What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is sometimes called "hardening of the arteries." It occurs when fat (cholesterol) and calcium build up inside the lining of the artery wall. This forms a substance called plaque. Over time, the fat and calcium buildup may narrow the artery.

Atherosclerosis in the heart (coronary) arteries is called coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis in the leg arteries is called peripheral arterial disease of the legs. If atherosclerosis affects the brain arteries (carotid or cerebral arteries), a stroke can occur.

If you have this buildup in one of your arteries, there's a good chance that you have it in other blood vessels throughout your body.

Many people don't have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may depend on where the affected arteries are in your body. For example, symptoms can include chest pain or pressure (angina), leg pain or weakness, or belly pain. Sometimes the first symptom is a heart attack or stroke.

Your doctor will ask about your past health and will do a physical exam. You may have tests to see if your arteries are narrowed. Which tests you have depends on which arteries the doctor thinks are affected. Tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), an echocardiogram, heart stress tests, or a coronary angiogram.

Treating atherosclerosis may include having a heart-healthy lifestyle and taking medicines.

Atherosclerosis is a process. There are ways you can slow it down and help lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. This includes eating heart-healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking. All of these things have many benefits for your body, your heart, and your blood vessels.

If your risk for heart attack and stroke is high, you might also take medicines that lower your risk. Medicines may help reduce high cholesterol, control high blood pressure, and manage other things that increase a person's risk of heart attack, stroke, and other problems.

There are many things you can do to help prevent problems. A heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. This includes eating healthy foods. Be active. If you smoke or vape, try to quit. Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. And try to get enough sleep.