Arteriosclerosis – the most important facts at a glance

1. What is arteriosclerosis?
2. What are the consequences of arteriosclerosis?
3. What increases the risk of developing arteriosclerosis?
4. How can arteriosclerosis be prevented?
5. How are arteriosclerosis, diabetes and obesity connected?
6. What are the symptoms of arteriosclerosis?
7. How is arteriosclerosis diagnosed?
8. How is arteriosclerosis treated?

Arteriosclerosis can have very different consequences. This depends on which blood vessel in which area of the body is affected.

The consequences of arteriosclerosis include:

• Arteriosclerosis in the coronary arteries can lead to a heart attack or coronary heart disease (CHD) with the main symptom angina pectoris (chest tightness).
• If blood clots form and blood vessels that supply the brain become blocked, the result may be a stroke.
• Constricted or blocked arteries in the legs can cause circulatory problems and pain when walking. Doctors refer to this as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
• Arteriosclerosis in the renal arteries can impair kidney function and cause renal insufficiency.
• If blood vessels that supply the penis are affected, the result may be erectile dysfunction.

Arteriosclerosis has several causes. Numerous factors influence the risk of developing arteriosclerosis:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Permanently elevated blood pressure puts a strain on the arterial walls and can lead to damage that favors the development of arteriosclerosis.
• High LDL cholesterol level: An increased LDL cholesterol level in the blood can lead to deposits on the artery walls and promote the formation of plaques. LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is a form of cholesterol that is transported in the blood.
• Smoking: Tobacco consumption is an important risk factor for arteriosclerosis. Smoking damages the blood vessels, promotes inflammation and contributes to the formation of plaques.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, as high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels.
• Family predisposition: If close family members (parents, grandparents) have or had cardiovascular disease, this is indicative of a possible hereditary risk.
• Lack of physical activity: An inactive lifestyle can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis.
• Overweight and obesity: Excess body fat, especially in the abdominal area, is associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
• Age and gender: The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. Men generally have a higher risk than women, although the risk for women increases comparatively significantly after the menopause.
• Stress: Chronic stress can promote inflammation and arteriosclerosis.
• Nutrition: An unhealthy diet with lots of saturated fatty acids, trans fats and salt increases the risk of arteriosclerosis.

Some of the risk factors for arteriosclerosis can be influenced – people can prevent arteriosclerosis by changing their lifestyle. The most important tips for preventing arteriosclerosis are:

• Balanced diet: Reduce your consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fats. These are, for example, found in fast food and ready meals. Instead, eat foods with unsaturated fatty acids such as nuts, seeds, avocados and olive or rapeseed oil. Fruit and vegetables as well as fiber-rich whole-grain products should be on the menu often and regularly.
• Physical activity: Exercise regularly. Walking, running, swimming or cycling promote blood circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Healthy body weight: Being overweight increases the risk of arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. If necessary, reduce your body mass index (BMI).
• Blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly. If you have high blood pressure, it may be necessary to regularly take antihypertensive medication prescribed by a doctor.
• No smoking: Try to stop smoking. If necessary, ask your doctor to help you. Passive smoking is also harmful.
• Alcohol consumption: Avoid alcohol or try to reduce your alcohol consumption. According to the latest scientific findings, even small amounts of alcohol are harmful to health.
• Stress management: Look for strategies that help you to cope with stress, as chronic stress can promote inflammation and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can be helpful. Many health insurance companies sponsor such courses.
• Health checks: Have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly. This allows risk factors to be identified at an early stage and appropriate measures to be taken.

People with arteriosclerosis are symptom-free for a long time. Symptoms possibly do not occur before the blood flow is more severely restricted. Symptoms vary depending on which area of the body is affected. Depending on the disease, the symptoms of arteriosclerosis include:

When diagnosing arteriosclerosis, the doctor first clarifies the symptoms and the presence of possible risk factors in a consultation. A comprehensive physical examination can also provide signs of the presence of arteriosclerosis. If certain blood parameters deviate from their normal values, they may be indicative of arteriosclerosis. These include LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting or incidental blood glucose, HbA1c, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and homocysteine.

Imaging techniques provide detailed insights. If arteriosclerosis is suspected, an ultrasound examination (Doppler ultrasonography) is particularly suitable for detecting the blood flow and possible constrictions in the arteries. During angiography, a contrast agent is injected into the blood vessels. This allows constrictions or blockages to be visualized in X-ray photographs. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction are still the most common causes of death. Both diseases are the result of arteriosclerosis. Doctors determine the 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease using a points system (score). For example, blood pressure, total cholesterol and smoking status are included in the assessment.

The risk can be additionally increased by other influencing factors such as lack of physical activity, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, obesity, or familial risk factors. Consult your doctor to find out which goals are realistic.

Important: Arteriosclerosis can be treated well by changing to a healthy lifestyle at an early stage and by individually tailored therapy with appropriate medication.