Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is where your arteries become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. It increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help stop it getting worse.Symptoms of atherosclerosis
You may not have any symptoms of atherosclerosis, but symptoms can include:
- chest pain
- pain in your arms and legs, especially when exercising
- feeling short of breath
- feeling tired all the time
- feeling weak
- feeling confused
If you're aged 40 to 74 you can get a free NHS health check which can spot the early signs of heart disease and stroke, as well as kidney disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes.
When and where to get medical help
Some symptoms of atherosclerosis need urgent medical help.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have chest pain that comes and goes
- you feel short of breath
- you have pain in your arms and legs when walking or exercising
- you have any other symptoms you're worried about
You can call 111 or from get help from 111 online.
Causes of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, which causes them to narrow.
Things that increase your chances of getting atherosclerosis include:
- being over 50 years of age
- smoking
- having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease
- living with overweight or obesity
- having close relatives who have cardiovascular disease
- being of Black African, African Caribbean or South Asian origin
Things you can do to help with atherosclerosis
There are some things you can do to help stop atherosclerosis getting worse:
Treatments for atherosclerosis
There are currently no treatments to reverse atherosclerosis, but you may be offered medicines to lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
You may need medicines to:
- lower your cholesterol (usually statins)
- lower your blood pressure
- lower your risk of blood clots
- lower your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
You may also need surgery to help improve blood flow through the affected arteries.
Complications of atherosclerosis
Without lifestyle changes and medical treatment, atherosclerosis may get worse over time.
It can cause:
Immediate action required: Call 999 if you have:
- signs of a heart attack – pain like a tight band or heavy weight in your chest
- signs of a stroke – face dropping on 1 side, cannot hold both your arms up, difficulty speaking
- difficulty breathing – gasping for breath, choking, not able to get any words out
- sudden confusion – unable to think or speak clearly, suddenly do not know where you are
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Page last reviewed: 29 July 2026
Next review due: 29 July 2029