Epoch HealthAtherosclerosis: The Silent Buildup Narrowing Your Arteries—Warning Signs to Watch For

Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and progresses silently for decades, accounting for roughly half of all deaths in Western countries. Plaques can affect coronary, carotid, renal, and peripheral arteries simultaneously, yet patients rarely present until a heart attack, stroke, or acute limb ischemia forces the conversation.

🧑‍⚕️ Patient Counseling Points

• Erectile dysfunction is an early vascular warning sign in men, signaling systemic atherosclerosis before cardiac symptoms appear
• BP risk begins at 115/75 mmHg, not the traditional 140/90 threshold — patients underestimate their risk at “normal” readings
• Losing just 3–5% of body weight improves cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes risk factors — a concrete, achievable target for resistant patients
• Apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) provide more accurate plaque risk assessment than standard LDL alone; counsel high-risk patients on advanced lipid testing

🎯 Patient Care Applications

• Screen high-risk patients with coronary artery calcium scoring to quantify subclinical plaque burden
• Counsel all male patients with ED on cardiovascular risk assessment and vascular workup
• Order ApoB and Lp(a) alongside standard lipid panels in patients with family history or premature CAD
• Reinforce smoking cessation as the single highest-impact modifiable intervention at every visit

More on Atherosclerosis