What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which sticky plaque, made up of cholesterol, fat, blood cells, calcium and other substances, builds up in your arteries. This causes the arteries to narrow over time, restricting blood flow to parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis, the most common type of arteriosclerosis , an umbrella term for conditions that cause the hardening of arteries throughout the body, is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States.
Plaque buildup can start in childhood and affect most of the body's arteries, leading to numerous health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, vascular dementia and limb loss.
The best way to treat atherosclerosis is to prevent it. Atherosclerosis progresses silently, often with no noticeable symptoms. Plaque slowly builds up over years to decades before it causes serious problems. Staying proactive and treating your risk factors can help prevent the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque.
It is important to note that when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis, this is general information, and you should follow the specific guidance and instructions given to you by your doctor.
Types of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis can affect almost any medium or large artery in your body from head to toe. Partial or complete blockages can restrict blood flow, most commonly to your heart, brain, kidneys, arms, legs or pelvis.
Atherosclerosis has different names based on the location of the arteries affected. Types include:
- Carotid artery disease: Plaque buildup in your neck arteries reduces blood flow to your brain, which can lead to a stroke.
- Coronary artery disease: The arteries supplying your heart become narrowed or blocked.
- Mesenteric artery ischemia: One of the three main arteries supplying your intestines is narrowed or blocked.
- Peripheral artery disease: This is a type of peripheral vascular disease that causes narrowing of the arteries carrying blood to your legs, arms and pelvis.
- Renal artery stenosis: This type of atherosclerosis impacts the blood supply to your kidneys.
- Vertebral artery disease: This affects arteries that carry blood to the back of your brain.
Atherosclerosis symptoms
Most people do not have any symptoms in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Symptoms often appear only when an artery is severely narrowed, and the narrowing causes a significant complication, such as a heart attack or stroke. You might also notice symptoms when you are under physical or emotional stress, and your body needs more oxygen.
When symptoms develop, they can vary depending on which arteries are affected and the extent of narrowing or blockage.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis can include:
- Abdominal pain, especially after meals
- Chest pain
- Cold sweats
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction (in men)
- Heart palpitations, or racing heart
- Nausea
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Pain, aching or cramps in legs
- Shortness of breath
- Thinking or memory problems
- Tiredness
- Vision problems
- Weakness
- Weight loss
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have symptoms of atherosclerosis or are concerned about your risk for any heart and vascular condition.
It’s also a good idea to see your doctor every year for an annual checkup. These visits allow your doctor to check your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and other vital signs that can tell them how healthy your heart is.
If you or someone else has symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, seek emergency medical care. These include chest or upper body pain, sudden shortness of breath, slurred speech, drooping facial muscles or weakness on one side of your body.
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is caused by the buildup of plaque, a mixture of fat, cholesterol and other substances in your blood. The buildup can begin when your arteries become damaged due to lifestyle factors, your genes or a medical condition.
Inflammatory cells in the damaged parts of your artery release chemical signals, causing cholesterol and cell waste to collect there. White blood cells then “eat” the cholesterol and clump together to form plaque.
As plaque builds up, it causes your artery to narrow and harden, restricting the flow of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to your limbs and vital organs. The plaque can also break off and cause a blood clot to form. A blood clot can block your artery or travel to another part of your body.
Atherosclerosis risk factors
Many factors can lead to plaque buildup, including your genes, lifestyle and history of certain health conditions. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing atherosclerosis. However, many of the risk factors for atherosclerosis can be prevented.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
- Age: Atherosclerosis progresses with age.
- Alcohol: Heavy drinking can increase your risk for atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage your arteries, making them prone to plaque buildup.
- Diet: A diet high in saturated fat, excess sugars and processed or ultra processed foods can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis.
- Family history: Development and progression of atherosclerosis may be related to genetics. An inherited cholesterol disorder known as familial hypercholesterolemia also increases your risk.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your arteries and is a leading preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis in the United States.
- Inflammatory diseases: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis and psoriasis cause high levels of inflammation, which can damage arteries.
- Excess weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes and other health conditions.
- Menopause: Women are at an increased risk after menopause due to lower levels of the hormone estrogen, which has a protective effect.
- Pregnancy complications: Gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) are both linked to atherosclerosis.
- Race or ethnicity: People who are Black and South Asian are at a higher risk than White individuals.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity may lead to cardiometabolic complications, including high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and being obese or overweight
- Smoking: Smoking and second-hand smoke damage your blood vessels.
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C, or “bad”) cholesterol can promote plaque formation.
Complications
Atherosclerosis can lead to artery blockages that prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching an organ or limb, causing severe, potentially life-threatening complications. These complications can appear suddenly and without warning.
Complications include:
- Blood clots: A blood clot can form if plaque bursts, blocking an artery.
- Heart attack: A full or partial blockage of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack, where your heart tissue does not get enough oxygen.
- Limb loss: Problems with blood flow to your extremities can lead to the need to amputate part of an arm or leg.
- Ischemic stroke: An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency, usually caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in your brain.
- Vascular dementia: Reduced blood flow to your brain can result in loss of mental function.
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing atherosclerosis early is important for preventing serious complications like heart attack or stroke. Your doctor will use a combination of tools to assess your risk, including a physical exam, blood work and heart imaging. If you don’t have symptoms, they may use a risk calculator to estimate your chances of developing heart disease.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask you about your medical and family history, health conditions and any medicines you take. They will perform a physical exam, including listening to your heart and the blood flow in your arteries. They will check your blood pressure and weight, and they may check other indicators of heart health, such as your waist size and body mass index (BMI), a measurement of your weight compared with your height.
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Blood tests
Blood tests help measure cholesterol levels, blood sugar, triglycerides and markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein. These results help your doctor understand your risk for atherosclerosis and related conditions like coronary artery disease or diabetes.
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Imaging tests
Imaging studies allow your doctor to see inside your arteries and assess blood flow, plaque buildup or damage to your heart.
- Angiogram: This procedure uses X-rays, contrast dye and a catheter to look for blockages or narrowing of your arteries.
- Calcium score test: A non contrast CT scan measures calcium buildup in the walls of your arteries, which can be a sign of atherosclerosis.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Powerful magnets create a 3D image of your heart’s tissues or coronary arteries, allowing doctors to see if you have tissue damage or blood flow issues.
- Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan: This test can show your doctor how well blood flows through your heart’s small blood vessels.
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Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick and noninvasive test that records the electrical signals in your heart. Small electrode patches are placed on your chest, arms and legs to detect these signals. An EKG can identify abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), signs of a previous or current heart attack and areas of the heart that aren’t receiving enough oxygen. While an EKG alone cannot diagnose atherosclerosis, it can help identify complications caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.
If your EKG shows abnormal patterns, your doctor may order additional tests to confirm whether atherosclerosis or another condition is affecting your heart function.
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Exercise stress tests
Heart stress tests evaluate how well your heart performs under physical exertion. During the test, you’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. In some cases, a medication may be used to simulate the effects of exercise if you're unable to exercise physically.
This test helps reveal symptoms of atherosclerosis that might not appear when you’re at rest. Reduced blood flow to the heart during activity may indicate narrowed coronary arteries. Your doctor might also combine a stress test with imaging, such as echocardiography or nuclear imaging, to get a clearer view of your heart’s structure and blood flow during exercise.
Stress tests are especially useful if you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you’re at higher risk for coronary artery disease.
Atherosclerosis treatment
If you have risk factors for or evidence of atherosclerosis, your doctor will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. You can slow or in some instances, even reverse plaque buildup by taking medication and following a heart-healthy lifestyle. If your arteries have large amounts of plaque, your doctor might recommend surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Simple changes to your diet and daily routine can prevent atherosclerosis and reduce your risk of serious complications if it develops. Eat a healthy diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and is low in saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt).
Try to lose weight if you are overweight, quit smoking and limit alcohol to one drink per day for women or two for men. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
Managing stress and getting enough sleep also promote heart health. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or eat unhealthy foods. Lowering stress levels may help you avoid those unhealthy habits. You can start with meditation, relaxation techniques or gentle exercises such as yoga, but if stress lingers, consider talking to a mental health professional.
Medication
Your doctor might prescribe medications to reduce plaque buildup or treat its causes, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. The medication your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms (if any) and the underlying condition.
Medications you might receive if you have atherosclerosis include:
- Aspirin (low dose): Your doctor will usually only prescribe aspirin if you already have an atherosclerosis-related condition or have had a heart attack or stroke.
- Beta blockers: These drugs can treat high blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances.
- Blood thinners: Blood thinners stop blood clots from forming.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications relax blood vessels with the goal of lowering your blood pressure.
- Ranolazine: This medication can relieve chest pain.
- Statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications: These help lower levels of unhealthy cholesterol and other fats. They may reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Vasodilators: These medications, which include nitroglycerin, dilate your coronary arteries, preventing or relieving chest pain.
Cardiac catheterization
If atherosclerosis progresses to a point when you start to experience symptoms, your doctor may recommend further evaluation with a procedure known as cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac catheterization procedures allow doctors to open your blood vessels and prevent a blockage without open surgery. During these procedures, your doctor inserts a small tube called a catheter into a vein in your groin or wrist. They can perform different procedures through the catheter to clear a blocked artery or address other problems.
Also called percutaneous coronary intervention, angioplasty and stenting uses a catheter with a small balloon attached to open blocked or narrowed arteries. Your doctor might implant a small mesh tube called a stent to keep them open. Angioplasty is often performed at the same time as an angiogram, a test often used to diagnose atherosclerosis.
Surgery
If you have severe plaque build-up or it causes symptoms such as chest pain, your doctor might recommend one of the following surgeries:
- Coronary artery bypass graft: Your surgeon uses a healthy piece of artery or vein from another part of your body to create a new pathway for your blood. This could be above or below a blocked artery. It is an effective way to treat severe plaque buildup.
- Carotid endarterectomy: This procedure removes plaque from the carotid artery in your neck.
- Transmyocardial laser revascularization: Your doctor uses a laser to make small holes on the surface of the heart muscle to improve blood flow. The procedure can treat severe chest pain when other surgeries are not appropriate.
Find specialized care for atherosclerosis
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 atherosclerosis. 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 atherosclerosis be reversed?
You may be able to reverse atherosclerosis through medication and lifestyle changes, especially if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Reducing your cholesterol levels and controlling other risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, can restore the function of your arteries.
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Does atherosclerosis cause high blood pressure?
Atherosclerosis can lead to high blood pressure by narrowing and stiffening the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. In turn, high blood pressure can damage arteries and accelerate plaque buildup, creating a cycle that worsens both conditions. Managing both is key to protecting your heart and overall health.
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How common is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a very common condition, especially as people get older. In fact, about half of adults ages 45 to 84 in the US may have atherosclerosis and not even know it, according to the National Institutes of Health. Plaque buildup in the arteries often develops slowly over time and can lead to serious complications like heart attacks and strokes, which are the leading causes of death worldwide.
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Is atherosclerosis hereditary?
Yes, atherosclerosis can be hereditary. Having a close relative with early heart disease increases your risk. Genetics may influence cholesterol levels and artery health, but lifestyle choices like diet and exercise also matter. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history to discuss screening or prevention options.
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Can atherosclerosis be reversed with exercise?
Yes, regular exercise can help slow or partially reverse atherosclerosis. It improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and stabilizes plaque. Combined with a heart-healthy lifestyle, exercise lowers your risk of heart attack or stroke. Always check with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.
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