preventing artery

Overview

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Artery disease, also called atherosclerosis, happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inside of the artery walls. Over time, this makes the arteries narrower and less flexible, which can reduce blood flow to your organs and tissues.

Yes, artery disease is very common worldwide. It is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and poor circulation in the legs. Many people have some degree of plaque buildup as they age, but the amount varies widely based on genes and lifestyle.

Anyone can develop artery disease, but it is more likely as you get older. It is also more common in people who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease or stroke. Men tend to develop it at a younger age than women, though women's risk rises after menopause.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Often there are no symptoms in the early stages.
• Chest discomfort or pain (angina) during physical activity or stress.
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
• Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness when walking (called claudication).
• Fatigue, especially during exertion.

Symptoms in children

• Artery disease is rare in children. When it happens, it is usually linked to a genetic condition or severe obesity.
• Most children have no symptoms at all.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs when walking.
• Dizziness or confusion from reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Chest discomfort or shortness of breath with activity.
• Feeling tired or weak more easily than before.

Causes

Main causes

• Artery disease starts when the inner lining of the artery becomes damaged. Injury to this lining allows cholesterol and other fats to enter the artery wall and form plaque.
• High blood pressure puts extra force on artery walls and can cause small tears.
• Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood.
• High levels of LDL cholesterol (sometimes called 'bad' cholesterol) contribute to plaque buildup.
• High blood sugar, as in diabetes, can damage arteries over time.
• Chronic inflammation in the body, from conditions like autoimmune diseases, can also play a role.

Risk factors

• Age (risk increases after 40 for men and after menopause for women).
• Being a man or a woman with a history of early menopause.
• Having a family history of early heart disease or stroke.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• High LDL cholesterol or high triglycerides.
• Diabetes or prediabetes.
• Being overweight or having obesity, especially around the belly.
• Not getting enough physical activity.
• Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Chronic stress or anxiety that is not well managed.
• Poor sleep, including sleep apnea.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that does not go away quickly, seek emergency care.
• If you have sudden weakness, drooping on one side of your face, trouble speaking, or vision loss, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have new swelling in your legs, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, get same-day care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are 40 or older, ask your doctor about having a heart health check that includes blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar measurements.
• If you smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about screening even if you feel fine.
• If you have leg cramps or pain when walking that goes away with rest, mention it to your doctor.
• If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, keep all regular follow-up visits.

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will also check your blood pressure and listen to your heart and pulses. Based on this, they may recommend tests to look for plaque buildup or assess your risk.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers of inflammation.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check the heart's electrical activity.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in your ankle to your arm to find blockages in leg arteries.
• An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to create images of your arteries.
• A coronary calcium scan, which uses a low-dose CT scan to detect calcium deposits in artery walls.
• An angiogram, where a thin tube and dye are used to see blood flow through arteries.

What to expect at your appointment

Most of these tests are quick and painless. Some, like an angiogram, require a small needle and are done in a hospital. You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before certain tests. Your doctor will explain what to expect and answer your questions.

Treatment

Treatment for artery disease focuses on three main goals: slowing or stopping the buildup of plaque, relieving symptoms, and preventing heart attack or stroke. For most people, this starts with lifestyle changes. Depending on your situation, your doctor may also recommend medicines or procedures to improve blood flow.

Self-care at home

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. This is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and fish. Limit red meat, fried foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in salt.
• Get regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes per week, or as your doctor advises.
• If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, check your numbers regularly and take steps to manage them.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Even losing 5–10 percent of your body weight can improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Manage stress through deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a friend or counselor.
• Limit alcohol to no more than modest amounts — ask your doctor what is safe for you.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or control blood sugar. Take all medicines exactly as prescribed, and do not stop or change them without talking to your doctor first. Some people also benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, a supervised program that includes exercise, education, and emotional support.

When is surgery considered?

If an artery is severely narrowed and medicines and lifestyle changes are not enough, a doctor may recommend a procedure to restore blood flow. Examples include angioplasty, where a small balloon opens the narrowed area and a mesh tube (stent) may be left in place, and bypass surgery, where a healthy blood vessel is used to create a new route around the blockage. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

Living with artery disease means paying attention to the messages your body sends you. Follow your treatment plan, take medicines as directed, and go to all follow-up appointments. Learn to recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke, and make sure the people close to you know them too.

Lifestyle tips

• Take your medications every day, even when you feel fine.
• Check your feet regularly if you have circulation problems in your legs.
• Build a daily routine that includes movement and rest.
• Avoid stress triggers when you can, and plan ways to cope with them.
• Talk openly with your family about your health and what they can do to help.
• Avoid tobacco in all forms, and stay away from e-cigarettes.

Diet and exercise

Eat a diet rich in colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish. Choose olive oil or other plant oils instead of butter or lard. Limit salt to help control blood pressure. For exercise, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking or cycling, on most days. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and increase gradually. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed after a heart event or a diagnosis of artery disease. These feelings can make it harder to stick to healthy habits. Talk to your doctor about your emotions. You might also find it helpful to speak with a counselor or join a support group where you can share experiences with others who understand.

Prevention

You can do a great deal to prevent or slow artery disease. Even if you have a family history, healthy lifestyle choices can dramatically lower your risk. The most important steps are not smoking, eating well, staying active, managing stress, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range. It is never too early or too late to start.

Vaccines

Some infections, like the flu and COVID-19, can put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines may help protect your heart. Ask your doctor or local health service which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are important, especially if you are 40 or older or have risk factors. Early detection allows you to take action before serious problems develop. Ask your doctor how often you should be screened.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack, if a coronary artery becomes completely blocked.
• Stroke, if a plaque breaks and blocks blood flow to part of the brain.
• Heart failure, when the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump effectively.
• Peripheral artery disease, which can cause leg pain, non-healing sores, and in severe cases, amputation.
• Kidney damage, if arteries to the kidneys become narrowed.
• Dementia or thinking problems, from reduced blood flow to the brain.

Long-term outlook

Many people with artery disease live long, active, and full lives. The outlook depends on how much damage has already occurred and how well you stick with your treatment plan. With early detection, modern medicine, and positive lifestyle changes, you can slow the disease and greatly reduce the risk of serious complications. Every step you take toward better heart health is a step in the right direction.

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