Atherosclerosis usually has no symptoms until it reaches a serious condition that is a very narrow or total blockage of arteries. Many people even do not know until they have a heart attack or stroke.
Depend on which artery is affected; some may have signs and symptoms of that disease.
Heart muscles are nourishing by oxygen and nutrient-rich blood supplying through the coronary arteries. If plaque narrows or blocks these arteries, develops a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease, and it may cause a common symptom of angina.
Coronary artery atherosclerosis symptoms
- chest pain or discomfort
- pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest
- discomfort in shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back
- shortness of breath
- arrhythmias, an irregular heartbeat
This pain gets to worsen with activity and go away after rest. Stress can trigger this pain.
Brain is nourishing with nutrient and oxygen-rich blood by the carotid arteries. If plaque narrows or blocks these arteries, develops a condition called carotid artery disease, and it may cause the symptom of stroke.
Carotid artery atherosclerosis symptoms
Sudden;
- Numbness,
- Weakness,
- Dizziness
Legs, arms, and pelvis are nourishing with nutrient and oxygen-rich blood by the peripheral arteries. If plaque narrows or blocks these arteries, develops a condition called peripheral arterial disease, and it may cause the symptom of peripheral arterial diseases.
Peripheral artery atherosclerosis symptoms
Extremities;
- Numbness,
- Pain,
- Rarely dangerous infections