What is atherothrombosis? Atherothrombosis is a blood vessel-related disease that gradually leads to stroke, heart attack and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). How does the disease happen? In atherothrombosis, blood and oxygen supply to vital organs is reduced because a clot has formed on a ruptured plaque in an artery. Depending on where the clot occurs, it may lead to a heart attack, a stroke or PAD. What are the danger signals? For heart attack, you experience persistent chest pain, often described as heavy, crushing or squeezing, that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck or shoulder. Other symptoms include • Nausea or dizziness • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing • Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness • Unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain. For stroke, you experience: • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body • Sudden changes in vision, especially in one eye • Trouble speaking or understanding what you hear • Sudden severe headache of unknown cause • Trouble walking or staying balanced What about PAD? Symptoms of PAD include • Persistent pain in the lower leg • Wounds on the feet that do not heal • Reddish-blue colour feet when sitting or pale feet when they're raised • Legs or feet feeling cold How is atherothrombosis treated? Anti-platelet medication has been proved to help people with atherothrombosis reduce the risk of the disease. It works by helping to keep platelets (a type of cell) in the blood from sticking together and forming dangerous clots.   AVOID STROKE, HEART ATTACK & PAD • Don't smoke. • Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Exercise regularly • Keep your cholesterol levels in normal ranges. • Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. • Control blood pressure. INFORMATION: National Neuroscience Institute Tel: 6357 7153 www.nni.com.sg The above information is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice. Please consult your Family Doctor or a Specialist if you have any concerns about your health.