[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/08\/what-is-atherosclerosis-hardening-arteries\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/08\/what-is-atherosclerosis-hardening-arteries\/","headline":"What Is Atherosclerosis, or Hardening of the Arteries?","name":"What Is Atherosclerosis, or Hardening of the Arteries?","description":"Learn about atherosclerosis (arterosclerosis), or hardening of the arteries, what causes it, and how to lower your risk of this and other heart diseases.","datePublished":"2015-08-21","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/blood-vein.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/blood-vein.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/08\/what-is-atherosclerosis-hardening-arteries\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":328,"keywords":["Atherosclerosis","What Is Atherosclerosis?"],"articleBody":"Atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries or artereosclerosis, is a common medical condition that can raise your risk of heart disease.By learning about your risks and understanding how to make heart-healthy choices, you can lower your chances of developing this condition.What Is Atherosclerosis?You might not think about them very often, but your arteries do an important job. When they are smooth, flexible, and not clogged, blood can flow through them easily, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. This keeps your body on track and working the right way.Atherosclerosis happens when plaque builds up on your artery walls. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances in your blood.When plaque builds up, it can make your arteries hard, narrow, or blocked. This can lead to serious, even life-threatening problems, including:Heart attackStrokePeripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that happens when blood flow to your arms, legs, or pelvis becomes blockedWhat Are the Symptoms of Atherosclerosis?Many people with atherosclerosis don’t know they have it. When symptoms do happen, they can include:Chest painHeart attack, which can be life-threateningStroke symptoms like dizziness or weaknessLeg, arm, or pelvic painWho Is at Risk for Atherosclerosis?Atherosclerosis can happen slowly over time. As you get older, your risks get higher.Some conditions and habits that can speed up plaque build-up include:High cholesterolHigh blood pressureSmokingDiabetesBeing overweight or obeseNot getting regular exerciseHaving an unhealthy dietPreventing Atherosclerosis and Staying HealthyYou can lower your risks by making heart-healthy choices, including:Eating a heart-healthy dietStaying at a healthy weightGetting regular exerciseQuitting smokingTalk to your doctor about what is right for you, and how you can stay on track with heart-healthy habits. Learn more by visiting UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online. Learn more about your risk factors by attending a free community heart screening."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Atherosclerosis, or Hardening of the Arteries?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/08\/what-is-atherosclerosis-hardening-arteries\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]