Atherosclerosis Disease

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to atherosclerosis disease including topics such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and atherosclerosis symptoms. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Atherosclerosis Disease

Atherosclerosis, as this eMedTV article explains, is a condition in which plaque buildup causes hardening and narrowing of major arteries. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious medical problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.

The causes of atherosclerosis are not yet known. As this eMedTV resource explains, researchers have identified risk factors (such as smoking) that are not causes of atherosclerosis, but do increase one's chances of developing the condition.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include smoking, being overweight or obese, and having high blood pressure. This eMedTV Web page discusses these and other atherosclerosis risk factors, such as having a family history of early heart disease.

Atherosclerosis symptoms vary, based on which arteries are affected. As this eMedTV article explains, atherosclerosis symptoms may affect the heart, brain, or other organs. The first atherosclerosis symptoms some people have come with a heart attack.

After conducting a physical exam, a doctor making an atherosclerosis diagnosis may recommend certain tests. This eMedTV resource takes a look at several of the tests used to reach this diagnosis, such as CT scans and angiography.

Atherosclerosis treatment starts with making lifestyle changes. As this segment of the eMedTV website explains, atherosclerosis treatment may also involve medications (such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers) and/or procedures such as angioplasty.

Prevention of atherosclerosis usually involves making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet. This eMedTV article explains atherosclerosis prevention in detail and offers information about risk factors and advice on prevention strategies.

The term "arteriosclerosis" is used to refer generally to all forms of narrowing or thickening of arteries. This eMedTV Web page describes the different types of arteriosclerosis, including atherosclerosis and focal calcific arteriosclerosis.

Effects of high cholesterol due to atherosclerosis include angina, heart attack, and stroke. This eMedTV Web page highlights these and other health risks associated with this condition and also explains treatment options.