Hardening of the Arteries
(arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis)

Fat and cholesterol may build up on artery walls. These deposits form hard plaque that stiffens and narrows the walls, causing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This condition also is called arteriosclerosis.

Heart attack or stroke may occur when pieces of the built-up plaque break off and block blood vessels. In addition, atherosclerosis may cause blood clots, which can limit blood flow and damage the heart, lungs or brain.

Hardening of the arteries may result from an aneurysm, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or other causes.

Cardiovascular patients at Abington Memorial Hospital benefit from advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment. When hardening of the arteries is a concern, monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels, making lifestyle changes and taking medications may help. Depending upon the underlying condition, several types of surgeries can treat atherosclerosis.

For expertise on diagnosing and treating hardening of the arteries, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center, including the Porter Institute for Valvular Heart Disease and Blank Vascular Center.