The symptoms of atherosclerosis vary depending on the location and severity of the affected arteries.
In some cases, atherosclerosis may develop silently without noticeable symptoms until a significant blockage occurs.
However, common symptoms associated with atherosclerosis include:
1. Angina Or Chest Pain
Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood flow (1).
It is typically described as a tightness, pressure, squeezing, or burning sensation in the chest.
Angina is often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and may be relieved by rest or medications.
2. Shortness Of Breath
Reduced blood flow to the heart can lead to breathlessness, especially during physical activity or exertion.
It may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest (2).
3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Atherosclerosis in the arteries of the legs and arms can cause symptoms such as leg pain or cramping during physical activity (claudication).
The pain usually subsides with rest.
Other symptoms of PAD include coldness or numbness in the legs or arms, weak pulses in the extremities, and slow-healing wounds or ulcers.
4. Carotid Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, can cause symptoms such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes.
TIAs are temporary episodes of neurological symptoms, such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body. It could also show up as difficulty speaking, or visual disturbances.
5. Pains And Cramps
Sometimes, artery blockage could cause aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs when walking or climbing stairs are the main symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
The symptoms also go away after rest
6. Problems With Thinking And Memory
This often presents other symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face.
Also, it could cause vision trouble.
7. Mini Stroke
Furthermore, artery blockage could cause Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). this is commonly called a mini-stroke, and it is a more serious symptom.
8 Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Also, erectile dysfunction is another early warning sign that a man may be at higher risk for atherosclerosis and its complications.
If you have ED, talk with your healthcare team about your risk of plaque buildup.
9. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle can lead to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort (angina). Others are shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and weakness.
10. Unexplained Infertility
Although, the fertility of a women is not very much affected by atherosclerosis, when it gets to the level of hypertension or high blood cholesterol there could be an impairment.
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Such unexplained infertility could come as a result of a decrease uterine and ovarian arteries blood flow during the luteal phase (second half of the cycle).
Other symptoms are severe pain after meals, weight loss, and diarrhea. These occurs when the affected artery is related to the intestine – mesenteric artery
It’s important to note that some individuals with atherosclerosis may not experience symptoms until a significant blockage occurs or a complication arises, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Furthermore, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease.
If you experience any symptoms suggestive of atherosclerosis or have risk factors for the condition, it is important to seek medical evaluation and discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.
Early detection and management of atherosclerosis can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
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