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Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, or arteriosclerosis, is a cardiovascular disease and one of the leading causes of heart disease globally. By reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, you can significantly lower the risk. Regular medical check-ups and early treatment are crucial for preventing complications.

CT heart – Calcium score

CT heart – Calcium score

CT heart calcium score

7 795 kr6 195 kr

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Contents

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What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases, affecting blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. The condition is characterized by a gradual process where plaques—composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium, and inflammatory cells—accumulate inside the arteries over time. This leads to narrower and less flexible blood vessels, which can result in life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease if left untreated.

Causes of atherosclerosis

The condition develops slowly over time, often beginning at a young age, although symptoms may not appear until later in life. Several factors, both genetic and lifestyle-related, can accelerate the process. The most significant risk factors include:

  • Elevated LDL cholesterol: The "bad" cholesterol is a central component of plaque formation. Oxidized LDL can trigger inflammatory processes in the vessel walls.
  • High blood pressure: Chronically elevated blood pressure damages arterial walls, making them more susceptible to fat and plaque buildup.
  • Smoking: Contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation, impairing vascular function and accelerating atherosclerosis.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause vascular damage and increase plaque formation risk.
  • Overweight and obesity: Conditions closely linked to high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol , and low physical activity.
  • Genetic factors: For example, familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to elevated cholesterol levels early in life.
  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, measured through elevated CRP levels , plays a key role in disease progression.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a silent disease that often produces no symptoms until blood flow to an organ or tissue becomes critically reduced. When symptoms do appear, they can be severe and include:

  • Chest pain (angina): Occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen due to narrowed coronary arteries.
  • Shortness of breath: An early sign that the heart or lungs are not receiving adequate oxygen.
  • Stroke symptoms: Sudden weakness, speech difficulties, or facial paralysis may occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
  • Leg pain: Pain during physical activity (claudication) can indicate peripheral artery disease.

Preventive measures to combat atherosclerosis

Preventing atherosclerosis is achievable by reducing risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices, particularly diet.

  • Fruits and vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, they help protect blood vessels from damage.
  • Whole grains: Aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels and lowering LDL cholesterol.
  • Avoid saturated fats and trans fats: These fats contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and plaque buildup.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, they have anti-inflammatory properties that protect blood vessels.
Exercise

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. The recommendation is at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

Smoking cessation

Smoking is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking improves circulation and significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Stress management

Chronic stress can increase inflammation in the body. Using relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can reduce the risk.

Treatment

For individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis, several treatment options are available depending on the severity of the condition:

Medications for atherosclerosis

  • Statins: Lower LDL cholesterol and stabilize plaques.
  • Blood pressure medications: Such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers to protect blood vessels.
  • Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots that can obstruct blood flow.

Related tests and health checks

MRI examination of organs

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CT heart – Calcium score

CT heart – Calcium score

CT heart calcium score
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Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • CT heart calcium score measures calcifications in the coronary arteries.
  • Used to assess the risk of future cardiovascular disease.
  • Quick heart examination (approximately 10–15 minutes) without contrast agent.
  • Medical assessment by specialist doctor and radiological report included.

7 795 kr6 195 kr

Other symptoms

Aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm is a silent but potentially life-threatening dilation of the body's largest blood vessel.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle

Tachycardia

Racing heart and high resting heart rate – when should you seek medical care?

AV block

Atrioventricular block

Bradycardia

Slow Heart Rate – also known as sinus bradycardia or slow pulse

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia – the medical term for elevated potassium levels in the blood

Heart attack

Myocardial infarction – is a medical emergency involving an acute blockage of the heart's oxygen supply

hemochromatosis

"Bronze diabetes" – the body stores dangerous amounts of iron in the organs

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker is disrupted

Stroke

Stroke Symptoms – Recognize the Signs and the FAST Test

Polycythemia

Overproduction of red blood cells

Hyperlipidemia

High blood fats or hyperlipoproteinemia – a collective term for disorders in the body’s lipid metabolism where the concentration of fats in the blood is too high

Anemia

Anemia refers to a deficiency in red blood cells and is commonly known as blood deficiency

blowing sound

A heart murmur (cardiac murmur) reflects changes in blood flow and can range from a harmless physiological sound to a clinical sign of underlying heart conditions

Dyslipidemia

Hyperlipidemia – elevated blood lipid levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency anemia or low ferritin – the body's iron stores are depleted, preventing the blood from transporting oxygen effectively

Low blood pressure

Hypotension – the pressure in the body's arteries is lower than normal, which can lead to a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain during changes in position

High blood pressure

Hypertension – high blood pressure means that the blood presses harder than normal against the vessel walls

Vascular spasm

Angina pectoris – angina involves a temporary lack of oxygen to the heart

Heart failure

Heart failure – the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for oxygen and nutrients

Palpitation

Palpitations – the experience of the heart beating faster, stronger, or more irregularly than usual

Cardiac fibrillation

Symptoms of heart fibrillation – also known as Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or Atrial Flutter

blood clots

Thrombosis – is a solid mass of blood that blocks circulation
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