💓 Understanding Atherosclerosis | Internist Primary Care Geriatrics Doctor Georgetown TX

Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
Nov 13, 2025
3 min read

Atherosclerosis — often called “hardening of the arteries” — is one of the most common health issues affecting adults, especially as we age. The good news? With early detection and lifestyle care, you can keep your arteries healthy and your heart strong. ❤️

At Wellness Bay Primary Care in Georgetown TX, our Internist Primary Care Geriatrics Doctor helps patients understand and manage heart and vascular health through prevention, education, and modern treatment options.

🔎 What Causes Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis happens when fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up inside the artery walls. Over time, these deposits — called plaques — can narrow or block blood flow.Common causes include:

High cholesterol and triglycerides
High blood pressure
Diabetes or insulin resistance
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy diet (especially processed or fried foods)

🌡️ Common Symptoms

In the early stages, atherosclerosis may not cause any symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms depend on which arteries are affected:

Heart (coronary arteries): chest pain, shortness of breath
Neck/brain (carotid arteries): dizziness, stroke symptoms
Legs (peripheral arteries): leg cramps or pain when walking
Kidneys: high blood pressure or kidney problems

⚠️ Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if you have:

Family history of heart disease
High blood pressure or diabetes
Obesity or poor diet
Smoking history
High stress levels
Postmenopausal hormone changes (in women)

🧠 Pathophysiology (What’s Happening Inside) by Internist Primary Care Geriatrics Doctor Georgetown TX

Inside the arteries, cholesterol particles infiltrate the vessel lining and trigger inflammation.Over time, this leads to plaque buildup that narrows arteries and reduces oxygen supply to vital organs — increasing risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

🌿 Lifestyle Tips to Keep Arteries Healthy

Even small changes can make a big difference:

🥗 Eat heart-healthy foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil
🚶‍♀️ Stay active — at least 30 minutes of walking or light exercise daily
🚭 Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
💧 Stay hydrated
💤 Prioritize sleep and stress reduction
🩺 Keep regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose

💊 Treatment Options

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we focus on both prevention and control:

Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins and others when appropriate)
Blood pressure and glucose management
Smoking cessation support
Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or CoQ10 (as supportive care)*

*Supplements are meant to support overall health — not to replace prescribed medications or cure disease. our Internist Primary Care Geriatrics Doctor Georgetown TX can help.

💬 Top 10 FAQs about Atherosclerosis

1. Can atherosclerosis be reversed?

Lifestyle changes can stabilize or slow plaque buildup, though full reversal is rare.

2. What’s the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is plaque buildup; arteriosclerosis is general artery stiffening.

3. How do I know if I have it?

Often, it’s silent — detected by blood tests, ultrasound, or CT imaging.

4. Does cholesterol always mean heart disease?

Not always — but high LDL and low HDL increase risk.

5. Can supplements help?

Omega-3s and CoQ10 can support cardiovascular health.

6. Do women get atherosclerosis too?

Yes — risk increases after menopause.

7. Can exercise help clear arteries?

Exercise improves circulation and can stabilize existing plaques.

8. Is it hereditary?

Family history increases risk, but lifestyle still matters most.

9. What’s the best diet for prevention?

Mediterranean or DASH-style diets are highly effective.

10. When should I see my doctor?

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or risk factors like diabetes or hypertension.

👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

If you have high cholesterol, blood pressure issues, or family history of heart disease — schedule a checkup.At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we’ll help you take charge of your heart health with clear, personalized care and advanced screening tools. 💙

💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together

The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.

📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX

📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online

Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:

Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX