Symptoms
Most symptoms of atherosclerosis do not show until a blockage occurs. Common symptoms include:
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Chest pain (angina) or discomfort
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Pain in the leg, arm, and anywhere else that an artery is blocked
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
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Confusion (if the blockage affects circulation to the brain)
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Muscle weakness in the legs from lack of circulation
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Perspiration
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Sudden severe headache
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
Causes
The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn’t known. Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood. It develops faster as you age.
Atherosclerosis may start when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. These factors include:
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Smoking and other sources of tobacco
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High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood
- High blood pressure
- High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes
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