Atherosclerosis doesn't cause symptoms on its own. You may not have any symptoms unless the plaque buildup causes other problems such as a stroke, an aortic aneurysm, an aortic dissection, or blocked blood flow in the leg.
Atherosclerosis of the aorta can be treated with a heart-healthy lifestyle and medicines that help lower your risk of serious problems. These medicines include:
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show MRAs of the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart.
Figure 3 shows an MRA of a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).
A heart-healthy lifestyle may benefit your blood vessels. Eat heart-healthy foods. Limit alcohol, sugar, and sodium. Be active. Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Try to get enough sleep. If you smoke, try to quit. Manage other conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Take your medicines as prescribed.
Having atherosclerosis (say "ath-uh-roh-skluh-ROH-sis") of the aorta means that a material called plaque (fat and calcium) has built up in the inside wall of a large blood vessel called the aorta. This plaque buildup is sometimes called "hardening of the arteries."
The aorta is the main artery that sends oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the body and to the brain. It runs from your heart down through your stomach area.
When plaque builds up, it can cause problems:
So even if you have no symptoms, having this disease makes you more likely to have serious problems such as:
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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