What is arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the body, harden or become thicker and less flexible. It is often caused by the buildup of fatty, lipid-rich deposits, known as plaque, along the artery walls, which reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and tissues.
Arteriosclerosis develops gradually and often causes no symptoms until you have complications. The condition puts you at higher risk for heart attack, strokes and many types of heart and vascular conditions. However, treatments may reduce plaque, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent the condition from developing.
It is important to note that when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of arteriosclerosis, this is general information, and you should follow the specific guidance and instructions given to you by your doctor.
Types of arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is an umbrella term for three conditions that cause hardening of the arteries. Each type affects different arteries in different ways.
Atherosclerosis is the most common type. It occurs when plaque builds up in medium-sized and large arteries throughout the body. Atherosclerosis has different names depending on which arteries are affected. These include carotid artery disease (neck arteries providing blood to the brain), coronary artery disease (heart arteries) and peripheral artery disease (usually in leg arteries). Other types of atherosclerosis affect arteries leading to the kidneys, back of the brain and intestines.
The other two types of arteriosclerosis include:
- Arteriolosclerosis: This is hardening of small arteries called arterioles. It often develops in people with high blood pressure or diabetes and commonly affects the kidneys.
- Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis: This usually harmless condition occurs when calcium builds up in small to medium-sized arteries, causing them to harden but not narrow.
Arteriosclerosis symptoms
Arteriosclerosis symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and which arteries are affected. In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, you may not experience any symptoms. The first signs may occur when your body needs more oxygen but blood flow cannot keep up. For example, this could be when you are exercising or during times of stress.
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis can vary and may include:
- Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or cramps in your legs when walking or using stairs
- Problems with memory or cognition
- Slurred speech
- Swelling (edema)
- Vision problems
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Weight loss
See your doctor if you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis. Seek emergency care if you experience signs of a heart attack or stroke.
What causes arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the blood, that builds up on damaged arteries. This damage can happen from unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a poor diet, as well as medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Genes can also play a role.
Plaque forms when inflammatory cells travel to damaged areas and send chemical signals, attracting white blood cells that attach to the artery wall. Cholesterol and fatty waste in the blood gather at these spots, turning into plaque. As the plaque builds up, the artery narrows, restricting blood flow.
Arteriosclerosis risk factors
Many different factors can contribute to arteriosclerosis. Some risk factors are within your control, but others, like your age, are things you cannot change. As you get older, your risk of developing arteriosclerosis increases. Additionally, men are more likely than women to have the condition. But by making healthy lifestyle changes, you can help to lower your risk.
Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include:
- Age: The risk of arteriosclerosis increases with age.
- Family history: Your risk is higher if you have a close male family member who developed the condition before age 55 or a close female relative who was diagnosed before 65.
- Smoking: Tobacco causes arteries to narrow and may damage artery walls. It also affects cholesterol and increases clotting activity in the blood.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol, can cause damage to arteries.
- High blood pressure: Long-term high pressure in arteries can cause damage that leads to arteriosclerosis.
- Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar can lead to arteriolosclerosis and greatly increase the risk for atherosclerosis.
- Obesity: Having a higher weight increases the risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, all risk factors for arteriosclerosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity increases the risk for coronary arteriosclerosis.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating fatty foods and not enough fruits and vegetables increases the risk for coronary artery disease.
Complications
Untreated arteriosclerosis can cause dangerous complications in some cases. Many people do not know they have arteriosclerosis until a complication occurs. The condition often doesn’t cause symptoms until plaque buildup has become significant.
Some complications related to arteriosclerosis include:
- Heart attack: This occurs when an artery supplying blood to the heart becomes suddenly blocked.
- Heart failure: Hardening of coronary arteries can cause the heart to fail to pump blood properly.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: This is bleeding on the brain that can occur when a blood vessel leaks or bursts.
- Ischemic stroke: A blockage in an artery carrying blood to the brain can prevent part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs.
- Kidney failure: Thickening of the arterial walls can cause kidneys to stop functioning properly.
- Limb loss: Blockages in leg arteries can lead to a dangerous infection called gangrene in a toe, foot or leg. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
- Vascular dementia: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the brain can prevent the brain from functioning as it should.
How is arteriosclerosis diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of arteriosclerosis, your doctor will conduct a thorough exam and ask detailed questions about your symptoms. Your doctor will then do tests based on your symptoms and where they suspect you might have a blockage. The goal is to determine what organs are involved and the extent of any blockages.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your current symptoms, how long you've had them, and whether anything makes them better or worse. They’ll also review your medical history and lifestyle factors like smoking, physical activity, diet, and alcohol use. Family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol is also important.
During the physical exam, your doctor may:
- Check your blood pressure in both arms and legs
- Listen for abnormal sounds (bruits) in your arteries using a stethoscope
- Assess pulses in your legs and feet
- Check for signs of poor circulation, like pale or cool skin, wounds that don't heal, or slow nail growth
These findings help determine whether further testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
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Imaging tests
Imaging tests allow your doctor to see inside your arteries and assess how well blood is flowing. These tests can identify narrowing, blockages, or calcium buildup in your arteries.
- Ankle-brachial index: This test checks the blood pressure in individual arteries in your ankles and arms. Your doctor compares the measurements to see if you have peripheral artery disease.
- Calcium score test: A calcium score test uses CT imaging to identify calcium buildup in your arteries, which can indicate atherosclerosis.
- Cardiac catheterization: In this test, a cardiologist inserts a catheter into an artery and guides it to the heart. It may be combined with angiography , which creates images of blood vessels using X-rays and a contrast dye.
- Vascular ultrasound: Your doctor may use this imaging test to look at blood vessels in your abdomen, neck or other areas.
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Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a simple and painless test that checks your heart’s electrical activity. It can show how fast or slow your heart is beating and whether it’s beating in a regular rhythm. More importantly, an EKG can help detect signs that your heart may not be getting enough oxygen, which could be due to narrowed or hardened arteries.
If you’ve had a heart attack in the past, your EKG may show damage to your heart muscle. Your doctor may recommend an EKG if you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. It’s often used alongside other tests to get a full picture of your heart health.
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Blood tests
Blood tests are an important tool in diagnosing arteriosclerosis because they help identify risk factors and signs of inflammation that can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Your doctor may order:
- Cholesterol tests to measure your levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. High LDL and triglycerides can increase your risk of plaque buildup.
- Blood glucose tests to check for diabetes or prediabetes, as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) to measure inflammation in your body. Elevated CRP levels may be a sign of inflammation in your arteries.
- Lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor that may also increase your chance of developing arteriosclerosis.
These results help your doctor understand your risk level and guide your treatment plan, especially if lifestyle changes or medication are needed to prevent the condition from worsening.
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Stress tests
A stress test shows how well your heart performs when it’s working harder — like during exercise. If your arteries are narrowed or hardened, your heart may struggle to get enough blood during physical activity.
There are two types of stress tests:
- Exercise stress test: You walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while hooked up to an EKG. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored during the test.
- Pharmacologic stress test: If you're unable to exercise, your doctor may give you a medication that makes your heart respond as if you were exercising. This is often combined with imaging like an echocardiogram or nuclear scan to see how blood is flowing to your heart.
Heart stress tests help detect signs of coronary artery disease and may uncover problems not visible when your heart is at rest. This can be especially helpful if your symptoms only happen during activity or exertion.
Arteriosclerosis treatment
Treatment for arteriosclerosis varies widely depending on which arteries have blockages and how severe the condition is. Your overall health also plays a big role in your treatment plan. Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that best meets your individual needs.
Your doctor will likely recommend making lifestyle changes to lower risk factors and improve heart health. In addition, medications can often help treat conditions that increase your risk for arteriosclerosis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open blocked arteries.
Lifestyle changes
Following a heart-healthy lifestyle is an important part of treatment for arteriosclerosis. Adopting healthy habits can even help to reverse the condition in some cases. Some important steps you can take include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet: This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting saturated fats, salt and added sugars.
- Exercising regularly: Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week.
- Getting enough sleep: Make sure you get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
- Quitting tobacco: Your doctor can prescribe quitting aids or work with you to create a plan to quit.
- Limiting alcohol: This means two drinks or fewer per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women.
- Reaching a healthy weight: Losing weight can help you manage many risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage risk factors or complications from arteriosclerosis. These may include medications to control high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, control diabetes, dissolve blood clots and treat other issues related to arteriosclerosis. Weight-loss medications can also help some people reduce their risk factors.
Cardiac catheterization
During cardiac catheterization, your doctor can open or clear a narrowed or blocked artery without surgery. These procedures use a small tube called a catheter inserted through a vein in your groin or wrist through which doctors can perform various diagnostic procedures and treatments.
For arteriosclerosis, they can perform angioplasty. This procedure opens a blocked or narrowed artery and may involve inflating a balloon in the artery to flatten down plaque. Your doctor may also insert a stent to keep the artery open.
Doctors can perform angioplasty for peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open a blocked artery. Depending on the location of the blockage, options may include:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This uses sections of healthy arteries from the chest wall or legs to create a bypass and improve blood flow to the heart. Similar procedures can also be done in other parts of the body.
- Carotid endarterectomy: In this procedure, your doctor removes plaque buildup from inside the carotid artery.
Find specialized care for arteriosclerosis
At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert cardiology care. Our specialized cardiovascular centers are designed to meet the unique needs of people who have been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or need ongoing support, our teams are here to help you.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 540, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Advanced Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano Heart Valve Center of Texas
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 am
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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Can arteriosclerosis be reversed?
Arteriosclerosis can sometimes be reversed in its early stages through healthy lifestyle changes and medication. While advanced cases may not be fully reversible, managing risk factors can slow progression, reduce complications and improve blood flow. In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended.
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Does arteriosclerosis increase blood pressure?
Yes, arteriosclerosis can increase blood pressure. When your arteries become stiff or narrowed due to plaque buildup, your heart has to work harder to push blood through them. This added strain raises your blood pressure. At the same time, high blood pressure can damage artery walls, making arteriosclerosis worse — creating a cycle where each condition contributes to the other.
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Can smoking cause arteriosclerosis?
Yes. Smoking is a major risk factor for arteriosclerosis. It damages the lining of your arteries, promotes plaque buildup, raises blood pressure and reduces oxygen in the blood — all of which increase the risk of hardened or narrowed arteries. Quitting smoking can significantly lower your risk.
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Can alcohol cause arteriosclerosis?
Yes, drinking too much alcohol can contribute to arteriosclerosis. Heavy alcohol use raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which increase the risk of hardened or narrowed arteries. Over time, this can lead to serious heart and blood vessel problems. Moderation is key to protecting your cardiovascular health.
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Is arteriosclerosis genetic?
Yes, arteriosclerosis can have a genetic component. If close family members have had heart disease or arteriosclerosis, you may be at higher risk. While lifestyle plays a key role, genetics can influence factors like cholesterol levels, blood pressure and how your body handles inflammation. Be sure to share your family history with your doctor.
Expert advice from our blog
Scrubbing In® is a place where hands-on healthcare discussions are happening every day with the people whose own hands are on the front lines of patient care—the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are saving lives and advancing medicine.How we reviewed this page
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July 12, 2025
No Date
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Medically reviewed by:
Anandita Kulkarni, MD