If an artery becomes completely blocked, your foot may become pale, cold, and painful. You may also feel chest pain, often called angina. The symptoms may also spread to your jaw, throat, or one arm. The attacks usually come on during exertion or emotional stress, and they go away when you rest or calm down. If the attacks suddenly become more common or if they start arriving while you're resting, a heart attack may be right around the corner.
Atherosclerosis is basically a two-step process.
Something injuries the arteries, then plaques begin to stick to the site of the injury. If you can protect your arteries from damage and keep your cholesterol levels from getting too high, you can greatly lower your risk of atherosclerosis. If you already have atherosclerosis, a heart-healthy lifestyle can slow down the buildup of plaque. Above all else, you should try to lower your cholesterol levels. When cholesterol drops, plaques become more stable and less likely to rupture.