Illustration of an artery with plaque deposits along the inner walls.
Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the accumulation of soft and fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium and inflammatory cells on the inside of arteries. This leads to the formation of a plaque and causes a smaller diameter of the internal lumen of arteries, thus limiting blood flow to the most important areas of the body. Because there are few symptoms during the slow development of atherosclerosis, this condition has become a major risk factor for causing myocardial infarctions, strokes and peripheral vascular disease. It is important to understand the process of forming atherosclerosis.
Arteries deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The normal function of an artery is dependent on its elasticity, smoothness and flexibility.
Atherosclerosis is caused by injury to the endothelium of arteries, which allows low density lipoproteins, or "bad cholesterol", to penetrate the area of damage, accompanied by an influx of inflammatory cells, which results in the formation of a fatty streak. Over time, the fatty streak continues to accrete to form a plaque that begins to occlude the artery's lumen. The occlusion of the artery continues until the artery becomes narrowed and hard.
The development of atherosclerosis generally takes years or decades before it becomes symptomatic.
Several risk factors are responsible for damaging the arteries and accumulating plaques:
High levels of LDL cholesterol lead to plaque buildup, while low levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”) impair the body’s capacity to eliminate excess cholesterol.
High blood pressure damages the inner lining of the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
Toxic chemicals in tobacco damage the endothelium and accelerate plaque buildup.
High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and lead to inflammation.
Excess body fat, particularly around the abdominal area, leads to inflammation and lipid abnormalities.
Genetics can play a role in cholesterol metabolism and vascular health.
High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods increases plaque risk.
Atherosclerosis develops in the following manner:
The inner lining of the arteries becomes inflamed and damaged.
LDL cholesterol builds up beneath the artery lining.
Fibrous plaques develop and start to narrow the artery.
The plaque can rupture, causing blood clots to form.
Infographic illustrating different stages of plaque accumulation in arteries.
If the clot is complete:
Symptoms depend on the arteries involved.
Most people are unaware of their condition until a serious event happens.
Diagnosis may require:
Routine screening is particularly important for people over 40 years of age or those with risk factors.
Although the advanced plaques cannot be completely eradicated, the process can be halted and sometimes reversed by:
Medications like statins, antiplatelets, and antihypertensives can be used as needed.
Reduce saturated fats and increase fiber.
At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
A man doing a workout routine at home.
Regular follow-up and medication.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Avoid smoking and keep your lungs healthy.
Keep a regular check on body weight.
Preventive strategies can greatly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Atherosclerosis is a slow-progressing condition that may go unnoticed until it leads to life-threatening complications like a heart attack or stroke. The process starts with microscopic damage to the arterial walls, progressing to the accumulation of plaque and decreased blood flow.
It is vital to monitor and manage risk factors early on to prevent the progression of the condition. This is particularly important for people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
If you have risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure, early evaluation is essential.
At Prakash Hospital, our cardiology and preventive health experts provide advanced screening, diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans to reduce your cardiovascular risk.
Schedule your consultation today for a comprehensive heart health assessment.
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