Atherosclerosis: The Invisible Risk Behind Strokes, Kidney Disease, and More—Why Early Screening Matters
Heart disease is often perceived as a sudden, life-changing event—a heart attack, a stroke, or a sudden medical emergency that seems to appear out of nowhere. But what if we told you that the seeds of this crisis are planted years, even decades, before the first alarming symptoms show up? Atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of plaque inside your arteries, is the silent countdown to many cardiovascular conditions. It begins quietly, without warning, and when you feel its effects, it may be far too late to reverse the damage. In this article, we will explore how atherosclerosis silently progresses over time, often without symptoms, and how its invisible march towards heart disease can be halted or slowed—if we act early enough. Understanding this slow-moving process can be the key to surviving and thriving as you protect your heart from the damage you are yet to feel.
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition where the walls of your arteries become thickened and hardened due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances. These buildups, known as plaque, can restrict blood flow, making it harder for oxygenated (oxygen-rich) blood to reach vital organs, including the heart and brain. Over time, the plaque can rupture, leading to blood clots that may result in heart attacks, strokes, or other serious medical conditions. What makes atherosclerosis particularly sneaky is that it develops gradually, often without any noticeable symptoms until the damage is severe. When you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, significant harm may already have been done, which is why understanding and managing the risk factors for atherosclerosis early on is crucial for heart health.
What diseases can atherosclerosis cause?
Atherosclerosis can cause a variety of serious medical conditions such as:
- Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD)
The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. In atherosclerosis, plaque buildup narrows and hardens these arteries, making it harder for blood to flow freely. As the plaque grows, it can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain (angina) or, if the plaque ruptures, blood clots can form, blocking the artery entirely, and causing a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can also lead to ischemic heart disease and heart failure over time. - Stroke
Atherosclerosis can affect the carotid arteries, the main arteries supplying blood to the brain. As plaques build up in these arteries, they can narrow or even completely block blood flow into the brain. This restriction can lead to an ischemic stroke, where the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” can occur when blood flow is temporarily disrupted.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Atherosclerosis can also affect the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, especially the legs. As plaque builds up in these arteries, blood flow to the muscles and tissues of the legs decreases, leading to claudication (pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs during activity) due to lack of oxygen. In severe cases, the reduced blood flow can cause tissue death (gangrene) and amputation or removal of the affected limb.
- Aortic Aneurysm
Atherosclerosis weakens the walls of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. The constant pressure from blood flow and the weakening of the aortic walls due to plaque buildup can lead to the formation of an aneurysm—a localized bulging of the artery. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to massive internal bleeding and be fatal.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The kidneys receive their blood supply through the renal arteries. When atherosclerosis narrows or blocks these arteries, both kidneys receive less blood and, consequently, less oxygen. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage and chronic kidney disease . Reduced kidney function can result in fluid and waste buildup in the body, requiring interventions like dialysis in severe cases.
- Hypertension
Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to become stiff and narrowed. This increases the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood through the circulatory system. Over time, the increased workload on the heart leads to high blood pressure (hypertension), which in turn increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
What can you do to avoid atherosclerosis?
Despite the medical conditions it can cause, atherosclerosis is largely preventable, or its progression can be slowed with certain lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Some steps that you can take to prevent or slow atherosclerosis are as follows:
- Adapt a healthy lifestyle
- Choose healthy fats
- Reduce refined carbs and sugar
- Engage in regular physical activities
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Control your blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy cholesterol level
- Reduce stress
- Regular checkups and screenings
Asian Hospital’s Atherosclerosis Screening Package
At Asian Hospital, we offer a comprehensive screening for atherosclerosis, using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care to detect early signs of artery disease. Early detection is crucial to preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—take control of your health today! Schedule your atherosclerosis screening at Asian Hospital and ensure the best care for your cardiovascular health.