Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in artery walls, usually develops silently over years. Symptoms appear when an artery becomes significantly narrowed or blocked, and they depend on location. Narrowed heart arteries can cause chest pain or tightness on exertion (angina) and breathlessness. Narrowed leg arteries can cause cramping leg pain when walking that eases with rest. Narrowed neck or brain arteries can cause stroke-like symptoms.
Because it is often silent, the first sign for some people is a heart attack or stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity and family history.
See a doctor if you have chest pain on exertion, unexplained breathlessness, or leg pain when walking. Seek emergency care for sudden severe chest pain, breathlessness, or stroke symptoms. Managing risk factors slows the process and lowers the chance of serious events.