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Atherosclerosis

Also called Arteriosclerosis or Hardening of the arteries

Atherosclerosis is when fatty material called plaque builds up inside the walls of arteries, making them narrower and stiffer. It develops silently over many years and is the main cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, inactivity and family history all increase the risk.

It cannot usually be reversed, but stopping smoking, eating well, staying active and medicines for blood pressure and cholesterol can slow it and lower the risk of complications.

Common signs

  • Often no symptoms until an artery is badly narrowed
  • Chest pain on exertion (angina)
  • Leg pain when walking that eases with rest
  • Mini-strokes (TIA)

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks
  • ECG and exercise tests
  • Ultrasound of the neck or leg arteries
  • CT or angiography to look at the arteries

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Cholesterol and blood sugar results over time
  • Blood pressure readings
  • ECG, ultrasound and angiography reports
  • Your list of medicines

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is my overall risk of a heart attack or stroke?
  • Which changes would make the biggest difference for me?
  • Do I need medicines for cholesterol or blood pressure?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Chest pain that does not go away with rest
  • Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems
  • A cold, pale, painful leg

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Coronary heart diseaseNarrowing of the arteries that supply the heart, which can cause angina and heart attacks. It is a leading cause of death but often preventable.High cholesterolToo much of certain fats in the blood can build up in the arteries over the years. It causes no symptoms and is found with a blood test.High blood pressureBlood pushes too hard against the artery walls over a long time. It rarely causes symptoms, so it is found by measuring.Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs, often causing pain when walking. Lifestyle changes and medicines help.