Atherosclerosis

Overview

Atherosclerosis is the gradual buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) inside the arteries. Over time these plaques harden and narrow the vessel, restricting blood flow to vital organs and limbs. Untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease (PAD). At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital we provide expert assessment, advanced imaging and personalised treatment plans to slow plaque progression and lower your risk of life-threatening complications.

Key Risk Factors

• Smoking
• High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of early heart disease or stroke
• Increasing age and male sex, though women’s risk rises after menopause

Common Symptoms

Atherosclerosis often develops silently for years. Symptoms usually appear only after an artery becomes significantly narrowed or blocked:

If you experience sudden chest pain, weakness on one side, or loss of vision, seek emergency care immediately.

Diagnosis

Our cardiology and vascular teams use:

• Blood tests – cholesterol profile & glucose levels
• Blood-pressure monitoring
• Non-invasive imaging:
  • Carotid Doppler ultrasound
  • CT coronary angiography
  • Ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) for leg arteries
• Coronary angiography if intervention is planned

Treatment & Prevention

Lifestyle measures

• Smoking cessation programmes
• Heart-healthy diet rich in fruit, veg and wholegrains
• Regular aerobic exercise
• Weight and stress management

Medications

• Statins or other lipid-lowering drugs
• Antiplatelet therapy (e.g. aspirin)
• Blood-pressure and diabetes control

Interventional / Surgical options

• Angioplasty & stenting to open narrowed arteries
• Endarterectomy for severe carotid disease
• Bypass surgery where multiple vessels are involved

Our multidisciplinary team tailors therapy to your individual risk profile, combining medical management with cardiology, vascular surgery and rehabilitation services.

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant-led cardiovascular assessment with minimal waiting times
• On-site CT, MRI (at New Foscote Hospital) and vascular ultrasound for rapid diagnosis
• Integrated stroke-prevention pathway in collaboration with our Stroke Rehabilitation team
• Personalised lifestyle coaching and cardiac rehabilitation programmes
• Modern private facilities and compassionate, patient-centred care

Early detection can prevent heart attack or stroke. If you have risk factors or symptoms of atherosclerosis, contact us today for an expert evaluation.

Field