The condition of Atherosclerosis occurs most probably in the adolescent age, or in early adolescence. It does not have an open sign or symptom. It basically affects the artery and it slowly narrows it down and that is when the affected person begins to realise that he or she has Atherosclerosis.
Heart Attack, Stroke, Chest pain are some signs, but other signs could be observed based on which artery has been affected by the condition.
Three types of arteries get affected, Coronary Arteries, Carotid Arteries and peripheral arteries. Places where the Lumen narrowing is less than fifty percent, the artery flow disrupting events occur. Nuclear test methods help in finding these 50 percent lumen narrowing. Cardiac stress testing helps as well.
The Coronary arteries provide oxygen rich blood to the heart and the narrowing of the plaque, blocks this flow of blood, resulting in chest pains and shortness of breath. Coronary heart disease is a result of this event. Pain in the neck, arm, shoulders, chest, occurs and a little resting may help you feel better.
The Carotid arteries supply oxygen rich blood to the brain and when the plaque blocks these arteries, we get the Carotid artery disease. Stroke is a major symptom, which results in numbness in the body, improper vision, loss of balance, speaking problems and severe head ache.
The Peripheral arteries carry oxygen rich blood to arms, legs and other body parts and its blocking will cause the peripheral artery disease. Numbness, pain and major infections are the symptoms here.
The exact cause of the condition is not known and the affected person cannot possibly know of his condition till it has actually occurred.