What can arteriosclerosis lead to?

Arteriosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, can lead to several serious health complications and diseases, including:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Arteriosclerosis in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, can cause CAD. It involves the build-up of plaques and the narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or even sudden cardiac death.

Stroke: Arteriosclerosis in the arteries leading to the brain can result in a stroke. In this condition, blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced due to blockage or narrowing of the arteries. Insufficient blood supply can damage brain cells and lead to various symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairment.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Arteriosclerosis can affect arteries in the limbs, such as legs or arms, causing peripheral artery disease. This condition restricts blood flow to the extremities, leading to symptoms like leg pain, muscle cramps, numbness, and weakness. In severe cases, PAD can cause tissue damage and lead to amputation.

Kidney Failure: Arteriosclerosis in the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys can result in kidney failure. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys impairs their ability to filter waste products and maintain fluid balance, eventually leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Aortic Aneurysm: Arteriosclerosis can weaken the walls of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, leading to the development of an aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms are bulges or ballooning in the aorta and can be life-threatening if they rupture.

Additionally, generalized arteriosclerosis, when widespread and affecting multiple arteries throughout the body, can contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension) and increase the overall risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.