Overview
Atherosclerosis is a potentially serious condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances called plaques, or atheroma.
These plaques cause the arteries to harden and narrow, restricting the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs, and increasing the risk of blood clots that could potentially block the flow of blood to the heart or brain.
Atherosclerosis does not tend to have any symptoms at first and many people may be unaware they have it, but it can eventually cause life-threatening problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it gets worse.
But the condition is largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle, and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious problems happening.
Health risks of atherosclerosis
If left to get worse, atherosclerosis can potentially lead to a number of serious conditions known as cardiovascular disease (CVD). There won't usually be any symptoms until CVD develops.
Types of CVD include:
Who's at risk of atherosclerosis?
Exactly why and how arteries become clogged is unclear.
It can happen to anyone, although the following things can increase your risk:
You can't do anything about some of these factors, but by tackling things such as an unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise, you can help reduce your risk of atherosclerosis and CVD.
Read more about the risk factors for CVD.
Testing for atherosclerosis
Speak to your GP if you're worried you may be at a high risk of atherosclerosis.
Your GP or practice nurse can work out your level of risk by taking into account factors such as:
- your age, gender and ethnic group
- your weight and height
- if you smoke or have previously smoked
- if you have a family history of CVD
- your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- if you have certain long-term conditions
Depending on your result, you may be advised to make lifestyle changes, consider taking medication, or have tests to check for atherosclerosis and CVD.
Reduce your risk of atherosclerosis
Making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis and may help stop it getting worse.
The main ways you can reduce your risk are:
- stop smoking –you can call Help Me Quit on 0808 163 3657 or ask your GP about stop smoking treatments; read more advice about stopping smoking
- have a healthy diet – avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, salt or sugar, and aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- exercise regularly – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, and strength exercises on at least two days a week
- maintain a healthy weight – aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9; use the BMI calculator to work out your BMI and read advice about losing weight
- moderate your alcohol consumption – men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 alcohol units a week; get tips on cutting down on alcohol
Click on the links above for more information. You can also read more specific advice about preventing CVD.
Treatments for atherosclerosis
There are not currently any treatments that can reverse atherosclerosis, but the healthy lifestyle changes suggested above may help stop it getting worse.
Sometimes additional treatment to reduce the risk of problems like heart attacks and strokes may also be recommended, such as: