

What is it?

Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats in and on your artery walls, we call these 'plaques', which can restrict blood flow. These plaques could possibly burst, causing a blood clot. Atherosclerosis is a preventable and treatable condition.

How do I recognise it?

Atherosclerosis develops gradually and unfortunately it often isn't diagnosed until it has progressed far enough to cause problems.

However you may experience some of the following:

  • symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, such as chest pain (angina).
  • symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, such as leg pain when walking.

Sometimes Atherosclerosis causes erectile dysfunction in men.


The exact cause is unknown, but it is suspected that it starts with damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery. The damage may be caused by:

How do you treat it?


For information on medicines and therapies relevant to Atherosclerosis, make an appointment at Lynch's Pharmacy, Douglas, Cork on 021-4366923.


How do you live with it?


We give you all the necessary information available to make your life more manageable and enable you to better live with your condition.



Arteriosclerosis/Athersclerosis-A Comprehensive Review                                                                                                          

Atherosclerosis, information for patients