Atherosclerosis is a severe medical condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This condition is a leading cause of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), making it one of the deadliest health issues across the world. While often developing silently over decades, it can suddenly lead to life-threatening complications.
In India, the rising burden of atherosclerosis-related illnesses is particularly alarming, driven by increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Understanding its causes, risk factors, and preventive measures is crucial to mitigating its impact.
Let’s Get Into Some Facts
The Global Impact of Atherosclerosis
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily caused by Atherosclerosis, have been the leading cause of death worldwide for decades.
- In 2021, approximately 20.5 million deaths were due to CVDs, accounting for one-third of all global deaths.
Impact On India
- India faces a significant burden of CVDs, with a high prevalence of Atherosclerosis.
- CVDs caused 45% of deaths in the 40-69 year age group.
- India’s age-standardized CVD death rate is 272 per 100,000 population, higher than the global average of 235 per 100,000.
- Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the leading causes, responsible for over 80% of CVD-related deaths in India.
What Causes Atherosclerosis?
When fatty deposits, calcium, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of arteries, the risk of atherosclerosis increases. Over time, this buildup, known as plaque, hardens and narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs.
The Primary Causes Include
- Hypertension: High BP strains artery walls, making them prone to damage.
- High Cholesterol: Excess LDL (“bad”) cholesterol contributes to plaque formation.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity increases weight gain, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
- Smoking: Smoking increases plaque buildup and reduces oxygen supply to the heart.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels tend to damage blood vessels, accelerating plaque formation.
- Obesity: Excess fat increases cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of diabetes.
- Poor Diet: Diets high in trans fats, saturated fats, and processed foods contribute to plaque formation.
- Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or infections can lead to inflammation and artery damage.
Who Is At High Risk For Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis does not happen overnight. It is a slow and progressive disease, often starting during childhood or adolescence and may remain unnoticed for decades. Studies have shown that fatty streaks, an early sign of Atherosclerosis, can be found in the arteries of children as young as 10.
The silently progressive nature of the disease often leads to symptoms appearing at the age of 40 or 50, which may already be severe by then. While anyone can develop this disease, certain groups are at higher risk.
#1. People With Existing Health Conditions
- High cholesterol levels (LDL > 100 mg/dL)
- High blood pressure (above 130/80 mmHg)
- Diabetes (especially uncontrolled diabetes)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
#2. People With an Unhealthy Lifestyle
- Smokers – The risk is 2–4 times higher than non-smokers.
- Sedentary individuals – Lack of exercise increases plaque buildup.
- Unhealthy eaters – Diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugar increase risk.
#3. People With a Family History of Heart Disease
- If a parent or sibling had heart disease before age 55 (men) or 65 (women), the risk increases.
#4. Age and Gender Factors
- Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk.
- Postmenopausal women lose the protective effects of estrogen, increasing risk.
- Women with endometriosis are at an increased risk of Atherosclerosis, leading to a 23% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
#5. People With High Stress Levels
- Chronic stress contributes to inflammation and high blood pressure, increasing plaque buildup.
6 Ways to Prevent Atherosclerosis
Though Atherosclerosis develops silently over the years, prevention and slowing its progression is possible with the right lifestyle choices and medical care. Here is how you can protect your heart:
1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
A balanced diet helps prevent Atherosclerosis by reducing cholesterol and inflammation. Make sure you eat enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Foods rich in fiber, such as oats and beans, help lower bad cholesterol. Avoid processed foods, trans fats, excessive salt, and sugary drinks to maintain heart health.
2. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise improves circulation, strengthens the heart, and helps control weight. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate weekly activity, like brisk walking or cycling, and include strength training twice weekly. Staying active helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and also helps with weight management. Learn how exercise can improve your mental health and mood.
3. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake
Smoking damages arteries, accelerates plaque buildup, and increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health. Excess alcohol can also raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Keep alcohol intake within moderate limits—one drink per day for women and two for men.
4. Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress increases inflammation and high blood pressure, raising the risk of heart disease. Managing stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and proper sleep can improve overall cardiovascular health. A balanced work-life routine also helps reduce stress.
5. Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure and cholesterol damage arteries and lead to plaque buildup. Regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications, such as reducing salt intake, eating heart-healthy foods, and staying active, can help keep them in check. Medications may be needed in some cases.
6. Get Regular Health Checkups
Routine screenings help detect early signs of heart disease before complications arise. Regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks are essential, along with imaging tests if needed. Early diagnosis can help with timely intervention and better heart health.
Promote Heart Health With WellAura
At WellAura, we are committed to promoting heart health and disease prevention. Here is how we can help.
- Early Screening & Diagnosis: We offer comprehensive heart health checkups that include cholesterol tests, blood pressure monitoring, and advanced scans to detect early signs of artery blockages.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Our healthcare professionals create customized lifestyle and medication plans to manage risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.
- Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching: We provide dietary guidance and fitness programs to help individuals reduce their risk.
- Mental Health Counseling: Our counseling psychologists provide stress management, anxiety relief, and emotional well-being support to help you maintain a balanced, heart-healthy lifestyle.
By integrating medical expertise, lifestyle coaching, and mental health support, WellAura ensures a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health, empowering individuals to lead healthier, stress-free lives. Book your appointment today!
