Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Plaque is made up of fats, calcium, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque can line the arteries, narrowing them and limiting the flow of blood to the body. Left untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death. A slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood, atherosclerosis generally is preventable by eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, losing weight, lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, and getting more exercise.
Atherosclerosis can occur in arteries anywhere in the body, including the brain, heart, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. Various diseases can result based upon where in the body the arteries are clogged. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cases of heart attack, stroke, and vascular dementia, collectively known as cardiovascular disease.
Why UAB
At UAB, you will receive expert heart and vascular services from our healthcare providers at both our UAB campus and at our Acton Road location just off I-459. Specialists from UAB’s world-renowned team offer you the best evidence-based care for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, rhythm disturbances, diseased valves, and other heart and vessel conditions. And when you visit our clinics, you can expect friendly, personalized care backed by UAB’s sophisticated facilities and equipment.
VIDEOS
Meet the Team: Benjamin Pearce, MD
Thanks in part to his name, Dr. Pearce was inspired by the movie “M*A*S*H” to become a “smart aleck surgeon” from a young age. He is the program director of vascular surgery training programs at UAB Medicine and specializes in endovascular surgery.
Heart Acton Video Tour
Heart Acton (fixed) from UAB Health System on Vimeo.
Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for atherosclerosis. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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Study shows some heart disease patients implanted with a VAD have better survival and are more likely to receive a heart transplant
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UAB Cardiovascular Institute is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Heart Care
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Heart-Healthy Tailgates for the Win
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UAB Physicians Using Mpirik Cardiac Intelligence to Address Health Inequities
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Recent Advancements Make it Easier to Live Well with Atrial Fibrillation