Atherosclerosis is a common condition in which fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances build up in and on the walls of the arteries. This buildup is called plaque, and it can lead to the hardening of the arteries.
Over time, this can cause your arteries to narrow, leading to the blocking of blood vessels and restricting blood flow. When you have clogged arteries in the heart, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks, strokes or even death.
This condition is the usual cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Understanding this condition is the first step toward managing it and protecting your cardiovascular health.
The good news is that with early diagnosis and the right care, people can manage atherosclerosis, slow its progression and significantly reduce their risk of complications.
If you are concerned about your heart health or have risk factors for heart disease, know that help is here for you.
Atherosclerosis often develops slowly and may not have any symptoms until an artery is narrowed or clogged that it can’t supply enough blood to your organs and tissues.
Sometimes, a blood clot completely blocks the blood flow, or a plaque in an artery breaks apart, triggering a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a complex process that is thought to begin with damage to the inner layer of an artery.
The exact cause is unknown, but damage may be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or high blood sugar. Once the artery wall is damaged, blood cells and other substances clump at the site, and fatty deposits made of cholesterol and other cellular products build up.
This process is known as plaque formation. The relationship between cholesterol and atherosclerosis is central to this process.
To diagnose atherosclerosis, your specialist will begin with a thorough physical exam and a detailed review of your medical history, including any family history of heart disease.
During the physical exam, when listening to your arteries with a stethoscope, they may detect a distinct “whooshing” sound, known as a bruit. This sound can indicate turbulent blood flow through a narrowed artery.
Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden over time. This restricts blood flow and reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues.
While the underlying disease process is the same, the impact of atherosclerosis depends on which arteries are affected.
This is perhaps the most common and critical type. It occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, which are the vital blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood directly to the heart muscle. CAD can lead to angina (chest pain), heart attack and heart failure.
This develops when plaque accumulates in the carotid arteries, located on the sides of your neck. These arteries are crucial as they supply blood directly to your brain. Narrowing of these arteries can lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes.
This refers to atherosclerosis affecting the arteries in your limbs, most commonly the legs. PAD can cause pain, cramping, numbness and fatigue in the legs or arms, especially during exercise. In severe cases, it can lead to non-healing wounds and even amputation.
Atherosclerosis can cause the aorta (the body’s largest artery, originating from the heart) to weaken over time. This weakening can lead to a dangerous bulging or ballooning of the artery wall, known as an aneurysm. If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.
Atherosclerosis can also affect the arteries supplying the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and kidney dysfunction.
Treatment for atherosclerosis focuses on slowing the progression of plaque buildup and preventing complications. This usually involves:
Ready to learn what might help you? Learn more about Atherosclerosis Treatments on this treatment page.
The complications of atherosclerosis depend on where the blockages are, but can be very serious:
Atherosclerosis is a growing health concern as it contributes to serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and aneurysms. This condition develops gradually as plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. Many people may not notice symptoms until complications arise, which makes early detection and management crucial.
When managing atherosclerosis in Singapore, the journey usually begins with a consultation with a cardiologist or vascular specialist. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ECGs, stress tests, and imaging studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Treatment often combines lifestyle changes, medication to control cholesterol, blood pressure or blood sugar, and, in some cases, surgical interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Ongoing care includes regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans, helping patients visualise a clear pathway from diagnosis to recovery and long-term management.
You should seek medical attention for atherosclerosis in Singapore if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, numbness, or pain in the limbs, as these can be signs of atherosclerosis, leading to complications. Even without symptoms, individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, or a strong family history should consider early screening. Prompt evaluation ensures timely intervention and reduces the likelihood of serious outcomes.
You don’t have to manage atherosclerosis alone. A specialist, such as a cardiologist or vascular surgeon, can help assess your condition, provide an accurate diagnosis, adjust medication and offer strategies for slowing progression and preventing complications.
If you or someone you love has concerns about heart health, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or symptoms that might indicate narrowed arteries, book a consultation to get clear answers and personalised support.
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