You've heard of "clogged arteries," but do you truly understand what is going on in your body? It's not merely a matter of consuming too many cheeseburgers. Something known as atherosclerosis—a gradual, insidious accumulation of plaque composed of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other materials—lies beneath the surface, often the true cause of heart attacks and strokes.Cardiovascular disease is still among the biggest killers globally, and a lot of the risk comes from its invisibility. Atherosclerosis, which is sometimes referred to as the silent killer, slowly plugs up arteries and lays the groundwork for heart attacks and strokes well before they manifest. The best news? With the proper information and preventive actions, you can shield your arteries and heart.This is the thing: this toxic buildup doesn't present symptoms until it has already done substantial harm. Cardiovascular disease, says the American Heart Association, is the number one cause of death worldwide, and atherosclerosis is at the center of the epidemic.But the good news is: atherosclerosis can be prevented, even reversed in some instances—if you know how it comes about, how to detect its signs early on, and what changes in lifestyle can actually safeguard your heart.What is Atherosclerosis?Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque accumulates on the arteries' walls. This plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances moving through the blood. Eventually, these deposits harden and constrict the arteries, decreasing blood supply to organs."Atherosclerosis is a devious, even lethal illness wherein artery walls get clogged with plaque," describes Dr. Paneendra S, Orthopedic Surgeon. "Atherosclerosis develops over the course of many years and usually is without symptoms until it leads to a life-threatening event such as a heart attack or stroke."The illness usually starts when the lining of the arteries inside, the endothelium, is damaged. A number of reasons are responsible for this damage, such as:SmokingHigh cholesterolDiabetesHigh blood pressureChronic inflammation"Once the endothelium has been hurt, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can filter through the arterial wall," says Dr. Paneendra. "White blood cells rush in to break down the cholesterol, but this reaction creates fatty nodules called atheromas."These atheromas may develop and then rupture, producing clots that either occlude the artery in which they were formed or embolize to a different location within the body, obstructing an organ elsewhere.Warning Signs and Where They AppearAlthough dangerous, atherosclerosis typically develops silently. Its warning signs first become apparent only when blockage is complete. Depending on the arteries involved, the signs are variable:Heart (Coronary Arteries): Chest pain or discomfort, also referred to as angina.Legs (Peripheral Arteries): Pain that occurs during walking (claudication), numbness, or non-healing sores.Brain (Carotid Arteries): Slurred speech, numbness, or weakness—often stroke warning signs.Feet and Toes: Burning, color changes, or chronic ulcers caused by inadequate circulation.These symptoms indicate that one of the primary arteries has already experienced extensive narrowing or blockage. Early treatment and control are important to avert permanent damage.Role of Inflammation and Lifestyle For Heart DamageChronic inflammation is a key contributor to the formation of atherosclerosis. Obesity, lack of exercise, and dietary factors cause chronic inflammation, which further accelerates arterial damage.The diet rich in saturated and trans fats raises the level of LDL cholesterol, while fruits, vegetables, and fiber intake ensures your body has natural ant-inflammatory power.How You Can Prevent This Life-Threatening Heart Condition?Because atherosclerosis progresses silently, prevention is more important. Here's how you can regain control of your heart health:1. Eat a Heart-Healthy DietEmphasize whole grains, leafy greens, berries, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil. Reduce your intake of processed foods, red meat, and sweetened drinks.2. Exercise RegularlyStrive for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week, including brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.3. Quit SmokingSmoking is one of the most significant risk factors. Quitting dramatically reduces the risk of arterial plaque buildup.4. Manage StressChronic stress can raise blood pressure and trigger inflammation. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing techniques.5. Monitor Blood Pressure and CholesterolRoutine health checkups can help detect high cholesterol or hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention.6. Control Blood SugarFor individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, blood sugar control is essential to minimize inflammation and artery damage.When to Seek Medical Help?Even if you don't have symptoms, if you have several risk factors—like a history of heart disease in your family, smoking, or high cholesterol levels—it's crucial to see a healthcare professional. Tests for screening purposes such as cholesterol panels, blood pressure checks, and even coronary calcium scans can evaluate your risk."Overall, atherosclerosis is frequently unsuspect, progressive disease that can be severely damaging to cardiovascular health," cautions Dr. Paneendra. "Because symptoms only typically appear after widespread damage, early detection and prevention are critical."Dr. Paneendra S is an Orthopedic Surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore in India