It is characterized by an accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, along the vessel walls. These plaques can harden, rendering the vessel walls brittle, and narrow the vessel diameter, thus limiting blood flow. The consequences of atherosclerosis are many and severe, depending on which arteries are affected, and whether or not clots or rupture occur. Most significantly, atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke. Also significant are male sex, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Atherosclerosis is a silent killer.
Typically, a person with atherosclerosis will have no symptoms at all until the blood vessels are critically narrowed, or until a clot forms or rupture occurs. As the arteries become further narrowed, heart attack, stroke, or even sudden death may result. Prevention is by far the most effective means of reducing atherosclerotic build up and its deadly consequences. Lifestyle adjustments to modify preventable risk factors are preferred over pharmaceutical measures. Quitting smoking dramatically reduces heart attack and stroke risk.