What is atherosclerosis and how does it affect our cardiovascular health. What are the primary causes of hardening arteries. How can we prevent and manage atherosclerosis effectively. What role do lifestyle changes play in combating this condition. When should you seek medical attention for atherosclerosis symptoms.

The Silent Culprit: Decoding Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, often referred to as “hardening of the arteries,” is a pervasive condition that silently threatens cardiovascular health. This chronic disease occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate along the artery walls, forming plaques that narrow and stiffen blood vessels. As these plaques grow, they impede blood flow, potentially leading to severe complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

How exactly does atherosclerosis develop? The process begins with damage to the inner lining of arteries, which can be caused by various factors including high blood pressure, smoking, and elevated cholesterol levels. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, attracting white blood cells to the site. Over time, these cells accumulate along with fatty deposits, forming plaques that gradually thicken and harden the artery walls.

Key Components of Atherosclerotic Plaques

• Cholesterol
• Fatty substances
• Calcium
• Fibrous tissue
• Inflammatory cells

Is atherosclerosis reversible? While complete reversal is challenging, early intervention and lifestyle modifications can significantly slow its progression and reduce the risk of complications. Understanding the mechanisms behind this condition is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.

Risk Factors: Unmasking the Culprits Behind Arterial Hardening

Atherosclerosis doesn’t develop overnight; it’s a gradual process influenced by various risk factors. Some of these factors are within our control, while others are not. Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors is key to preventing and managing this condition effectively.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age (risk increases with advancing years)
• Gender (men are at higher risk earlier in life)
• Family history of early heart disease
• Genetic predisposition

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Diabetes
• Unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Chronic stress

Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in atherosclerosis risk? Absolutely. Research has shown that addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis or slow its progression in those already affected.

The Silent Nature of Atherosclerosis: Why Early Detection Matters

One of the most challenging aspects of atherosclerosis is its silent nature. Often, individuals with this condition remain asymptomatic for years, unaware of the gradual narrowing and hardening of their arteries. This silent progression underscores the importance of regular check-ups and proactive health management.

When do symptoms of atherosclerosis typically appear? Unfortunately, symptoms often manifest only when the condition has advanced significantly. Common signs include:

• Chest pain or angina
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue during physical activities
• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Slurred speech or facial drooping (signs of a stroke)

Given its asymptomatic nature in the early stages, how can atherosclerosis be detected before it causes significant damage? Regular health screenings play a crucial role. These may include:

1. Blood pressure measurements
2. Cholesterol level tests
3. Blood glucose monitoring
4. Carotid ultrasound
5. Coronary calcium scan
6. Ankle-brachial index test

Early detection through these screening methods allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing severe complications and improving overall cardiovascular health outcomes.

Lifestyle Modifications: The First Line of Defense Against Atherosclerosis

When it comes to combating atherosclerosis, lifestyle modifications serve as the cornerstone of prevention and management. These changes not only help slow the progression of existing arterial hardening but also significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition in the first place.

Dietary Changes for Heart Health

How does diet influence atherosclerosis risk? A heart-healthy diet can dramatically reduce the accumulation of plaques in arteries. Key dietary recommendations include:

• Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Choosing lean proteins and plant-based protein sources
• Limiting saturated and trans fats
• Reducing sodium intake
• Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish
• Moderating alcohol consumption

The Power of Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise is a potent tool in the fight against atherosclerosis. How much exercise is needed to make a difference? The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Exercise benefits cardiovascular health by:

• Improving circulation
• Lowering blood pressure
• Reducing bad cholesterol levels
• Increasing good cholesterol levels
• Helping maintain a healthy weight
• Reducing stress

Smoking Cessation: A Critical Step

Quitting smoking is perhaps one of the most impactful changes one can make to reduce atherosclerosis risk. Tobacco use damages blood vessels, increases inflammation, and promotes plaque formation. How quickly can quitting smoking improve cardiovascular health? The benefits begin almost immediately, with significant improvements in blood pressure and circulation within just a few weeks of cessation.

Medical Interventions: When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough

While lifestyle modifications are crucial, some individuals may require additional medical interventions to manage atherosclerosis effectively. These treatments aim to slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.

Pharmacological Approaches

Several medications can help manage atherosclerosis and its risk factors:

• Statins: Lower cholesterol levels and may help stabilize existing plaques
• Anti-platelet medications: Reduce the risk of blood clots
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Help control blood pressure
• Beta-blockers: Decrease heart rate and blood pressure
• Calcium channel blockers: Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure

How do these medications work together to combat atherosclerosis? Each targets different aspects of the disease process, from reducing plaque formation to improving blood flow and preventing complications.

Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures

In advanced cases of atherosclerosis, surgical interventions may be necessary:

• Angioplasty and stenting: Opens narrowed arteries
• Atherectomy: Removes plaque from arteries
• Bypass surgery: Creates a new path for blood flow around blocked arteries
• Carotid endarterectomy: Removes plaque from carotid arteries to prevent stroke

These procedures aim to restore blood flow to affected areas, reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.

The Role of Emerging Technologies in Atherosclerosis Management

As medical science advances, new technologies and approaches are emerging to better detect, monitor, and treat atherosclerosis. These innovations offer hope for more personalized and effective management strategies.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

How are new imaging technologies improving atherosclerosis detection and monitoring? Several cutting-edge techniques are enhancing our ability to visualize and assess arterial health:

• Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): Provides detailed images of artery walls from inside the blood vessel
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Offers high-resolution images of arterial structures
• PET/CT scans: Can detect inflammation in arterial walls, potentially identifying high-risk plaques
• 4D flow MRI: Allows for detailed assessment of blood flow patterns in arteries

These advanced imaging methods enable earlier detection of atherosclerosis and more precise monitoring of disease progression, allowing for tailored treatment approaches.

Biomarker Research

What role do biomarkers play in atherosclerosis management? Researchers are identifying new blood-based markers that can indicate the presence and severity of atherosclerosis. These biomarkers may include:

• Inflammatory markers (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
• Lipid-related markers (e.g., lipoprotein(a))
• Endothelial dysfunction markers
• Markers of plaque instability

By analyzing these biomarkers, healthcare providers can better assess an individual’s risk and tailor preventive strategies accordingly.

Targeted Therapies

How are researchers developing more targeted treatments for atherosclerosis? Several promising approaches are under investigation:

• PCSK9 inhibitors: A new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Anti-inflammatory therapies: Targeting the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis
• RNA-based therapies: Aimed at modifying gene expression related to atherosclerosis
• Nanoparticle-based treatments: Delivering medications directly to atherosclerotic plaques

These targeted therapies hold the potential for more effective and personalized treatment of atherosclerosis, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures in some patients.

Living with Atherosclerosis: Strategies for Long-term Management

For individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis, adopting a comprehensive approach to long-term management is crucial. This involves not only adhering to medical treatments but also making sustainable lifestyle changes and addressing mental health aspects.

Comprehensive Care Approach

What does a comprehensive care plan for atherosclerosis typically involve? An effective management strategy often includes:

• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Ongoing monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels
• Adherence to prescribed medications
• Participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs
• Stress management techniques
• Nutritional counseling
• Support for smoking cessation (if applicable)

This multifaceted approach addresses various aspects of cardiovascular health, helping to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.

Mental Health Considerations

How does atherosclerosis impact mental health, and why is addressing this aspect important? Living with a chronic condition like atherosclerosis can be emotionally challenging. Individuals may experience:

• Anxiety about their health
• Depression related to lifestyle changes or limitations
• Stress from managing a chronic condition
• Fear of potential complications

Addressing these mental health aspects is crucial for overall well-being and can positively impact adherence to treatment plans. Strategies may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Support groups for individuals with cardiovascular diseases
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Regular communication with healthcare providers about emotional concerns

Building a Support Network

Why is a strong support network important for individuals with atherosclerosis? Having a supportive environment can significantly impact one’s ability to manage the condition effectively. A robust support network may include:

• Family members and friends who understand the condition
• Healthcare providers who offer comprehensive care
• Support groups (in-person or online)
• Nutritionists or dietitians for dietary guidance
• Fitness professionals experienced in working with cardiovascular patients

This network provides emotional support, practical assistance, and motivation to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, ultimately improving long-term outcomes for individuals living with atherosclerosis.

In conclusion, atherosclerosis is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention, management, and treatment. By understanding the risk factors, embracing lifestyle modifications, and leveraging both traditional and emerging medical interventions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of complications and improve their overall cardiovascular health. Regular check-ups, early detection, and a commitment to heart-healthy living are key to combating this silent but serious threat to our circulatory system.

What is Atherosclerosis, or Hardening of the Arteries? | Blog

One of the most common conditions affecting arteries and blood flow is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a condition that mainly affects older adults. What is atherosclerosis, how does it start, and how is it treated? Atherosclerosis is a common condition that can frequently lead to dangerous complications like heart attack and stroke. Having a better understanding of the condition and making necessary lifestyle changes is the best way to minimize its impact.

It can be difficult to imagine why hardened arteries have such an impact. Arteries need to be highly elastic to move blood through the body. The blockage and reduction of blood flow are impacted both by reduced internal area but also the artery’s increased rigidity. This impact on blood flow is why atherosclerosis can be such a dangerous condition if left unchecked.

What is Hardening of the Arteries?

What is hardening of the arteries? Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, happens when fat, cholesterol and other substances collect along the artery walls. These substances, typically called plaque, can narrow or completely block an artery over time. Plaque clots will form and pieces of plaque will move down smaller blood vessels and block them. These blockages starve tissues of blood or oxygen, which can result in damage or tissue death. This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke.

Atherosclerosis is the most common thread of arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a range of conditions that affect the artery wall’s thickness and elasticity. The development of Atherosclerosis is complex, but the primary cause is an injury to the artery wall. This injury can be caused by many different factors like inflammatory immune response, infection, or chemical abnormalities in the blood. 

Certain chemical signals cause white blood cells to attach to the artery wall, where plaque begins to accumulate. Over time, this plaque build-up narrows the space in the artery itself. While some factors (like gender, age, or history of early atherosclerosis) can’t be changed, other factors can. To lower atherosclerosis risk, it’s recommended to refrain from tobacco use and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes diet and exercise. People at high risk for atherosclerosis may also benefit from certain medications like statins, aspirin, or other antiplatelet drugs.

What Causes Hardening of the Arteries?

What causes the hardening of the arteries? Atherosclerosis can be caused by a number of factors. A major cause is aging and plaque build-up. This narrows the arteries and changes the ability for blood to flow through them. Lifestyle factors like high blood cholesterol levels can increase atherosclerosis at any age. This is especially true for people who eat a diet too high in saturated fats and trans fats. Other factors that can lead to atherosclerosis include diabetes, family history, high blood pressure, a lack of exercise, being overweight or obese, and smoking.

Prevent Atherosclerosis

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to see signs of an artery blockage until it’s too late. While Atherosclerosis cannot be reversed, there are steps that can be taken to lessen its impact. 

See your doctor regularly. If you’re a male, screen your cholesterol by age 35, If you’re a female, screen your cholesterol by age 45. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year after that. Check your blood pressure more frequently if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or have had a previous stroke. 

Eating a balanced diet, getting 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, and quitting smoking are all preventive measures for atherosclerosis. Talk to your doctor about options with cholesterol-lowering medication or blood thinners. 

If you’re struggling with complications related to atherosclerosis, you should consult your healthcare provider or vascular specialist. If found early enough, the impact of atherosclerosis can be reduced or mitigated with lifestyle changes and medication. If you’re in the Southern San Joaquin Valley area, visit South Valley Vascular. South Valley Vascular’s board-certified vascular specialists provide top-level care to all its patients.

Atherosclerosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Atherosclerosis, sometimes called “hardening of the arteries,” occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. These deposits are called plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow or completely block the arteries and cause problems throughout the body.

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder.

Watch this video about:Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis often occurs with aging. As you grow older, plaque buildup narrows your arteries and makes them stiffer. These changes make it harder for blood to flow through them.

Clots may form in these narrowed arteries and block blood flow. Pieces of plaque can also break off and move to smaller blood vessels, blocking them.

These blockages starve tissues of blood and oxygen. This can result in damage or tissue death. It is a common cause of heart attack and stroke.

High blood cholesterol levels can cause hardening of the arteries at a younger age.

For many people, high cholesterol levels are due to a diet that is too high in saturated fats and trans fats.

Other factors that can contribute to hardening of the arteries include:

• Diabetes
• Family history of hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure
• Lack of exercise
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking

Atherosclerosis does not cause symptoms until blood flow to part of the body becomes slowed or blocked.

If the arteries supplying the heart become narrow, blood flow can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Narrowed or blocked arteries may also cause problems in the intestines, kidneys, legs, and brain.

A health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Atherosclerosis can create a whooshing or blowing sound (“bruit”) over an artery.

All adults over the age of 18 should have their blood pressure checked every year. More frequent measurement may be needed for those with a history of high blood pressure readings or those with risk factors for high blood pressure.

Cholesterol testing is recommended in all adults. The major national guidelines differ on the suggested age to start testing.

• Screening should begin between ages 20 to 35 for men and ages 20 to 45 for women.
• Repeat testing is not needed for five years for most adults with normal cholesterol levels.
• Repeat testing may be needed if lifestyle changes occur, such as large increase in weight or a change in diet.
• More frequent testing is needed for adults with a history of high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions

A number of imaging tests may be used to see how well blood moves through your arteries.

• Doppler tests that use ultrasound or sound waves
• Magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA), a special type of MRI scan
• Special CT scans called CT angiography
• Arteriograms or angiography that use x-rays and contrast material (sometimes called “dye”) to see the path of blood flow inside the arteries

Lifestyle changes will reduce your risk for atherosclerosis. Things you can do include:

• Quit smoking: This is the single most important change you can make to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Avoid fatty foods: Eat well-balanced meals that are low in fat and cholesterol. Include several daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Adding fish to your diet at least twice a week may be helpful. However, do not eat fried fish.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink: Recommended limits are one drink a day for women, two a day for men.
• Get regular physical activity: Exercise with moderate intensity (such as brisk walking) 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day if you are at a healthy weight. For weight loss, exercise for 60 to 90 minutes a day. Talk to your provider before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you have been diagnosed with heart disease or you have ever had a heart attack.

If your blood pressure is high, it is important for you to lower it and keep it under control.

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure so that you have a lower risk of health problems caused by high blood pressure. You and your provider should set a blood pressure goal for you.

• Do not stop or change high blood pressure medicines without talking to your provider.

Your provider may want you to take medicine for abnormal cholesterol levels or for high blood pressure if lifestyle changes do not work. This will depend on:

• Your age
• The medicines you take
• Your risk of side effects from possible medicines
• Whether you have heart disease or other blood flow problems
• Whether you smoke or are overweight
• Whether you have diabetes or other heart disease risk factors
• Whether you have any other medical problems, such as kidney disease

Your provider may suggest taking aspirin or another medicine to help prevent blood clots from forming in your arteries. These medicines are called antiplatelet drugs. DO NOT take aspirin without first talking to your provider.

Losing weight if you are overweight and reducing blood sugar if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes can help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis cannot be reversed once it has occurred. However, lifestyle changes and treating high cholesterol levels can prevent or slow the process from becoming worse. This can help reduce the chances of having a heart attack and stroke as a result of atherosclerosis.

In some cases, the plaque is part of a process that causes a weakening of the wall of an artery. This can lead to a bulge in an artery called an aneurysm. Aneurysms can break open (rupture). This causes bleeding that can be life threatening.

Hardening of the arteries; Arteriosclerosis; Plaque buildup – arteries; Hyperlipidemia – atherosclerosis; Cholesterol – atherosclerosis

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair – open – discharge
• Aortic aneurysm repair – endovascular – discharge
• Aspirin and heart disease
• Heart failure – discharge
• Heart failure – what to ask your doctor
• High blood pressure – what to ask your doctor
• Type 2 diabetes – what to ask your doctor

• Atherosclerosis
• Carotid stenosis – X-ray of the left artery
• Carotid stenosis – X-ray of the right artery
• Enlarged view of atherosclerosis
• Prevention of heart disease
• Developmental process of atherosclerosis

Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, Buroker AB, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;74(10):1376-1414. PMID: 30894319 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30894319/.

Genest J, Mora S, Libby P. Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

Libby P. The vascular biology of atherosclerosis. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 24.

Marks AR. Cardiac and circulatory function. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 47.

US Preventive Services Task Force website. Final recommendation statement: statin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults: preventive medication. Updated November 13, 2016. Accessed April 5, 2022. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medication1.

Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;71(19):2199-2269. PMID: 2914653 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29146533/.

Updated by: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A. D.A.M. Editorial team.

SOLIDIFICATION POINT | Encyclopedia Krugosvet

SOLIDIFICATION POINT (solidification point) is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid.

For a pure substance, it coincides with its melting point, i.e. transition temperature from solid to liquid. Only pure crystalline substances have a strictly defined solidification temperature.

Amorphous, i.e. non-crystalline substances (for example, glass, butter) solidify (and melt) in a certain temperature range. For such substances, a distinction is made between the solidification and melting temperatures: the solidification temperature is understood as the temperature at which the first signs of a solid phase appear in the system upon cooling or the last traces of it disappear upon heating, and the melting point is the lowest temperature at which the solid phase disappears during cooling. the last traces of the liquid phase or when heated, the first signs of it appear. The solidification point of most substances changes slightly with pressure: as a rule, it rises with increasing pressure.

Mixtures of liquids, such as water and alcohols, also solidify (freeze) over a wide range of temperatures, and their freezing point is always lower than that of the pure component with a higher freezing point. Therefore, ethyl alcohol (freezing point -130 ° C) and ethylene glycol (freezing point -25 ° C) are widely used as one of the components of antifreeze in the cooling system of automobiles.

The temperature at which the last traces of a liquid mixture freezes can be much lower than the component with a lower freezing point.

Some substances, such as iodine and paradichlorobenzene, pass from a solid state immediately into a gaseous state (sublimate). They have neither a melting point nor a solidification point.

Under certain conditions, liquids can be cooled below their true solidification temperature without solidification. Such liquids are called supercooled. Since a solid cannot be “overheated” so that it does not become a liquid, the melting and solidification temperatures are usually determined experimentally from the melt. This avoids the error due to liquid subcooling. For the same reasons, in the scientific and technical literature, when describing the physical properties of a substance, the term “melting point” is preferred. See also BOILING POINT; HEAT; LIQUID THEORY.

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1.2.1.0012.15 Solidification temperature – Pharmacopoeia.rf

Contents

The solidification temperature is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state upon cooling. Two methods are used to determine the solidification temperature.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OFS.1.2.1.0012.15
Instead of GF XII , part 1, OFS 42-0035-07

The solidification temperature is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a solid state upon cooling. Two methods are used to determine the solidification temperature.

Procedure 1

Place a sufficient amount (about 10 g) of the test substance in the liquid state into the dry inner test tube of instrument 1 (Fig. 1) (the solid is preliminarily melted at a temperature not exceeding 20 °C of the expected solidification temperature) and strengthened so that the mercury ball was in the middle of the layer of the test substance. Then the inner tube with the test substance is placed in the outer tube and, with rapid cooling, the approximate solidification temperature is determined. After that, the outer tube, together with the inner tube, is placed in a water bath at a temperature of 5 °C above the approximately determined solidification temperature until the test substance is completely melted. Then fill the beaker with water or saturated sodium chloride solution at a temperature 5 °C below the expected solidification temperature. Place the outer tube together with the inner tube in a beaker. With constant stirring of the test substance, note the temperature every 30 s. Initially, there is a gradual decrease in temperature, then when a solid phase appears, it remains constant for a while or rises before becoming constant (at this point, stirring is stopped), and then falls again. The highest temperature is noted, which remains constant for a short time during the transition of a substance from a liquid to a solid state. This temperature is taken as the solidification temperature.

If the substance remains liquid at the expected solidification temperature, cool it 1 to 2 °C below the expected solidification temperature and induce solidification by introducing small amounts (several crystals) of the substance to be tested or by rubbing the walls of the inner tube with a thermometer.

Dimensions in mm

fig.1 a test tube with an inner diameter of about 25 mm and a length of about 150 mm, placed inside another test tube with a diameter of about 40 mm and a length of about 160 mm. The inner test tube is closed with a stopper equipped with a thermometer about 175 mm long with a division value of 0.2 °C, which is fixed in such a way that the mercury ball is located at a distance of about 15 mm from the bottom of the test tube. The inner tube has a hole through which passes a stirrer shaft made of a glass rod or other suitable material, bent at the end at a right angle in the form of a loop, the outer diameter of which is about 18 mm. The inner tube, together with the outer tube, is placed in the center of a 1 L beaker containing a suitable coolant, the level of which is about 20 mm apart. The cooling bath should also be equipped with a thermometer.

Method 2

For solids with a high solidification point between +30 and +100 °C (paraffins and high-melting crystalline solids).

The test substance, melted in a water bath or in a thermostat at a temperature of 15 – 20 °C above the expected solidification temperature, is thoroughly mixed and poured into a heated apparatus 2 (Fig. 2) to ¾ of its height. The temperature of the test substance after being placed in the instrument shall exceed the expected solidification temperature by at least 8 °C. A thermometer is inserted into the hole of the device on a cork along the axis of the device so that the mercury ball of the thermometer is approximately at half the height of the layer of molten substance. Leave the device until the temperature reaches 3 – 4 °C above the solidification temperature.