Hardening of the arteries is a common, serious cardiovascular condition. Also called arteriosclerosis, it occurs when the walls of the arteries, which deliver fresh blood to the body, become stiffened. According to the text "Medical-Surgical Nursing," atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis that involves the formation of plaque on the artery wall. This plaque can restrict blood flow through the artery or break loose, causing a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of artery hardening vary according to the body part affected.
Chest Pain
Arteriosclerosis can affect the coronary arteries that provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When these arteries become stiff and narrowed, chest pain can result. Called angina pectoris, this pain may be accompanied by difficulty breathing and fatigue, explains the University of California at San Fransisco Medical Center. The chest pain may happen when the individual places an extra demand on the heart, such as performing a strenuous activity or climbing several flights of stairs. As the arteriosclerosis worsens, the chest pain may occur at any time, even during rest. The heart's rhythm may become irregular, a condition known as arrhythmia. These symptoms may forewarn a future heart attack.
Difficulty Speaking
The atherosclerosis type of arteriosclerosis can affect the arteries that deliver fresh blood to the brain, slowly starving the brain of adequate oxygen. This can cause a transient ischemic attack, a condition in which the oxygen deprivation become severe enough that symptoms are noticed. A temporary difficulty in speaking, a loss of tone in the muscles of the face and a weakness or lack of sensation in the arms or legs may be noted. These symptoms may forewarn an impending stroke.
Aching Legs
Arteriosclerosis that occurs in the legs is referred to as peripheral artery disease. The hardening, or stiffening, of the arteries that deliver oxygenated blood to the legs causes the artery walls to fail to relax and allow extra blood to pass through when the leg muscles are in use, such as during a walk or run. This causes intermittent claudication, a condition in which the legs temporarily ache and become lame due to the inability to receive adequate oxygen during use. Symptoms of hardened arteries in the legs include pain, burning, aching and the necessity to stop walking and rest the legs. Over time, the legs or feet may look pale and feel cool and numb even when resting. The legs may cramp and painful tingling may make sleep difficult.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- University of California at San Fransisco Medical Center: Arteriosclerosis -- Signs and Symptoms
- MedlinePlus: Peripheral Artery Disease -- Legs
- MayoClinic.com: Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis
