Living with artery

Overview

Your arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. 'Artery disease' means these vessels have become narrowed, stiffened, or blocked, usually by a gradual build-up of fatty material inside the walls. This can reduce blood flow and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and leg problems. Living with artery disease means learning to manage the condition with lifestyle changes, support from healthcare professionals, and possibly medical treatments.

Yes, diseases of the arteries are very common around the world. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease affect hundreds of millions of people, especially those over 60.

Artery disease can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with age. People who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart conditions are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs when walking (called intermittent claudication), which eases with rest
• Chest pain or tightness (angina) during physical activity or stress
• Shortness of breath when exerting yourself
• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
• Poor wound healing on the feet or toes

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis — the slow build-up of fatty plaques (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) inside artery walls
• Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), which can damage the vessel wall
• Blood clots that form in the arteries and block blood flow

Risk factors

• Smoking or using tobacco
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet high in salt, trans fats, and processed foods
• Close family history of early heart disease
• Older age

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain that occurs at rest, lasts longer than a few minutes, or feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing – seek urgent medical advice or call your local emergency number.
• If you develop sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking – this could be a stroke.
• If you have severe pain, coldness, or colour change in your leg or foot – this needs same-day emergency evaluation.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have leg pain with walking that goes away when you stop, talk to your doctor about a simple test called the ankle-brachial index.
• If you have any symptoms that suggest angina, such as chest tightness on exertion, book an appointment with your healthcare provider.
• If you have multiple risk factors (for example, diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure) ask about a full heart health check.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will also examine your pulses, listen to your arteries with a stethoscope, and may order tests to see how well blood is flowing through your vessels.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and markers of inflammation
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – comparing blood pressure in your ankle to your arm
• Ultrasound of the arteries (duplex scan) to look at blood flow and blockages
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to create detailed images of your blood vessels

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless and done as an outpatient. You may be asked to lie still while a machine takes pictures. Afterwards, your doctor will explain the results and talk through a personal plan. You might be referred to a vascular specialist or a cardiology team for further advice.

Treatment

Treatment for artery disease focuses on slowing the build-up of plaques, preventing blood clots, controlling risk factors, and managing symptoms. It is a team effort between you and your healthcare provider, and it usually starts with lifestyle changes.

Self-care at home

• Stop smoking – it is the single most important step you can take for your arteries.
• Move your body regularly – aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, as advised by your team.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
• Manage stress through mindfulness, relaxation, or talking with someone you trust.
• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed, and never stop without talking to your doctor first.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or help with diabetes. These are chosen from a range of options based on your individual needs. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed and discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

If arteries are severely narrowed or completely blocked, or if you have symptoms that do not improve with medicine and lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest a procedure such as angioplasty (opening the artery with a tiny balloon), stenting (placing a small mesh tube), or bypass surgery to redirect blood flow around the blockage.

Living with this condition

Living with artery disease means paying attention to your body and following your treatment plan. You may need to rest when swimming or walking longer distances, but regular, gentle exercise helps build stamina. Keep routine appointments and let your care team know about any new or changing symptoms.

Lifestyle tips

• Walk or use a stationary bike on most days; ask your physiotherapist for a structured exercise programme.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and inspect your feet daily for cuts or sores.
• Keep warm but avoid extreme cold – sudden temperature changes can affect blood flow.
• Stay active during the day and raise your legs when resting if you have leg symptoms.
• Avoid sitting for long periods; get up and move every hour.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and olive oil. Limit red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks. Pair this with regular aerobic exercise – brisk walking, cycling, or swimming – along with light resistance training. Start slowly and build up gradually.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition like artery disease can feel overwhelming at times. Anxiety, low mood, and increased stress are common. Talking honestly with your doctor, joining a support group, and using relaxation techniques can help. Remember that taking small daily steps forward is progress.

Prevention

While you cannot change some risk factors like age or family history, you can greatly reduce your risk by quitting smoking, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range, managing diabetes, staying active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight. Even if you already have artery disease, these steps can prevent it from getting worse.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that directly prevents artery disease. However, vaccines for flu, pneumococcal infection, and COVID-19 are especially important for people with heart or circulation problems, because these infections can put extra strain on blood vessels. Ask your doctor about what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

In many health systems, including the UK NHS, you may be offered a free health check to look at your heart risk. This includes measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and discussing lifestyle. Ask your surgery or local health service about getting a heart health review.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack – when a blood clot blocks an artery to the heart muscle.
• Stroke – when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts.
• Peripheral artery disease complications – such as painful leg ulcers, poor wound healing, and in severe cases, amputation.
• Aneurysm – a bulging, weakened area in an artery wall that can burst if not treated.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for artery disease has improved greatly over the past decades. With effective treatments, modern medicines, and healthy habits, many people live for many years with good quality of life. The key is to take it one step at a time and to partner actively with your healthcare team.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.