Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis:
The first signs of atherosclerosis can begin to develop during adolescence with streaks of white blood cells appearing on the artery wall.
Signs and symptoms will depend on which arteries are affected:
Carotid Arteries – The carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to brain and when the blood supply is limited patients can suffer stroke and the symptoms may include:
- Sudden weakness
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Problems breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden and severe headache
Coronary Arteries – These arteries provide blood to the heart and when blood supply to the heart is limited it can cause angina and heart attack. The symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Extreme anxiety
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Feeling faint
Renal Arteries – These arteries provide blood to the kidneys and if blood supply to the kidneys is limited there is a serious risk of developing chronic kidney disease and the patient may experience:
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Difficulty concentrating
Peripheral Arteries – Plaque also can build up in the major arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis. If these major arteries are narrowed or blocked one may have:
- Numbness
- Pain and
- Sometimes dangerous infections
Other symptoms include:
- Hair loss on legs or feet
- Male impotence
- Change of the skin color on the legs
- Weakness in the legs
