Atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque accumulates inside arteries and restricts blood flow, can lead to heart disease and serious complications such as heart attack or stroke. The condition develops over time, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Dr. Khurram Nasir, a preventive cardiologist at Houston Methodist, emphasizes that the disease is both preventable and treatable if detected early. “Prevention and treatment strategies work remarkably well to dramatically slow and even reverse disease progression,” Dr. Nasir said.
He points out that advanced imaging technology allows doctors to identify atherosclerosis in its earliest stages. However, since the disease is often silent—sometimes the first symptom is a heart attack—prevention remains crucial.
Understanding risk factors plays an important role in prevention. While genetics contribute to risk, Dr. Nasir highlights that lifestyle choices have a much greater impact on whether someone develops atherosclerosis. “Most atherosclerosis risk factors are within our control,” he said. “We can’t change our genetic cards, but we can absolutely change how we play them.”
Risk factors include eating diets high in ultra-processed foods, physical inactivity, lack of sleep, tobacco use, chronic stress, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These factors create inflammation over time and raise the chances of developing the condition.
Symptoms usually remain hidden for years; people may not notice anything wrong until major issues arise. “For many patients, the first sign of atherosclerosis is a heart attack,” Dr. Nasir warned. He encourages individuals to seek medical advice if they experience shortness of breath during daily activities, unexplained fatigue, chest or upper body discomfort with exertion, or erectile dysfunction.
“Listen to your body; if it’s giving you new signals, especially during routine activities, don’t ignore them,” Dr. Nasir added.
Screening for atherosclerosis should ideally begin between ages 40 and 45 but might start earlier for those with family history or multiple risk factors such as diabetes. At Houston Methodist clinics equipped with advanced imaging technology like coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and coronary CT angiography (CTA), physicians can directly visualize plaque buildup and personalize prevention plans accordingly.
“We can see atherosclerosis plaque directly,” explained Dr. Nasir. “We don’t have to guess based on your health history alone.” CAC scoring provides information about arterial health quickly with minimal radiation exposure; scores help determine individual risk levels.
Coronary CT angiography offers detailed images using contrast dye to highlight blood vessels—a process helpful when symptoms exist but diagnosis remains uncertain.
Treatment options depend on how much plaque has accumulated:
– For little or no plaque: Lifestyle changes are prioritized.
– Plaque present without symptoms: Cholesterol-lowering medications may be recommended alongside lifestyle updates.
– Moderate to severe plaque with symptoms: Aggressive treatments including medications or surgical procedures such as bypass surgery or stenting may be necessary.
According to Dr. Nasir and Houston Methodist experts, adopting healthy habits early—such as improved diet choices and regular exercise—can significantly affect long-term outcomes for those at risk of or living with atherosclerosis.
