What is atherosclerosis and how does it affect your health. What are the main causes and risk factors of arterial plaque buildup. How can you recognize the symptoms of atherosclerosis. What treatment options are available for managing hardened arteries.

Understanding Atherosclerosis: The Silent Threat to Cardiovascular Health

Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. This waxy, sticky substance composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other blood components accumulates on artery walls, leading to stiffness and narrowing. As a result, blood flow becomes restricted, reducing oxygen supply to vital organs and body parts.

The consequences of atherosclerosis can be severe, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes, and various arterial diseases. These include coronary heart disease, microvascular artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease.

What exactly is plaque, and how does it form in our arteries?

Plaque is a complex mixture of substances that accumulates within the inner lining of arteries. It primarily consists of:

• Cholesterol
• Fatty substances
• Calcium deposits
• Cellular waste products
• Fibrin (a clotting material in the blood)

The formation of plaque is a gradual process that often begins with damage to the inner layers of the arteries. This damage can be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, and elevated levels of cholesterol and sugar in the blood. As the body attempts to repair this damage, plaque begins to accumulate, leading to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time.

Identifying the Root Causes and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis

While the exact cause of atherosclerosis remains elusive, medical experts have identified several factors that contribute to its development and progression. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

What are the primary risk factors for developing atherosclerosis?

The main risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

1. Age: The risk increases as we get older
2. Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup
3. High blood pressure: Puts excessive stress on artery walls
4. High cholesterol levels: Particularly elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
5. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage arteries
6. Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of various cardiovascular issues
7. Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to several risk factors
8. Family history: Genetic predisposition can play a role
9. Unhealthy diet: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods
10. Chronic stress: Can contribute to inflammation and high blood pressure

It’s important to note that while some risk factors like age and family history cannot be controlled, many others can be modified through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When Atherosclerosis Makes Itself Known

One of the most challenging aspects of atherosclerosis is that it often develops silently over many years without causing noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s often referred to as a “silent killer.” However, as the condition progresses and arteries become severely narrowed or blocked, symptoms may begin to manifest.

What are the warning signs of advanced atherosclerosis?

The symptoms of atherosclerosis can vary depending on which arteries are affected. Common signs include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Difficulty speaking or sudden confusion (signs of a possible stroke)
• Pain in the legs, particularly when walking (a sign of peripheral artery disease)
• Changes in kidney function (if renal arteries are affected)

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, particularly those associated with heart attacks or strokes.

Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Arteries Against Plaque Buildup

While some risk factors for atherosclerosis are beyond our control, there are numerous steps we can take to reduce the likelihood of developing this condition or slow its progression if it’s already present.

How can you protect your arteries and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis?

Implementing the following lifestyle changes can significantly impact your cardiovascular health:

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
3. Quit smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit this harmful habit
4. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess pounds can improve various risk factors
5. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
6. Control existing health conditions: Work with your healthcare provider to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
7. Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink, do so in moderation
8. Get regular check-ups: Monitor your cardiovascular health through routine medical examinations

Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your arterial health over time.

Diagnostic Approaches: Detecting Atherosclerosis Before It’s Too Late

Given the often asymptomatic nature of atherosclerosis in its early stages, proactive screening and diagnostic tests play a crucial role in identifying the condition before it leads to serious complications.

What diagnostic tools are used to detect and assess atherosclerosis?

Healthcare providers may employ various methods to diagnose and evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis:

• Blood tests: To check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart rhythm and detect signs of heart disease
• Stress tests: To evaluate heart function during physical activity
• Ultrasound: To visualize blood flow and detect plaque buildup in arteries
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan: To provide detailed images of arteries and identify calcified plaque
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): To create detailed images of blood vessels
• Ankle-brachial index: To check for peripheral artery disease
• Coronary angiography: An invasive procedure to directly visualize coronary arteries

The choice of diagnostic tests depends on individual risk factors, symptoms, and the suspected location of arterial narrowing.

Treatment Strategies: Managing Atherosclerosis and Its Complications

When atherosclerosis is diagnosed, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific situation, considering factors such as age, overall health, the severity of the condition, and the location of arterial narrowing.

What are the primary treatment options for atherosclerosis?

Treatment approaches for atherosclerosis typically involve a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures or surgery:

1. Lifestyle changes:
   • Dietary modifications
   • Regular exercise
   • Smoking cessation
   • Stress management
2. Medications:
   • Statins to lower cholesterol
   • Anti-platelet drugs to prevent blood clots
   • Beta-blockers to reduce heart rate and blood pressure
   • ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure
   • Calcium channel blockers to treat angina and hypertension
3. Surgical procedures:
   • Angioplasty and stent placement
   • Atherectomy to remove plaque
   • Bypass surgery for severely blocked arteries

The goal of treatment is to slow or halt the progression of atherosclerosis, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Emerging Therapies: Innovations in Atherosclerosis Treatment

As our understanding of atherosclerosis continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new and innovative approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat this condition more effectively.

What cutting-edge treatments are being developed for atherosclerosis?

Several promising areas of research are showing potential for improving atherosclerosis management:

• PCSK9 inhibitors: A new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol levels
• Anti-inflammatory therapies: Targeting inflammation as a key driver of atherosclerosis progression
• Gene therapy: Exploring ways to modify genes associated with atherosclerosis risk
• Nanotechnology: Developing nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to atherosclerotic plaques
• Stem cell therapy: Investigating the potential of stem cells to repair damaged blood vessels
• Microbiome modulation: Studying the role of gut bacteria in atherosclerosis and developing probiotic interventions
• RNA-based therapies: Targeting specific genetic pathways involved in plaque formation

While many of these approaches are still in experimental stages, they offer hope for more effective and personalized treatments in the future.

Living with Atherosclerosis: Strategies for Long-Term Management

For individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis, adopting a proactive approach to long-term management is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing complications.

How can patients effectively manage atherosclerosis in their daily lives?

Living well with atherosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach that includes:

1. Adherence to prescribed medications: Taking all medications as directed by your healthcare provider
2. Regular medical follow-ups: Attending scheduled appointments and screenings
3. Ongoing lifestyle modifications: Continuously working on diet, exercise, and stress management
4. Self-monitoring: Keeping track of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant health markers
5. Cardiac rehabilitation: Participating in structured programs to improve cardiovascular health
6. Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar health challenges
7. Education: Staying informed about the latest developments in atherosclerosis management
8. Psychological support: Addressing the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition

By taking an active role in their care, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with atherosclerosis.

The Global Impact: Atherosclerosis as a Public Health Challenge

Atherosclerosis and its related cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, affecting millions of people worldwide and placing immense strain on healthcare systems.

What is the worldwide prevalence of atherosclerosis, and how is it being addressed?

The global impact of atherosclerosis is substantial:

• Cardiovascular diseases, largely driven by atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of death globally
• Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, accounting for over 75% of cardiovascular deaths
• The economic burden of atherosclerosis-related diseases is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars annually
• Public health initiatives focusing on prevention, early detection, and improved access to treatment are being implemented worldwide
• International collaborations are working to address disparities in cardiovascular health across different regions
• Efforts to raise awareness about risk factors and promote heart-healthy lifestyles are ongoing in many countries

Addressing atherosclerosis on a global scale requires coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare systems, and international organizations to implement effective prevention strategies and improve access to care.

Clogged Arteries (Atherosclerosis) – Plaque Buildup in Blood Vessels

Atherosclerosis, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries, clogged arteries, or blocked arteries, is a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. Plaque is a waxy, sticky substance made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other matter that is found
in the blood. Plaque can build up on the walls of the arteries, making them stiff and narrow, which limits blood flow and reduces the oxygen your organs and other body parts receive.

Atherosclerosis can lead to potentially deadly events, like heart attack and stroke. The hardening of the arteries may also lead to development of diseases of the arteries, such as coronary
heart disease, microvascular artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Causes of and risks for atherosclerosis

Experts do not know the exact cause of atherosclerosis, but they do know it develops faster as people age. There is evidence that it begins when the inner layers of the arteries are damaged.

Factors that can damage the arteries include:

• Smoking
• Having high blood levels of certain fats and cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• High amounts of sugar in the blood

When plaque builds up on the artery walls, the plaque can rupture. This encourages blood platelets to stick to the spot where the rupture took place, forming blood clots that narrow the arteries even more.

Prevention: How to reduce your risk of atherosclerosis

There are some risk factors you can’t control, like your age and your heredity. However, you can take steps to control your risk, which may help prevent atherosclerosis or delay its onset.

Here are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent it:

• Choose a diet full of heart-healthy foods, like a variety of fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free milk and dairy. You should also limit sodium, added or processed sugar, solid fats, and refined
  grains like white bread and pasta.
• Get plenty of physical activity. The more exercise you get, the healthier you are likely to be. However, you should consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine to make sure what you’re doing is safe for
  you.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking has many negative health effects, including damaging the arteries.
• Get to and maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can increase your risk for many health conditions, including heart disease.
• Talk to your doctor about what else you can do to help prevent atherosclerosis.

Medications may also help you prevent atherosclerosis or worsening of the condition. Talk to
your doctor about whether medication is a good option for you.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

Most people with atherosclerosis don’t have any symptoms – at least not until their arteries are severely narrowed or fully blocked. Those who do have symptoms may experience the following:

• Angina – chest pain or discomfort when the heart doesn’t get enough blood (pain may also radiate to other areas of the body like the arms, neck, back, and jaw)
• Shortness of breath
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Stroke symptoms
  • Sudden weakness
  • Numbness or paralysis in one or more part of the body (most likely to be on one side of the body)
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Sudden weakness
  • Losing consciousness
• Symptoms of peripheral artery disease
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Infections
• Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
  • Changes in urination
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Swelling of the hands or feet
  • Numbness or itchiness
  • Difficulty concentrating

What are my treatment options?

If you have atherosclerosis, your treatment plan will depend upon several factors, including your age, the severity of your condition, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the location of your arterial narrowing. Treatment options range from making
lifestyle changes to taking medications to having medical procedures or surgery.

Medications

• Cholesterol lowering medications can be used to lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) with the goal of slowing or stopping plaque buildup and even reversing it.
• Beta blockers are often used to treat coronary artery disease by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the work your heart has to do. This can help relieve angina. Beta blockers also reduce the risk of heart attacks and some arrhythmias.
• Anti-platelet medication can help keep blood platelets from clumping in the arteries.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) help reduce blood pressure, which helps slow the progression of atherosclerosis. They can also reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
• Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure and may be used to treat angina.
• Diuretics lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Other medications may be taken to manage related conditions, such as medicine to control diabetes, or to treat symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Surgery

When medication and lifestyle changes are not enough to treat atherosclerosis and your condition is severe, you may need surgery to open narrowed arteries. There are a few surgeries and surgical procedures used.

• Angioplasty with stent placement involves compressing plaque deposits against the affected artery wall and inserting a stent into the artery to help keep it open.
• Endarterectomy is removing plaque deposits from the arterial walls.
• Carotid endarterectomy is an endarterectomy done on a carotid artery in the neck.
• Bypass surgery may be done to divert blood flow around a blocked artery.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) / angioplasty is used to open narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart. It can improve blood flow and reduce chest pain. Stents may also be placed in the arteries to keep them open.

Learn more about Beaumont’s Advancements in Heart Surgery and Recovery

Get a referral to Beaumont

If you have any symptoms of atherosclerosis, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened. But even if you
do not have any symptoms, you may still want to have a conversation with your doctor. Talk about your family history and your personal risk factors for heart disease. Talk about your lifestyle, and ask any questions you might have about what you can
do to reduce your risk.

For a referral to a Beaumont doctor, call 800-633-7377.

Mystery of why arteries harden may have been solved, say scientists | Medical research

The mysterious mechanism behind the hardening of arteries may have been solved, researchers have revealed, in a study that also suggests the first potential preventive drug for the condition linked to heart attack, dementia and stroke.

Arteries harden as calcium becomes deposited in the elastic walls of the vessels, a process that happens as we age and is exacerbated for patients with diabetes or kidney disease. Stiffening can also occur as calcium becomes deposited in fatty plaques in the arteries – a condition called atherosclerosis.

The mechanism that causes the calcium to be deposited has been difficult to unpick, but now scientists say they have the answer: it is triggered by a molecule, called poly(ADP-Ribose) or PAR, that is produced when the cells, or the DNA inside them, are damaged.

That, they say, makes sense: ageing, high blood pressure, smoking and fatty plaques are risk factors for stiffening of the arteries, and are linked to damage to cells, or even their DNA.

The team say the new discovery could prove important for patients.

“If [the calcification process] is driven by cells that means you can actually treat it,” said Cathy Shanahan, professor of cell signalling and co-author of the study from King’s College London.

Writing in the journal Cell Reports, the team describe a series of experiments involving bone-forming tissues from sheep and blood vessel cells from cows, as well as human arteries.

The results reveal that where PAR is found in high levels outside cells, calcium deposits are also found. What’s more, these areas were found to be rich in markers of cell death, or cells with DNA damage.

They also found PAR binds to calcium, as well as to certain proteins found between cells in the walls of arteries and bone-forming tissues.

As a result, the team propose that PAR, which has previously been linked to DNA repair and cell death, plays a key role not only in bone formation but in hardening of the arteries.

Crucially, further experiments, including in rats, showed that if an enzyme involved in producing PAR is blocked, calcium is no longer deposited in arteries even when DNA is damaged. They also found an existing antibiotic used for acne, called minocycline, can do the job.

“People have been studying this for decades and this is the first potential therapy ever,” said Prof Melinda Duer, co-author of the study from the University of Cambridge.

However, the team say that while it offers hope that artery stiffening might be prevented in some at-risk groups, questions remain.

Duer stressed that individuals should continue to avoid lifestyles habits that can contribute to artery stiffening, including smoking and poor diets.

Shanahan agreed. “What we don’t know is whether it is going to work on people who have already got a lot of calcification,” she said.

Paul Evans, professor of cardiovascular science at the University of Sheffield, said drugs such as minocycline that switch off PAR production might one day help patients with arterial disease.

“There is considerable interest in the development of PAR inhibitors for cancer and other diseases,” he said. “It is possible that some of these medicines could benefit patients with cardiovascular disease by lessening the symptoms of angina and by reducing the likelihood of heart attack or stroke”.

causes, symptoms, treatment in Moscow – Consultation and examination for atherosclerosis – Neurology at Clinic No.

1

Examination and treatment

Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular pathology resulting from a violation of the protein-lipid balance. In the intima of the vessels, deposits of cholesterol and lipoprotein are formed. As a result, the artery narrows, and complications arise. Basically, the disease occurs in older patients – in women over 60 and in men over 50 years.

Causes of disease development

The main reason for the development of the disease is a violation of lipid metabolism and the accumulation of lipid fractions on the inner walls of blood vessels. As a result of deposits, atherosclerotic plaques are formed, which, in turn, accumulate calcium and fibrin. Over time, the plaques harden, and sclerosis occurs – the proliferation of connective tissue. Convex growths are formed that interfere with normal blood flow.

Symptoms

The localization of the disease directly affects its symptoms. When the limbs are affected, lameness develops, pain, impaired sensitivity, tingling appear. Without treatment, the disease develops into gangrene and eventually leads to amputation.

If the vessels of the heart are affected, coronary disease, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, pain and shortness of breath become manifestations.

With damage to the vessels of the brain, the symptoms are as follows:

• Memory impairment.
• Headaches.
• Circulatory disorders in the brain.
• Vertigo.
• Decreased attention, impaired speech.
• Mental changes, dementia.
• Motility disorder.

Get an atherosclerosis diagnosis at Clinic No. 1

• Neurologist’s appointment
• Doppler ultrasound
• Coronary angiography

With a one-time payment for services – a 20% discount

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Disease progression

The disease develops gradually. Main stages:

• Lipid spots. The easiest stage, at which the walls of the arteries begin to be saturated with lipid compounds. Localization is focal, in some areas. Changes look like yellowish spots, stripes spreading along the inner surface of the vessels. There are no symptoms. Plaques form faster in patients with excess weight, bad habits, diabetes, high blood pressure.
• Fibrous plaques. This is the second stage of the disease, in which previously formed lipid areas become inflamed. As a result, in the affected areas, the immune system releases inflammatory mediators. Fats that have accumulated in the walls are destroyed, die off, and sclerosis is formed. The connective tissue grows, fibrous plaques form, protrusion occurs on the walls of the vessels, stenosis develops, and blood flow is disturbed.
• Complicated plaque. This is the last stage of the development of the disease, in which complications appear, symptoms begin to appear. The protrusion hardens, calcifies, significantly narrows the lumen, the blood cannot circulate normally.

Which doctor should I contact?

The problem of atherosclerosis is dealt with by a neurologist together with an angiologist. Damage to the vessels of the head leads to disruption of blood flow and nutrition of the brain. A neurosurgeon and a resuscitator can be involved in the diagnosis and treatment. Patients over 35 years of age are advised to visit a therapist regularly, assess the state of the circulatory system, and undergo planned ECGs.

Diagnostics

At the beginning of development, atherosclerosis does not manifest itself in any way. Later, as the disease progresses, there are several visible manifestations of atherosclerosis that can be identified during a routine examination by a neurologist. This is weight loss, swelling, wen, trophic disorders. The doctor will listen to the heart, measure the pressure, prescribe clinical tests. As diagnostic measures are used:

• Doppler ultrasound. Allows you to identify diseases at an early stage, assess the size of plaques, blood flow.
• Coronary angiography – used to assess the condition of the vessels of the heart.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the process. This may be a conservative approach or surgery. In the first case, the focus is removed to normalize the patient’s lifestyle. Nutrition is adjusted, a special diet is prescribed, a weight loss program is developed, if necessary. As a drug therapy, drugs are used that normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, normalize blood counts, and replenish the supply of vitamins and trace elements.

If the process has gone far enough and medications do not allow to achieve the desired result, an operation is used. It can be open or modern endovascular intervention. A gentle method is angioplasty, during which the lumen of the vessel expands, if necessary, a stent can be installed to maintain the lumen of the vessel in the desired position. The operation is aimed at removing plaques that impede normal blood flow. In some cases, a severely damaged vessel may be replaced or a new blood flow path may be created.

Get an atherosclerosis diagnosis at Clinic No. 1

• Neurologist appointment
• Doppler ultrasound
• Coronary angiography

With a one-time payment for services – a 20% discount

Call

Make an appointment with a neurologist

Clinic No. 1 in Moscow offers a consultation with a neurologist. Among the main advantages of the multidisciplinary medical center are experienced doctors, the latest equipment, comfortable conditions and safety for patients, as well as the convenient location of the clinic and a flexible system of discounts. Appointments can be made through the website or by phone.

Moscow, st. Krasnodarskaya, house. 52, bldg. 2

+7 (495) 152-33-19

We work on weekdays and weekends from 8.00 to 21.00

Prices for consultations and appointments with a neurologist

Service name	Price
Free medical consultation after MRI/CT	0. 00
Initial appointment with a neurologist (consultation)	2200.00
Repeated consultation with a neurologist	1500.00
Calling a doctor at home	5180.00

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Why atherosclerosis is so dangerous

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaques, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances, accumulate in the walls of the arteries. Over time, the plaque hardens, narrows the openings of the arteries and interferes with normal blood flow. When the plaques rupture, they form a clot, which further restricts blood flow. The worst-case scenario is when a blood clot completely cuts off the flow of oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues of the body.

Vascular atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in the body. It is most dangerous when it results in reduced or no blood supply to the heart or brain. If this happens in one of the two coronary arteries (they supply blood to the heart), the person has a heart attack and then a heart attack. If a thrombosis forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, a stroke occurs.

Vascular atherosclerosis is a complex process. It often begins in childhood and progresses with age. Research by Australian scientists from the Heart Institute has shown that the origins of the development of vascular and heart diseases can originate in the fetus in the womb. Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular problems saves hundreds of thousands of lives every year.

This disorder progresses gradually. In most cases, the mild form of the disease does not manifest itself. Symptoms begin to bother when the arteries narrow or clog. It is in this case that the organs and tissues of the body do not receive the necessary amount of blood and oxygen. A blood clot can completely cut off blood flow or even rupture. In this case, a stroke or heart attack occurs. Both of these conditions require emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of moderate to severe atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected. For example:

• If the coronary (heart) arteries are affected, the person may experience pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest (angina pectoris).
• If the arteries that lead to the brain are affected, there is a sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, temporary loss of vision in one eye. These symptoms of atherosclerosis signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA). If left untreated, it could end in a stroke.
• If the disease affects the vessels of the arms or legs, the person has symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. The most common of these is pain in the legs when walking (intermittent claudication).
• If vascular atherosclerosis has formed in the arteries that lead to the kidneys, kidney failure or hypertension develops.

When is the best time to see a doctor?

Listen to your body’s signals. Pay special attention to the early signs of atherosclerosis – pain behind the sternum, numbness of the limbs or pain in the legs. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are extremely important. Firstly, they will help stop the progression of the disease, and secondly, they will reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of this disease is unknown. According to experts, this violation appears due to damage to the inner layer of the arteries (endothelium). These damages can be caused by:

• High blood pressure,
• High cholesterol,
• High blood triglycerides,
• Smoking,
• Insulin resistance (impaired sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin),
• Overweight,
• Diabetes mellitus,
• Inflammatory processes in the body.

As soon as the inner wall of the arteries is damaged, blood cells and other substances accumulate in this place. Over time, fatty deposits (plaques), which are made up of cholesterol and other cellular products, also accumulate at the site of injury. Then this area hardens and narrows. The organs and tissues that are connected to this vessel do not receive enough blood and cannot function normally.

When the smooth layer of plaque ruptures, cholesterol and other substances enter the bloodstream. At the site of the rupture, a blood clot (thrombus) is formed, which is able to completely block the blood flow to a separate part of the body or organ. When a clot forms in the arteries that carry blood to the heart, a heart attack occurs. If immediate action is not taken, an attack is followed by a myocardial infarction.

Additional risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

• Age,
• Family history of cardiovascular disease,
• Physical inactivity (lack or lack of physical activity),
• Unhealthy diet.

How to treat atherosclerosis?

Most patients benefit from lifestyle changes. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are the 2 cornerstones on which treatment should be built. Sometimes doctors prescribe medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Drug treatment of atherosclerosis

Various drugs can slow down the development of the disease, and sometimes completely get rid of its negative consequences. Doctors prescribe the following types of medicines:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs . Reducing low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) can slow or stop the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. If the level of “good” cholesterol is below normal, its increase will also improve the patient’s condition.
• Antiplatelet drugs. One of them is the well-known aspirin. These drugs reduce the likelihood of blood clots.
• Beta – blockers . These drugs are used to treat coronary (ischemic) heart disease. They lower heart rate and blood pressure. Due to this, the load on the heart is reduced, and the symptoms of angina are weakened. Beta-blockers help reduce the risk of a heart attack and also prevent some heart rhythm problems.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. These medicines help slow the progression of arteriosclerosis by lowering blood pressure. They also have a positive effect on the health of the coronary arteries. Taking inhibitors may reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
• Calcium channel blockers. These drugs lower blood pressure and are also used to treat angina pectoris.
• Diuretics (diuretics). Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Diuretics help lower blood pressure.

Surgery

More aggressive therapy is sometimes required. If the patient is suffering from severe symptoms or has blocked arteries, one of the surgical procedures may be prescribed. They include:

1. Angioplasty and stenting. During this procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a narrowed or blocked part of an artery. A second, smaller catheter with a deflated balloon at the tip is then inserted into this catheter. The balloon is filled with air and the deposits on the walls of the arteries are compressed. Then a tube (stent) is inserted into this area, due to which the lumen of the artery remains open.
2. Carotid endarterectomy. This is a type of surgery that removes deposits in the carotid artery (on the neck). This procedure restores blood flow to the brain, thereby reducing the risk of stroke.
3. Coronary artery bypass. In this operation, surgeons restore normal blood flow to the arteries of the heart by bypassing the narrowing. For this, special vascular prostheses are used – shunts. With bypass surgery, specialists create bypasses that allow oxygen-rich blood to flow through. The surgery helps improve blood flow, relieve chest pain, and possibly prevent a heart attack. Bypass surgery can also be performed on the arteries of the lower extremities.

Prevention of atherosclerosis is available to everyone!

A few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression of the disease. To do this, you need:

1. Give up cigarettes. Smoking damages the arteries and thus sets the stage for the development of atherosclerosis.
2. Move and exercise regularly. Regular exercise creates conditions under which the muscles use oxygen more efficiently. Physical activity also improves blood circulation and promotes the formation of new blood vessels. The latter act as natural workarounds. Set yourself a goal of exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. If you can’t devote 30 minutes to training right away, break them into 3 mini-classes of 10 minutes each. Walking at a slow and fast pace, climbing stairs, cycling and so on are suitable as workouts.
3. Eat healthy food. The basis of the diet for cores should be fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to keep salt, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates to a minimum. This will help reduce weight, blood pressure, as well as cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
4. Lose extra pounds and maintain a normal weight. Losing even 2-4.5 kg reduces many “bad” indicators and the risks associated with them.

Prevention of atherosclerosis is available to everyone. You just need to want. One of the most important factors that we can influence is our weight. Losing extra pounds not only makes a person more attractive. There is evidence that losing weight automatically reduces “bad” indicators: blood pressure, as well as triglyceride and blood glucose levels. The best way to reach your target weight is to see a dietitian.

Sources:

1. What is At herosclerosis, Heart Research Institute,
2. Atherosclerosis, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI),
3. Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis, Mayo Clinic,
4. Can lose weight lower high blood pressure, U.