What does atherosclerosis feel like before it leads to a heart attack?

No symptoms...: Usually there are no symptoms of atherosclerosis until it is severe enough to block an artery thereby blocking blood flow to a key organ like the heart or brain. Once this happens, a heart attack or stroke can result. So, prevention is the key! Keep your cholesterol level under control with diet, exercise and medication if needed. See your doctor to get your lipid levels checked!