How can hardening of the arteries affect my body?

How can hardening of the arteries affect my body?

Hardening of your arteries can cause several problems. Narrow or blocked arteries can’t deliver enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body. Blockages can eventually lead to tissue death or infection in your arms, legs or other parts of your body.

A piece of plaque can break free and then get stuck somewhere in your body, causing damage. Also, a blood clot can form in a narrow artery. It can eventually loosen and travel through the artery.

Atherosclerosis may begin when you’re a child, and worsens over time.

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious health problems and medical emergencies, including:

• Blood clots.
• Carotid artery disease.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart attack.
• Peripheral artery disease.
• Stroke.