Are You at Risk for Atherosclerosis?

Posted: May 1, 2004

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque on the inside walls of arteries. The artery gradually narrows and can become clogged. These risk factors raise your chances of having atherosclerosis:

• Having high blood cholesterol, especially high LDL ("bad cholesterol") and low HDL ("good cholesterol") levels
• Aging and being male (women are affected more after menopause)
• Having close relatives who had heart disease or a stroke at a relatively young age
• Having high blood pressure
• Having diabetes
• Smoking
• Having trouble managing stress
• Being obese
• Being physically inactive

The more risk factors you have, the more likely it is that you have atherosclerosis. It’s important to talk with your health care provider about your risks for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?

If you don't have any symptoms and have not been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it is not easy to tell if your arteries are becoming clogged with plaque. But if you have high blood cholesterol, are overweight and get little exercise, smoke, or have other risk factors, there is a good chance that you have atherosclerosis. Eventually it can lead to heart disease, a stroke or other problems.

There are a number of tests that doctors use in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, including blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), stress testing, coronary angiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). If you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, your health care provider may suggest that you be tested.

Researchers are studying new tools to help find cardiovascular disease in earlier stages, before symptoms appear.

Source: Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services

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