About this condition
Atherosclerosis is a long-term process in which plaques develop within artery walls. It may affect the blood vessels supplying the heart, brain and other organs. A high cholesterol result alone does not prove that an artery is narrowed. Equally, arterial changes may be present without symptoms.
What increases cardiovascular risk?
Relevant factors include high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, a family history of early cardiovascular events and other circumstances. Risk is assessed as a whole; one blood-test number does not describe the condition of all arteries.
Does atherosclerosis cause particular symptoms?
Early atherosclerosis often produces no specific symptoms. Reduced blood supply to the heart muscle may cause exertional chest pain or pressure and breathlessness, which should be assessed for coronary artery disease. Disease in other arteries causes different symptoms; there is no single universal symptom pattern.
How is arterial health assessed?
A clinician reviews the medical history, blood pressure, smoking status, associated conditions and a lipid profile. Specialized imaging may be appropriate for some people, but routine ultrasound or CT scans are not necessary for everyone with elevated cholesterol. Testing should address a specific clinical question and risk level.
Prevention and treatment
Risk reduction may include stopping smoking, limiting excessive saturated fats, physical activity suited to health and managing blood pressure and glucose. Medication to lower LDL cholesterol may be prescribed when indicated. Individual cholesterol targets depend on overall cardiovascular risk and whether vascular disease has already been diagnosed. Do not stop prescribed medicine after one normal test result.
When should you seek care?
A routine appointment is an opportunity to review cardiovascular risk, lipid results, blood pressure, diabetes and family history. Sudden chest pain, stroke symptoms or other acute problems require emergency care rather than a preventive check-up.
Signs and symptoms
There may be no symptoms for years. Signs depend on the arteries affected; exertional chest discomfort or other evidence of reduced blood supply should be assessed by a clinician.
Diagnosis and tests
Assessment includes cardiovascular risk factors, lipid results and associated conditions. Ultrasound or other arterial imaging is chosen for individual indications, not automatically for everyone.
Care and treatment approaches
Managing cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, lifestyle and other risk factors. A clinician decides whether medication is needed and sets individual targets.
When to seek urgent care
Call 103 or 112 immediately for crushing chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or severe breathlessness.
Frequently asked questions
Are atherosclerosis and high cholesterol the same thing?
No. High cholesterol is one risk factor; atherosclerosis refers to changes in the artery walls.
Can atherosclerosis occur without symptoms?
Yes. This is one reason to assess cardiovascular risk factors even when you feel well.
Does everyone with high cholesterol need a CT scan?
No. A clinician decides on imaging according to individual risk and a specific diagnostic question.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
