Arteriosclerosis is commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries. Healthy, flexible and elastic arteries can progressively become stiff and narrow. The arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to all parts of the body. The deposit of fat or plaque on the walls of the blood vessels causes the narrowing of the arteries. Restricted blood flow through narrowed arteries causes serious medical consequences.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is arteriosclerosis in those arteries that are farthest from the heart The arteries of the pelvis and legs are most commonly affected. The increased plaque deposits restrict the flow of blood. Painful cramping in the hips and legs is experienced during activities such as walking. The plaque formation can become brittle, break away from the wall of the artery, and cause a blockage. A person with severe PAD experiences wounds that do not heal, coldness in the affected part of the legs, and pain that does not go away. Gangrene, which is death of healthy tissue, can result with untreated PAD. A history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are risk factors for developing PAD.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease, or CAD, is arteriosclerosis in the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Restricted blood flow to the coronary arteries results in chest pain, or angina, and shortness of breath. Blockage of a coronary artery results in a heart attack. Progressive CAD is a leading cause of heart failure, which is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Risk factors for CAD include a family history of heart disease, history of smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Obesity, low levels of physical activity, high levels of stress and diabetes are associated with CAD.
Carotid Artery Disease
Arteriosclerosis in the carotid arteries causes carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the brain. A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is an early warning sign of carotid artery disease. The symptoms include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, loss of vision in one eye, the inability to speak clearly, and loss of control of movement in an arm or leg. According to VascularWeb, "Symptoms of a TIA usually last for a few minutes to 1 hour." The formation of a clot can cause blockage of a carotid artery and result in a stroke. The risk for carotid artery disease increases with age, a family history of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. High levels of LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, low levels of physical activity, and a history of smoking are also associated with carotid artery disease.
