Atherosclerosis Treatment in Beverly Hills
What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up within the walls of the arteries, gradually causing them to become narrower and less flexible. Plaque can contain cholesterol, fats, inflammatory cells, and other substances. As atherosclerosis progresses, it can restrict blood flow or contribute to the formation of blood clots, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and other cardiovascular complications.
Dr. Omeed Warej brings expertise in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease to the evaluation and management of atherosclerosis. He considers your cholesterol profile, blood pressure, metabolic health, family history, lifestyle, medical history, and other cardiovascular risk factors to develop a more complete picture of your individual risk.
As a double-board-certified cardiologist and internist, Dr. Warej can also evaluate atherosclerosis as part of your broader cardiovascular health, rather than focusing on a single cholesterol or imaging result. Depending on your risk profile and medical history, he can determine whether additional cardiovascular testing or advanced risk assessment is appropriate and coordinate specialized care when necessary.
The Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis can develop for years without noticeable symptoms. When plaque becomes significant enough to affect blood flow, symptoms can depend on which arteries are affected and may include:
Pressure, tightness, or discomfort that may occur when blood flow to the heart is reduced
Difficulty breathing during physical activity or other situations when the heart requires more oxygen
Becoming unusually tired, winded, or limited during activities that were previously manageable
Cramping, aching, or discomfort in the legs during walking that improves with rest
Reduced blood flow may cause changes in temperature or sensation in the legs or feet
Sudden neurological symptoms can occur when blood flow to the brain is affected
Potential signs of reduced blood flow to the brain that require urgent evaluation
May occur when circulation to the brain is impaired
Atherosclerosis can also be present without symptoms. Severe chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes, or other symptoms of a possible heart attack or stroke require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
How Atherosclerosis Is Treated
Atherosclerosis treatment focuses on reducing cardiovascular risk, slowing plaque progression, managing contributing conditions, and preventing complications. The appropriate approach depends on the extent of plaque, which arteries are affected, your symptoms, and your overall cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Warej begins by evaluating the factors that may be contributing to arterial plaque and determining whether additional cardiovascular assessment is warranted.
Depending on your circumstances, care may include:
Evaluating cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, family history, lifestyle, and other factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Assessing biomarkers such as ApoB, Lp(a), and other lipid-related measures when additional information may help clarify cardiovascular risk
Determining whether cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure, or other cardiovascular medications may be appropriate
Addressing diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and other metabolic factors that may contribute to cardiovascular risk
Developing individualized recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep, and other modifiable risk factors
Considering appropriate testing to evaluate plaque burden or cardiovascular structure and function when clinically indicated
Tracking risk factors and treatment response over time rather than relying on a single measurement
Coordinating additional cardiology, vascular, or other specialty care when a patient's condition requires more advanced evaluation or treatment
Atherosclerosis is a chronic process, so treatment often involves managing cardiovascular risk over the long term. Identifying risk early can provide an opportunity to address modifiable factors before plaque causes symptoms or a major cardiovascular event.
Our Concierge Primary Care Membership Programs
Atherosclerosis care can be incorporated into our concierge membership structure, with the scope of cardiovascular services varying by membership level.
Cardiovascular Specialty Membership
Designed for patients who maintain a trusted primary care physician but want dedicated cardiovascular oversight. Dr. Warej can evaluate and manage cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerotic disease while coordinating with your primary care physician as needed.
Cardiovascular + Primary Care Membership
Dr. Warej serves as both your primary care physician and cardiologist, allowing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk to be addressed alongside your medications, chronic conditions, preventive care, metabolic health, and overall health.
Executive Concierge Program
Our most comprehensive membership, with enhanced physician access and three levels of concierge service. Depending on the selected level, members may receive priority access, direct physician communication, broader care coordination, and additional cardiovascular and preventive services.
The right membership depends on whether you are seeking dedicated cardiovascular oversight or want a more comprehensive physician relationship that integrates cardiovascular risk management with primary care.
FAQs About Atherosclerosis
What type of doctor treats atherosclerosis?
An atherosclerosis doctor in Beverly Hills may be a cardiologist who evaluates arterial plaque and the cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to its development. Dr. Warej can assess cholesterol, blood pressure, metabolic health, family history, and other factors to determine an appropriate prevention or treatment strategy.
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
Evaluation may begin with a medical history, physical examination, cardiovascular risk assessment, and laboratory testing. Depending on your symptoms and risk profile, additional testing may include advanced lipid biomarkers, vascular ultrasound, coronary artery calcium scoring, coronary CT angiography, or other cardiovascular imaging coordinated when appropriate.
Can you have atherosclerosis without symptoms?
Yes. Atherosclerosis can progress for many years without causing noticeable symptoms. This is one reason cardiovascular risk assessment can be valuable for people with significant risk factors or a strong family history, even when they feel healthy and remain physically active.
What cholesterol levels are associated with atherosclerosis?
LDL cholesterol and ApoB are important measures when evaluating the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but there is no single cholesterol value that determines whether an individual has atherosclerosis. Family history, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age, Lp(a), metabolic health, and other factors can also influence risk.
Can atherosclerosis be reversed?
Atherosclerosis is generally considered a chronic process, but intensive management of cardiovascular risk factors can slow progression and, in some circumstances, may contribute to regression of plaque. Treatment typically focuses on lowering cardiovascular risk through appropriate medications, lifestyle changes, and management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
What is the difference between atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease?
Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque within arteries throughout the body. Coronary artery disease specifically refers to atherosclerotic disease affecting the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Atherosclerosis can also affect arteries supplying the brain, legs, kidneys, and other organs.
When should I see an atherosclerosis cardiologist?
A cardiovascular evaluation may be appropriate if you have high cholesterol, elevated ApoB or Lp(a), diabetes, hypertension, a strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease, known arterial plaque, or other significant cardiovascular risk factors. An atherosclerosis cardiologist in Beverly Hills can help determine whether additional testing or preventive treatment is warranted.