain consistency

Some things you can do together:

• Provide healthy food at home and reduce ultra-processed snacks
• Exercise or take morning walks together as a family
• Invite family members to join regular medical checkups
• Teach children early about how the heart works and the importance of keeping the blood vessels healthy

Prevention is cheaper and easier than treatment. And the strongest prevention is the kind that starts at home.

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Conclusion

Arteriosclerosis is a condition that often has no symptoms at first but can potentially cause serious complications such as a heart attack, stroke, and an overall decline in quality of life. Although it sounds frightening, the good news is: this condition can be recognized early, prevented, and controlled.

Summary of Key Points:

• Arteriosclerosis occurs due to thickening and hardening of the artery walls, which disrupts blood flow to vital organs.
• Its main causes include: aging, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.
• This condition often causes no early symptoms, but it can trigger serious problems such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• Diagnosis can be made through blood tests, CT scans, Doppler ultrasound, or angiography, and it is often detected during a routine medical checkup.
• Treatment includes lifestyle changes, oral medication, and medical procedures such as angioplasty and bypass surgery, depending on the severity.
• A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking are the main keys to preventing arteriosclerosis.

The Importance of Recognizing Symptoms and Risks

One reason arteriosclerosis often goes undetected is that its symptoms appear gradually or are not felt at all until complications occur. That is why recognizing early signs such as chest pain, numbness in the legs, or sudden speech problems is very important.

In addition, if you have risk factors such as a family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or an inactive lifestyle, your risk of developing arteriosclerosis is higher and needs more attention.

If you think you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned, or have one or more risk factors, do not delay consulting a doctor. Early detection and treatment will make a big difference, not only for your heart health but also for your overall quality of life.

Start with small steps today: check your blood pressure, watch your diet, move regularly, and invite your family to live healthily together.

A healthy heart starts with awareness today. Do not wait for symptoms; prevent problems before it is too late. Consult the cardiologists at Heartology Cardiovascular Hospital about your condition.