According to the Eat this not that page, recognizing the early warning signs of atherosclerosis helps protect health as well as get timely treatment.
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fat or plaque in the walls of arteries. As plaque builds up, arteries harden and narrow, limiting their ability to supply blood to various organs.
Limiting risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes is the best way to prevent atherosclerosis.
High cholesterol levels
Elevated cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides or lipoproteins directly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. More fatty plaque will build up as this level increases over time. These symptoms should be checked regularly and treated if elevated.
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. High cholesterol, diabetes, accumulation of belly fat or obesity, and high blood pressure contribute to metabolic syndrome. From there, atherosclerosis develops faster.
Chest tightness
As the atherosclerosis progresses and the arteries narrow, the body begins to have symptoms. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue are symptoms that indicate that the coronary arteries are significantly narrowing.
Heart attack
Atherosclerosis doesn’t just affect certain areas of the body. Therefore, people who have had a previous stroke or have carotid artery stenosis or peripheral artery disease are more likely to have a heart attack.
