The primary concern when someone is diagnosed with atherosclerosis is restricted blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arterial walls, which narrows and hardens the arteries over time. This narrowing can significantly reduce blood flow to various organs and tissues, leading to a range of complications such as chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes.
While increased cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, and heart rate irregularities are all associated with cardiovascular health, they are not the direct consequences of atherosclerosis in the same way that restricted blood flow is. In fact, high cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, but the immediate concern for a patient diagnosed with this condition is the risk associated with inadequate blood flow, which can jeopardize the health of vital organs.