Arteriosclerosis, also called atherosclerosis, is a common medical problem. It involves the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessels. This is due to poor dietary choices, including high-fat foods. The fat will form solid calcium deposits on the walls of the arteries. With time, the fat deposits will start to impede blood flow through the arteries, according to Medline Plus. This can cause heart disease and limit energy levels.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is often caused by arteriosclerosis. It occurs due to decreased ability of the heart to function normally when the arteries are clogged with fatty deposits. Any unusual inability to breathe normally is a serious symptom that should be immediately reported to a doctor.
Chest Pain
Chest pain, called stable angina, is a symptom of arteriosclerosis. It occurs due to arteries that are thinner inside than normal due to deposits of fat. The chest pain is typically intermittent. Seek medical care to obtain a prescription drug to quell the angina.
Heart Attack
A heart attack is sometimes a symptom of arteriosclerosis, according to Medline Plus. When arteries become blocked by fat deposits, blood does not flow normally to the heart. This can cause a heart attack and other cardiac issues.
Pain in Legs
Pain or numbness in the lower limbs while walking or exercising is a symptom of arteriosclerosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. This symptom is often intermittent but sometimes is constant and ongoing. This symptom can interfere with ability to exercise or perform typical daily activities.
Stroke
A stroke can also serve as a symptom that arteriosclerosis has developed in the arteries near the brain. The stoke will happen when a bit of a hardened fat deposit in an artery breaks free and circulates in the body via the arteries, according to Medline Plus. When it moves into the brain, a stroke can occur. The symptoms that will occur before a transient ischemic attack or stroke include changes to the face due to droopy muscles, numbness or lack of strength in limbs and trouble talking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism can result from blood clots that form when arteriosclerosis develops, according to Age-Well.com. When the clots move through the arteries, they can travel to the lungs and lodge there, hindering their ability to function.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a symptom of arteriosclerosis too, according to the Mayo Clinic. As arteries become blocked due to fatty substances circulating in the arteries, the blood flow to the penis will decrease and make it difficult to achieve a full erection.
