Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate on the walls of arteries, forming plaque. This buildup can cause arteries to narrow and restrict blood flow. In some cases, plaque can rupture and lead to blood clots. Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease and stroke—two of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Although often associated with the heart, atherosclerosis can occur in any artery in the body, including those in the brain, legs, or kidneys. Its symptoms often go unnoticed until blood flow is significantly obstructed, making early detection and proper treatment essential to prevent serious complications.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, patients with atherosclerosis receive comprehensive care from diagnosis to advanced medical treatment. Mandaya is equipped with facilities for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and stent or heart ring placement (percutaneous coronary intervention/PCI) using modern technology and a team of experienced cardiologists. This approach ensures optimal outcomes and high levels of patient safety.
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Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Mild atherosclerosis usually does not cause any symptoms. Symptoms typically appear only when arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to vital organs and tissues. In some cases, a blood clot (thrombus) may completely block the artery, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
The symptoms of moderate to severe atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected, such as:
- In the heart arteries: chest pain or pressure (angina).
- In the brain arteries: numbness or sudden weakness in the limbs, slurred speech, difficulty speaking, sudden or temporary vision loss in one eye, or drooping facial muscles. These signs indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke,” which, if untreated, can progress to a full stroke.
- In the leg or arm arteries: leg pain while walking (claudication), a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Blood pressure in the affected limb may also be lower than in the other.
- In the kidney arteries: high blood pressure or even kidney failure.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect you have symptoms or risk factors of atherosclerosis, schedule a medical check-up immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent the condition from worsening. Proper management can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergencies.
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience chest pain or symptoms suggestive of a stroke, such as:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the limbs
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Sudden or temporary vision loss in one eye
- Drooping or asymmetrical facial muscles
Recognizing these symptoms and taking prompt action can save lives and prevent permanent damage to vital organs.
Causes and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis develops gradually and may begin as early as childhood. The exact cause is not fully known, but it is believed to start with damage or injury to the inner lining of the arteries. This damage can be triggered by factors such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- High triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood)
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease
When the inner arterial wall is damaged, blood cells and other substances can accumulate, forming deposits inside the artery. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and other materials build up, forming plaque. This plaque narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. If it ruptures, blood clots (thrombi) can form, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
- Aging
- Family history of early heart disease or stroke
- Genetic changes increasing susceptibility
- Chronic inflammatory conditions (lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease)
Controllable or Preventable Risk Factors
- Unhealthy diet
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking or tobacco use
By understanding the causes and risk factors early, individuals can take preventive steps—such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular check-ups—to protect their heart and blood vessel health.
Atherosclerosis Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers several treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and stent placement.
1. Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
In this procedure, the cardiac surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafts it to create a new pathway for blood to reach the heart, bypassing blocked or narrowed arteries. CABG is an open-heart procedure typically performed on patients with multiple blockages in the coronary arteries.
At Mandaya, bypass surgeries are performed by dr. Bagus Herlambang, Sp.BTKV (K), Ph.D, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with extensive experience in performing CABG procedures. Known for his expertise and precision, dr. Bagus is one of the most trusted surgeons for complex heart operations.
dr. Bagus Herlambang’s schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 17.00 – 19.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 18.00 – 19.30 WIB
- Thursday: 18.00 – 19.30 WIB
2. Angioplasty and Stent Placement
This minimally invasive procedure is performed to open narrowed arteries. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the blocked artery. At the tip of the catheter, a small balloon is inflated to widen the artery and restore blood flow.
A metal mesh tube called a stent is then placed to keep the artery open. Some stents are coated with medication that helps prevent future blockages.
For easier access to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to manage appointments, check queue numbers, and get complete hospital information conveniently.