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What Is Artery Plaque?

Plaque can begin to build up in the arteries from late childhood, but symptoms of clogged arteries usually do not appear until late middle age or old age. The symptoms of plaque buildup in the arteries differ depending upon where the clogged artery is situated in the body.

  1. The Artery

    • The arteries perform the important function of carrying oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. An artery is a blood vessel that is split into three layers, an outer layer of tissue with a middle muscular layer and an inner layer of epithelial cells. This inner layer of cells provides a smooth wall allowing the blood to flow. The muscular middle part of the artery helps the heart pump blood by expanding the artery as it fills with blood. As the heart relaxes, the artery contracts pushing blood onward through the body.

    Plaque

    • A substance called plaque can build up on the inner walls of the artery causing blockage that does not allow blood to flow through easily. Plaque consists of a variety of substances, including calcium, fat, cholesterol and cellular waste. The body also can aid the buildup of plaque inadvertently when cells in the artery walls multiply and secrete substances that can be absorbed into the arterial plaque.

    Atherosclerosis

    • The condition known as atherosclerosis causes the arteries to narrow and harden stemming form damage to the arterial wall. Damage to the arterial wall can result form a number of factors including high levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is a major cause of atherosclerosis. High blood pressure also contributes to plaque buildup, increasing the rate at which arteries harden. Cigarette smoking increases the rate at which the arteries clog in the heart, legs and the body's largest artery, the aorta.

    Dangers of Arterial Plaque

    • Coronary heart disease, which is caused by plaque building up in the arteries surrounding the heart, can lead to heart attacks if left untreated. The carotid arteries run up the side of the neck and supply oxygen to the brain, and plaque buildup in these arteries can lead to stroke. Arteries in the legs that become clogged by plaque result in a condition called peripheral artery disease. A lack of oxygen in the legs causes pain, numbness and ultimately infection.

    Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

    • The symptoms of peripheral artery disease include leg pain, slow healing of foot injuries, cold feet and, in extreme cases, gangrene.

    Other Symptoms of Plaque Buildup

    • Major symptoms of plaque buildup medical events such as heart attacks and stroke. Depending on which arteries are clogged, symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weakness and dizziness, nausea and sweating.

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