Atherosclerosis

You may not have any symptoms of atherosclerosis, but symptoms can include:

• chest pain
• pain in your arms and legs, especially when exercising
• feeling short of breath
• feeling tired all the time
• feeling weak
• feeling confused

Some symptoms of atherosclerosis need urgent medical help.

• you have chest pain that comes and goes
• you feel short of breath
• you have pain in your arms and legs when walking or exercising
• you have any other symptoms you're worried about

You can call 111 or from get help from 111 online .

Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, which causes them to narrow.

Things that increase your chances of getting atherosclerosis include:

• being over 50 years of age
• smoking
• having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease
• living with overweight or obesity
• having close relatives who have cardiovascular disease
• being of Black African, African Caribbean or South Asian origin

There are some things you can do to help stop atherosclerosis getting worse:

• eat healthily and eat less saturated fat and sugar

• exercise regularly

• maintain a healthy weight

• attend your NHS health check when you're invited

• take any medicines you've been prescribed for other health conditions

• keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes

• do not smoke

• do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week

There are currently no treatments to reverse atherosclerosis, but you may be offered medicines to lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

You may need medicines to:

• lower your cholesterol (usually statins)
• lower your blood pressure
• lower your risk of blood clots
• lower your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes

You may also need surgery to help improve blood flow through the affected arteries.

Without lifestyle changes and medical treatment, atherosclerosis may get worse over time.

It can cause:

• heart attacks
• stroke
• peripheral arterial disease
• other types of cardiovascular disease

• signs of a heart attack – pain like a tight band or heavy weight in your chest
• signs of a stroke – face dropping on 1 side, cannot hold both your arms up, difficulty speaking
• difficulty breathing – gasping for breath, choking, not able to get any words out
• sudden confusion – unable to think or speak clearly, suddenly do not know where you are

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Atherosclerosis can increase your risk of serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

Atherosclerosis does not always have symptoms. Sometimes it can cause symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and tiredness.

Lifestyle changes can help stop atherosclerosis getting worse. Things you can do include stopping smoking, eating healthily and exercising regularly.

Medicines can help lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke if you have atherosclerosis. Surgery is sometimes needed to improve blood flow.

Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries. It can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking.