Atherosclerosis

In this guide, we’ll break down what atherosclerosis is, what causes it, how it connects to other common conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and what you can do to protect your heart health—especially within the Philippine context.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries—blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body—become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. As the plaque builds up over time, it restricts blood flow. If a piece of the plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and atherosclerosis plays a major role in many of these cases.

Here in the Philippines, lifestyle habits like smoking, a high-fat diet, and sedentary routines contribute significantly to the development of atherosclerosis. Knowing the risk factors can help you take proactive steps to protect your heart.

What Causes Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis doesn’t develop overnight—it’s a gradual process that starts in childhood and worsens with age. However, several risk factors can accelerate the condition, especially among Filipinos.

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Constant pressure damages artery walls and makes it easier for plaque to form. Learn more about hypertension and how it’s linked to atherosclerosis.
  

• High cholesterol: Excess “bad” LDL cholesterol contributes directly to plaque buildup.
  

• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar can damage the inner lining of arteries, increasing plaque formation. You can read more about the connection in our guide to diabetes.
  

• Smoking: Tobacco use damages the blood vessels and lowers “good” HDL cholesterol.
  

• Obesity: Carrying excess weight, especially around the belly, increases the risk of heart disease.
  

• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle raises the chances of other risk factors developing.
  

• Unhealthy diet: Diets rich in processed foods, salty snacks, and sugary drinks—which are common in Filipino diets—can raise cholesterol and blood pressure.

A family history of heart disease, chronic stress, and excessive alcohol intake can also contribute. And while age and genetics play a role, your daily choices matter just as much.

Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

In its early stages, atherosclerosis typically has no symptoms. That’s what makes it so dangerous—it can silently progress until it causes a major event like a heart attack or stroke.

As the condition worsens, symptoms may appear depending on which arteries are affected:

• Heart (coronary arteries): Chest pain (angina), fatigue, or shortness of breath
  

• Brain (carotid arteries): Numbness, slurred speech, or sudden weakness—possible signs of a stroke
  

• Legs and arms (peripheral arteries): Leg pain when walking, slow-healing wounds, or cold feet
  

• Kidneys: High blood pressure or kidney dysfunction

Because these signs are often dismissed or misunderstood, regular checkups are essential—especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol or erectile dysfunction, which is sometimes an early sign of arterial problems.

How It’s Diagnosed

If your doctor suspects atherosclerosis, they may recommend a few diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers
  

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect signs of heart damage
  

• Ultrasound or Doppler scan to assess blood flow in your arteries
  

• Angiography or CT scan to view blockages in detail
  

These tests help determine how advanced the condition is and guide the best treatment plan. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—if you’re at risk, ask your doctor about routine screenings, especially if you also have high cholesterol.

Why Atherosclerosis Matters in the Philippines

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Philippines, accounting for nearly 40% of deaths from non-communicable diseases. Many of these are directly tied to atherosclerosis, yet public awareness remains low.

Our diets—often high in fried food, red meat, and sugary drinks—combined with sedentary urban lifestyles, make Filipinos especially vulnerable. Long working hours, high stress, and lack of preventive health care access also contribute to the problem.

The good news is that many cases of atherosclerosis are preventable. With simple lifestyle changes and regular health screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk.

What You Can Do About It

Managing or preventing atherosclerosis starts with small but consistent changes to your lifestyle. Here’s what you can do:

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Choose more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish or tofu.
  
• Limit red meat, processed foods, sugary drinks, and salty snacks like chichirya.
  
• Try switching to heart-friendly oils like olive or canola oil for cooking.

Harvard Health recommends the Mediterranean-style diet, which is proven to reduce heart disease risk and improve cholesterol levels.

2. Stay Active

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Walking, biking, or dancing are great options—especially when done consistently.

Exercise helps manage blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and controls weight, reducing your risk of both atherosclerosis and diabetes.

3. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best decisions you can make for your heart. Even occasional smoking contributes to arterial damage. Limiting alcohol also helps reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

4. Manage Stress

Chronic stress contributes to inflammation and can raise your blood pressure. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or even a quick walk during a busy day.

5. Get Regular Screenings

Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked regularly. Early detection makes a huge difference. If you’re already living with hypertension, working closely with your doctor to manage it can help prevent further complications from atherosclerosis.

6. Take Medications as Prescribed

If your doctor recommends medications—like statins for cholesterol, or antihypertensives for blood pressure—take them consistently. These drugs can significantly slow plaque buildup and reduce the risk of serious events like a heart attack.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should talk to a doctor if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
  

• Sudden weakness or numbness
  

• Leg pain while walking
  

• Unexplained fatigue or dizziness

These could be signs of advanced atherosclerosis or complications. Don’t ignore them—especially if you have known risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Taking Control of Your Heart Health

Atherosclerosis doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With the right information, preventive care, and everyday lifestyle changes, it’s possible to protect your arteries and lower your risk of complications.

Explore our full library of condition guides to learn more about how interconnected heart health really is—whether you’re dealing with hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes. And if you’re looking for more science-backed tips on daily wellness, heart care, or sexual health, check out the Andyou Health Club for fresh, doctor-reviewed advice built for the Filipino lifestyle.