What is a common symptom of atherosclerosis?

A common symptom of atherosclerosis is chest pain or angina. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart doesn't receive enough oxygenated blood, especially during moments of exertion or stress, it can lead to chest pain or discomfort. This discomfort is often referred to as angina and may feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.

In contrast, increased heart rate may occur in various situations, such as stress or exercise, but it is not a direct symptom of atherosclerosis. High fever typically indicates an infection or inflammatory process in the body, while frequent urination is associated with conditions affecting the urinary system rather than cardiovascular health. Thus, chest pain or angina is most closely linked to the cardiovascular complications arising from atherosclerosis.