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Atherosclerosis

A chronic disease in which fat and plaque accumulate in the inner walls of the arteries, gradually narrowing them.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease that begins when LDL cholesterol deposits in the arterial wall, becomes oxidized, and attracts inflammatory cells to the site. Over decades, these processes lead to the formation of fibrofatty plaques.

If a plaque ruptures, a clot may form on top of it — causing a heart attack (in a coronary artery), a stroke (in a carotid or cerebral artery), or acute peripheral arterial occlusion.

Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive process that begins in childhood and may continue silently for decades.

Symptoms

Typically produces no symptoms in the early stages
Cardiac involvement: angina (chest pain with exertion)
Carotid involvement: transient ischemic attacks or stroke symptoms
Leg arteries: claudication (leg pain with walking)
Renal arteries: hard-to-control hypertension
Sudden plaque rupture: heart attack, stroke, or acute ischemia

Risk Factors

Smoking
Hypertension and high LDL cholesterol
Diabetes and insulin resistance
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
Family history of early cardiovascular disease
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If you experience chest pain or leg pain during exertion
  • Go to the emergency department for sudden vision loss, speech disturbance, or arm weakness
  • For periodic cardiovascular screening in individuals with risk factors
  • To calculate a cardiovascular risk score when multiple risk factors are present
  • For carotid intima–media thickness measurement to assess subclinical atherosclerosis

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive lifestyle changes (Mediterranean diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
02
Statins (for plaque stabilization and LDL reduction)
03
Aspirin (in selected high-risk patients)
04
Antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications
05
Angioplasty or bypass (for symptomatic critical stenoses)
06
Cardiac or vascular rehabilitation programs

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Related Health Topics

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Heart Palpitations

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Aortic Aneurysm

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.