Signs & Symptoms of Hardening of the Arteries
Hardening of the arteries, or more formally known as atherosclerosis, is primarily caused by high blood pressure. The increased pressure and pumping of the heart puts strain on the arteries, making them harden under the stress. Poor dieting and exercise habits can also build up plaque within the arteries, which hardens and clogs the flow of blood. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have atherosclerosis until they are faced with severe symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Early Signs
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The earliest signs of a hardening of the arteries are the same as the symptoms of a chronic heart condition. The patient may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness, heart palpitations, swelling of the limbs and fainting.
Angina
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Angina is a form of chest pain caused by atherosclerosis in the heart arteries. The symptoms and pain will feel similar to a heart attack, including shortness of breath, anxiety, sweating and and severe chest pain.
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Numbness/Weakness of the Limbs
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If the arteries to the brain are becoming clogged, the patient may exhibit numbness or weakness in one or more of his limbs. The symptoms are similar to that of a stroke. He may have paralysis of one side of the body and will have trouble speaking.
Pain During Walking
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A person with atherosclerosis of the leg arteries may feel pain or numbness during walking. The pain will only come during the walking activity and will disappear once the person stops moving. However, if the disease is severe, the pain may come during moments of rest and could break down the skin and infect the leg, which may require amputation.
Other Complications
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Depending on what arteries are the most affected, the symptoms can also include erectile dysfunction or kidney disease or failure.
Atherosclerosis is very dangerous because the first symptom could be pain in legs or it could be congestive heart failure and fast, unexpected death. To prevent atherosclerosis, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and have your blood pressure checked by your doctor.
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