Healthy Arteries, Healthy Life: A Guide to Atherosclerosis.

Ms. Mohana Ragavi
3 hours ago
9 min read

Have you ever thought about how what you eat today can affect your heart tomorrow?

Let’s talk about cholesterol and a condition called atherosclerosis (1,2). Atherosclerosis is when your arteries gradually become blocked over time. The tricky part? You may not notice symptoms until it becomes serious (3).

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance your body needs to build cells, make hormones, and produce Vitamin D. Your liver makes most of it, but foods like meat, eggs, and dairy also add cholesterol (4).

What are the different types of Cholesterol?

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) – also known as the “good” cholesterol. It helps clean your blood by removing excess cholesterol and sending it back to the liver (5).

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) – also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL builds up as fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (1,4), narrowing blood flow and raising heart risk (2).

What happens inside your Arteries?

Arteries are tube-like blood vessels that are an important part of your circulatory system (Blood distribution system in the body), along with the heart and veins (6). Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body (6).

When LDL sticks to artery walls, it forms plaque that Narrows blood flow and Makes arteries stiff and thick. This process is called atherosclerosis (1,2). Triglycerides are another type of fat. They provide energy, but high levels increase heart disease risk (7).

How can we check the cholesterol levels?

A simple blood test can show your cholesterol level. The healthy range can vary

depending on your age, sex, and overall health, but a healthy range is provided below (8):

Table 1: Healthy Cholesterol Levels for Adults (8).

Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. It includes both "good" and "bad" cholesterol (7,8). In case of HDL, a higher number is better; However, extremely high levels may sometimes be linked to health risks (7,8). A lower LDL

number is better. LDL can build up in your artery walls, leading to narrowing and an increased risk of heart disease (7,8). Non-HDL cholesterol is considered all the “bad” types of cholesterol. It is calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol and is considered a very important measure of heart risk (7,8).

What happens when the LDL level is higher?

When your LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) goes up, it starts to stick to the walls of your arteries. Over time, this builds up into fatty deposits called plaque. These

plaques make your arteries hard and narrow, which slows down blood flow and puts extra strain on your heart (7,8).

Refer to the LDL risk categories provided in the table below. If your LDL is just a little high (130–159 mg/dL), the risk begins to rise. At higher levels (160–189 mg/dL), doctors usually recommend treatment. Very high levels (190 mg/dL or more) are dangerous and need urgent medical care. Unchecked, high LDL can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, or poor circulation in your legs. That’s why keeping LDL low is one of the most important steps for protecting your heart and staying healthy (7,8).

Table 2: LDL Risk Categories.

What happens when the HDL level is lower?

HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps clean your blood by carrying excess cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be removed from the body (7,8). When HDL levels are low, below 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women, the risk of heart disease and stroke goes up, since there isn’t enough HDL to clear the cholesterol. Levels between 40–59 mg/dL are considered acceptable, but improving

HDL can further lower risk. When HDL is 60 mg/dL or higher, it offers strong protection for your heart. However, extremely high levels (above 100 mg/dL) may sometimes be linked to health problems, so medical advice is important (7,8).

Table 3: HDL Cholesterol Risk Categories.

How does Atherosclerosis develop?

Atherosclerosis develops when certain health conditions and lifestyle factors damage the inner lining of the arteries, setting off a chain of events that leads to plaque build-up. Common medical causes include obesity (9), diabetes (10), high blood pressure (11), and inflammatory conditions (12). These problems weaken or injure the artery walls, making it easier for cholesterol and other substances to stick and form deposits, eventually resulting in atherosclerosis (1,12).

In addition, everyday habits play a major role. Smoking, unhealthy food choices, lack of exercise, excess alcohol consumption, and family history are all key contributors to cardiovascular risk. Together, these factors accelerate plaque formation, narrow the arteries, and increase the chances of serious heart disease (13).

What Symptoms Should You Look For?

Atherosclerosis can affect people differently depending on which arteries are involved. Some may notice only mild signs, while others experience more discomfort.

Common symptoms include chest pain or pressure, a racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea. You might also feel numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, or pain and cramps in your legs when walking. These are signals that blood flow may be reduced. If you ever experience chest pain or shortness of breath, do not ignore them—seek medical advice promptly (3).

What are the recommended tests for Atherosclerosis?

Detecting atherosclerosis early is vital, because with timely treatment and lifestyle changes, its progression can be slowed. Your doctor will first review your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history, then may recommend specific tests.

Medical history s physical exam: Doctors check risk factors, listen for abnormal heart sounds or a “bruit” (a whooshing sound from narrowed arteries), and assess pulses in your limbs (14).
Blood tests: Measure cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Non-HDL), triglycerides, blood sugar (for diabetes), and C-reactive protein (CRP) to detect inflammation linked to atherosclerosis (15).
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A quick, painless test that records heart’s electrical activity to spot strain or reduced blood flow (15).
Stress test: Monitors heart function during exercise, revealing problems not seen at rest (15).
Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to show heart structure, pumping ability, and valve function (15).
Doppler ultrasound: Checks blood flow speed and detects narrowed or blocked arteries (15).
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in ankle and arm to diagnose poor circulation in legs (15).
Coronary calcium scan (CT): Detects calcium deposits in heart arteries; higher scores mean more plaque (15).
Angiogram: Uses dye and X-rays to locate narrowed or blocked arteries (15).
Carotid ultrasound: Examines neck arteries supplying blood to the brain, assessing stroke risk (16).
Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of heart and vessels, showing plaque build-up (15).
Nuclear imaging (SPECT/PET): Uses tracers to assess blood supply and heart muscle function (15).
CT scans: Quick X-ray images to detect plaque and assess heart disease risk (15).
Cardiac catheterization: A catheter is guided to the heart to directly view blood flow and blockages (15).

Treatment Options for Atherosclerosis

The main goal of treatment is to improve blood flow, ease symptoms, and prevent

serious complications like heart attack or stroke. The exact plan depends on how severe the condition is, but it usually involves a mix of lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes procedures (17). Doctors may also treat related problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy habits are the foundation of treatment. They slow down plaque build-up and protect your heart. Key steps include eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight (18,19).

Medications

Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may prescribe (20,21):

Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs): Reduce “bad” cholesterol and slow plaque growth.
Blood pressure medicines: Keep blood pressure under control.
Blood thinners (like aspirin): Prevent clots in narrowed arteries.
Diabetes medicines: Help manage blood sugar levels.
Clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytics): Used in emergencies to break down clots.

Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any side effects. Each medication is tailored to your individual needs.

Procedures and surgeries (2)

If your arteries are severely blocked, doctors may recommend procedures to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of serious complications (2). Common options include:

Angioplasty with stent placement: A small balloon is used to open narrowed arteries, and a stent (tiny mesh tube) is placed to keep them open.
Endarterectomy: A surgical procedure that removes plaque directly from the artery wall.
Bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting): Creates a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries.
Fibrinolytic therapy: An emergency treatment that dissolves dangerous blood clots.

How can we prevent Atherosclerosis from getting worse?

Atherosclerosis can progress over time if risk factors are not controlled. While it cannot be completely cured, you can slow its progression and lower the risk of complications by following healthy habits.

Healthy lifestyle habits to follow (13,18,19):

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and tobacco.
Stay physically active (at least 30 minutes of exercise daily).
Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Cut down on excess salt and sugar.
Limit saturated (unhealthy) fats.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage stress and get enough sleep.

Ongoing care is important:

Take your medications regularly as prescribed.
Go for routine health check-ups.
Control existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

If left untreated or unmanaged, atherosclerosis can worsen and lead to serious complications (1,2), including:

Stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain)
Heart attack or cardiac arrest
Heart failure (weak pumping ability)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing leg pain or poor circulation
Vascular dementia (memory and thinking problems due to reduced blood flow)
Organ damage from poor blood supply
Limb problems such as pain, slow healing, or severe tissue damage

Take-Home Message

Every beat of your heart depends on clear, healthy arteries. Don’t let plaque build-up block the path, early care and healthy choices can make a big difference.

About the Author

Ms. Mohana Ragavi is an Optometrist and Public Health professional with a specialization in medical writing. Driven by a passion for research and evidence‑based communication, she has authored and published clinical articles, educational resources, and research papers. Her work reflects a commitment to making complex healthcare information approachable, engaging, and clinically precise, bridging the gap between science and audience understanding. Click here to connect with Ms. Mohana Ragavi.

Abbreviations

ABI: Ankle-Brachial Index; CRP: C-Reactive Protein; CT: Computed Tomography; ECG: Electrocardiogram; EKG: Electrocardiogram; HDL: High-Density Lipoprotein; LDL: Low-Density Lipoprotein; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; PAD: Peripheral Artery Disease; PET: Positron Emission Tomography; SPECT: Single Photon Emission Computed

Tomography.

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