Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, symptoms may occur only after vigorous exertion, when your arteries can''t supply your muscles with enough oxygen and nutrients. But, as the nar...

Causes
... In arteriosclerosis, the walls of your arteries become hard and thick, sometimes interfering with blood circulation. The condition results from the natural aging process or from atherosclerosis. Ather...

Risk factors
... Hardening of the arteries occurs over time, so your risk increases as you age. The condition is most common in middle-aged and older adults. Your risk of developing this disease also increases with: H...

When to seek medical advice
... Don''t ignore early symptoms of inadequate blood flow, such as leg pain or numbness. These symptoms can indicate increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, when you have a significant amount ...

Screening and diagnosis
... Your doctor may find signs of narrowed, enlarged or hardened arteries during a physical examination. These include: A weak or absent pulse below the narrowed area of your artery Whooshing sounds (brui...