artery overview for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Your arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every part of your body. They are like flexible tubes with strong, elastic walls. The heart pumps blood into them, and they branch into smaller and smaller vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs, muscles, and tissues.
Key facts
- Healthy arteries are smooth, flexible, and allow blood to flow easily.
- Artery disease develops slowly over many years, often with no symptoms at first.
- Many artery problems can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and medical care.
Artery disease is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Conditions that make arteries narrow or stiff, such as atherosclerosis, affect millions of people and are a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
Anyone can have artery problems, but they become more likely with age. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of smoking are at higher risk. Men and women are both affected, sometimes at different stages of life.
Symptoms
- If you or someone near you has any of these warning signs, call your local emergency number right away: sudden, crushing chest pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or drooping on one side of the face or body, especially with trouble speaking
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Severe shortness of breath or gasping for air
- ⚠Chest pain that comes and goes, especially with activity, and stops with rest
- ⚠New or worsening leg pain when walking that does not go away with rest
- ⚠A feeling that your heart is racing, skipping beats, or fluttering
- ⚠Swelling, coolness, or color changes in one leg or foot
Common symptoms
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, especially during activity
- Shortness of breath with mild exertion
- Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs when walking
- Feeling tired more quickly than usual during exercise
- Dizziness or light-headedness
Symptoms in children
- Artery problems are uncommon in children. If a child is born with an artery that is narrowed or formed abnormally, warning signs may include poor feeding, rapid breathing, bluish skin, or failure to gain weight. If you are worried about your child, speak with a pediatrician.
Symptoms in older adults
- In older adults, arteries naturally become stiffer, so symptoms may be subtle. You might feel more tired, become short of breath during activity, or notice leg pain when walking. Some people have no warning signs until a heart attack or stroke happens.
Causes
Main causes
- A buildup of fatty material called plaque inside the artery walls, which narrows and stiffens the arteries
- Inflammation of the artery walls, which can damage them over time
- Blood clots that form inside an artery and block blood flow
- A weakness in the artery wall, which can cause it to bulge and form an aneurysm
Risk factors
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Not being physically active
- Eating a diet high in salt, unhealthy fats, and processed foods
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Long-term stress
- A family history of heart disease or stroke
- Increasing age
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Chest pain or discomfort that is new, worse, or happening more often
- Leg pain that comes on when walking and goes away with rest
- A sudden change in your ability to be active without feeling breathless
Book a routine appointment if:
- You have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking and have never had a heart health check
- You are over 40 and want to know your risk of heart and circulation problems
- You have a family history of heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and will examine you. They may listen to your heart and feel the pulses in your arms, legs, and neck. Based on this, they can arrange tests to check how well your arteries are working.
Tests that may be done
- Blood pressure measurements in both arms
- Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart’s electrical activity
- An ultrasound scan of the arteries, such as a carotid ultrasound or a leg artery scan
- An ankle-brachial index test, which compares blood pressure in your ankle and arm
- A CT or MRI scan to create detailed pictures of your arteries
What to expect at your appointment
Artery tests are usually painless and safe. Some scans require you to lie still for a short time. You may need to fast for a blood test. Your provider will explain each test before you have it, and they will talk you through the results afterward.
Treatment
Treatment for artery problems depends on what is causing the problem, how severe it is, and your overall health. The main goals are to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms, and lower your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Treatment usually combines lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes procedures to open or repair a narrowed artery.
Self-care at home
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, as advised by your care team
- Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins
- Manage stress with relaxation exercises, talking to someone you trust, or hobbies you enjoy
- Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and keep your follow-up appointments
Medical treatments
Medical treatment may include medicines to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or manage other conditions such as diabetes. It may also include treatments to help blood vessels relax or help the heart pump more easily. Your doctor will choose a plan based on your specific needs, and you should ask questions if anything is unclear.
When is surgery considered?
If an artery is severely narrowed or blocked, or if there is an aneurysm, a procedure may be needed. Options include placing a small mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open, or surgery to repair or bypass the affected artery. Your surgeon will explain the risks and benefits before any procedure.
Living with this condition
Living with an artery condition often means making long-term changes, but you can still enjoy a full and active life. Build a routine around small daily habits: take your medicines as prescribed, walk regularly, prepare simple meals with fresh ingredients, and notice how you feel. Keeping a symptom diary can help you talk clearly with your healthcare team.
Lifestyle tips
- Stay active in a way that suits you, such as walking, swimming, or cycling
- Keep a healthy weight
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress and avoid drinking too much alcohol
- Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program
Diet and exercise
A heart-healthy diet is mostly plant-based: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and fish, with limited salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Exercise helps your arteries stay flexible and can improve blood pressure and cholesterol. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and build up gradually. A short daily walk is a great first step.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a condition that affects your heart and arteries can be stressful and worrying. It is normal to feel anxious, low, or uncertain about the future. Talk about these feelings with people you trust. If low mood or anxiety lasts for more than a couple of weeks, consider speaking with a mental health professional. If you are in crisis, reach out to a crisis support service or your local emergency number right away.
Prevention
You cannot change every risk factor, such as age or family history, but you can reduce your risk a great deal. Not smoking, staying active, eating well, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and keeping diabetes under control are the most important steps. Even small improvements make a real difference.
Vaccines
Vaccines cannot prevent artery disease directly, but infections like the flu can put extra strain on your heart and arteries. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help protect you. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are right for you.
Screening programmes
People at higher risk may benefit from regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Many local health services offer heart health checks. Ask your healthcare provider what is recommended for someone of your age and risk.
Complications
If left untreated
- Heart attack, which happens when a blocked artery stops blood from reaching part of the heart
- Stroke, which can happen when a narrowed or blocked artery affects blood flow to the brain
- Peripheral artery disease, which can cause leg pain, poor wound healing, and tissue damage
- Aneurysm, a bulging weakened artery that can be life-threatening if it bursts
- Kidney damage or kidney failure if the arteries supplying the kidneys become narrowed
Long-term outlook
There is reason to be hopeful. Many artery problems are treatable, and some can be slowed or even improved with the right care and lifestyle changes. Your healthcare team can help you reduce your risk, manage symptoms, and live well.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- British Heart Foundation ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.