Atherosclerosis develops silently, narrowing your arteries and restricting blood flow over time. At California Cardiac Institute, we educate you on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis, because protecting your heart today helps you live healthier tomorrow.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances build up inside your arteries, forming plaques that harden and narrow the vessels. This restricts blood flow, reducing oxygen supply to vital organs like your heart and brain. Over time, atherosclerosis can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Because it develops gradually and often without obvious symptoms in the early stages, regular checkups and preventive care are essential to detect it early and protect your health.
Signs & Symptoms of Atherosclerosis:
- Chest pain or pressure (angina), especially with activity
- Shortness of breath during exertion or at rest
- Fatigue or weakness without a clear cause
- Pain, cramping, or numbness in the legs when walking (claudication)
- Weak pulse in arms or legs
- Dizziness, confusion, or difficulty speaking (possible sign of reduced brain blood flow)
- Coldness in hands, feet, or lower legs
- Erectile dysfunction in men due to reduced blood flow
What Causes Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis develops when fats, cholesterol, and other substances in your blood collect along your artery walls, forming plaques. These harden over time, narrowing the arteries and making them less flexible. As blood flow becomes restricted, your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications increases. Several factors can accelerate plaque buildup and increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis, including:
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes and insulin resistance
- Obesity and poor diet
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
- Aging and chronic inflammation
Heart Conditions Can't Wait
If left untreated, atherosclerosis can silently progress and cause life-threatening complications. Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, which may result in chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease. Over time, the damage worsens, leading to organ failure or disability. Because the condition often develops without obvious symptoms, many people don’t realize the risk until it’s advanced. Timely care is crucial: early treatment can slow progression, protect your heart, and prevent serious consequences before they become emergencies.
How is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed and Treated?
When you visit us for a consultation, we start by listening to your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical exam. Our physicians use advanced diagnostic tools, such as blood tests, echocardiograms, vascular ultrasounds, coronary calcium scans, or even a cardiac PET scan, to accurately detect plaque buildup and evaluate your risk. Once we have a clear picture of your heart and arteries, we create a personalized care plan tailored to you.
Your treatment options for atherosclerosis may include:
- Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise
- Medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar
- Minimally invasive procedures to restore blood flow
- Preventive programs to promote long-term heart health
- Interventional procedures or surgery in severe cases
Schedule Your Consultation
California Cardiac Institute is dedicated to helping you prevent, diagnose, and treat atherosclerosis before it leads to serious complications. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg discomfort, don’t delay seeking care. Our physicians offer advanced diagnostic imaging, including cardiac PET scans, with personalized prevention and treatment strategies to protect your heart health. We also offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins, because heart conditions can’t wait: schedule your consultation today.
