What Is the Meaning of 'Arteriosclerosis'?

Arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening of the arteries, which are blood vessels that transport nutrients and oxygen to your body. The arteries harden when a hard substance called plaque forms out of fat and cholesterol and builds up on the arterial walls. Arteriosclerosis, which is sometimes called atherosclerosis, can compromise blood flow to the organs or block blood flow entirely.

Effects

• Arteriosclerosis can affect any of the organs in the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, limbs, heart and brain. Restricted blood flow can cause heart attacks and angina. In addition, small pieces of dislodged plaque can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms

• In some people, arteriosclerosis might not cause symptoms until blood flow has become significantly restricted. Other people might notice angina, chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmia or fatigue. The symptoms of arteriosclerosis can also vary according to which arteries are affected. For example, hardening arteries near your brain can cause speaking difficulties, limb numbness or drooping facial muscles. In addition, many men with arteriosclerosis experience erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis

• Doctors diagnose arteriosclerosis by listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Arteriosclerosis sometimes results in a bruit, or blowing sound, over an artery. A wide variety of tests can be performed to diagnose arteriosclerosis, including cardiac stress testing, arteriography, CT scans, intravascular ultrasound and pulmonary angiography.

Treatment

• People can reduce arteriosclerosis by making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet with many fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and not drinking alcohol excessively. People who have high cholesterol or blood pressure should also treat these conditions. Several surgeries also exist to treat arteriosclerosis, including angioplasty and stent, carotid artery surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for developing arteriosclerosis include obesity, prior heart disease or family history of heart disease, smoking, diabetes, eating a high-fat diet, drinking heavily, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In addition, arteriosclerosis becomes more likely as a person ages.

Prevention

• Prevent your arteries from hardening by eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty and high-cholesterol foods. Exercise for 30 minutes daily and reduce stress through techniques like deep breathing or muscle relaxation. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting. Ensure that your blood pressure is checked every one to two years and your cholesterol is checked every five years.