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Signs and Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening and hardening of the medium or large arteries.  Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis in which cholesterol deposits line the inner wall of the artery.  Arteriosclerotic plaque is a build-up of calcium on the inside of the artery walls.  Both terms tend to be used interchangeably to describe the clogging and hardening of the arteries.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of arteriosclerosis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis are as follows:

  • Chest pain
  • Leg pain or numbness
  • Poor circulation with cold hands and feet
  • Leg cramps
  • Blurred vision
  • High blood pressure
  • Sexual impotence

Many people with mild arteriosclerosis don’t have any signs and symptoms of arteriosclerosis.  Arteriosclerosis develops slowly, and the disease may have already progressed to the point where your arteries are significantly clogged before you notice any symptoms.  Sometimes the first symptoms are a heart attack or stroke.

Diagnosis of Arteriosclerosis

Your doctor may find evidence of narrowed or hardened arteries during a physical exam.  A Doppler ultrasound which measures your blood pressure at different points along your arm or leg can help to diagnose blockages in the arteries.  An ankle-brachial index test compares the blood pressure measurements in the ankle with the arm, with an abnormal difference between the two indicating atherosclerosis.  Other tests that can help to diagnose arteriosclerosis include a cardiac catheterization and angiogram, a CT scan and an MRI.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis

Bypassing Bypass Surgery: Chelation Therapy: A Non-surgical Treatment for Reversing Arteriosclerosis, Improving Blocked Circulation, and Slowing the Aging Process
Elmer M. Cranton		 Beyond Cholesterol: Vitamin B-B6-S, Arteriosclerosis and Your Heart
Edward R. Gruberg
Arteriosclerosis – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References
ICON Health Publications		 Prognosis of Coronary Heart Disease: Progression of Coronary Arteriosclerosis
H. Roskamm

Arteriosclerosis Resources

General Patient Resources

  • Med Help

MedHelp’s arteriosclerosis Center for Information, Symptoms, Resources, Treatments and Tools for arteriosclerosis.

http://www.medhelp.org/tags/show/945/arteriosclerosis

  • MD Junction

Arteriosclerosis Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Arteriosclerosis.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/arteriosclerosis-discussions

  • Right Health

Doctor-reviewed article and arteriosclerosis guide.

http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Arteriosclerosis

  • WD

List of 13 disease causes of Arteriosclerosis, patient stories, diagnostic guides, medical books excerpts online about Arteriosclerosis. Diagnostic checklist, and more.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/arteriosclerosis.htm

Medical Resources

  • Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment for hardening of the arteries.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525

  • Pub Med

Reviews causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001224/

  • Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000171.htm