Hardening of Arterial Walls: A Comprehensive Overview
What is atherosclerosis? How is it diagnosed and treated? Get the answers to these questions and more in this informative article.
Understanding Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is a slow, progressive disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This plaque is composed of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. As the plaque accumulates, the artery walls become thickened and stiff, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the body’s organs and tissues.
Causes of Atherosclerosis
The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a gradual process that involves inflammation and the gradual buildup of plaque on the inside of the artery walls. Several risk factors have been identified that can increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in saturated fat, and a family history of the condition.
Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Symptoms of atherosclerosis may develop slowly over time and can vary depending on the affected artery. In some cases, individuals may have few or no symptoms at all. However, when a major artery is blocked, it can lead to more serious events such as a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
Diagnosing Atherosclerosis
To diagnose atherosclerosis, healthcare providers will typically begin with a comprehensive health history and physical examination. They may also order one or more of the following tests:
- Cardiac catheterization: A long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the coronary arteries, and a dye is injected to help visualize any narrowing or blockages.
- Doppler sonography: A probe is used to send sound waves into a blood vessel to assess blood flow and identify any potential blockages.
- Blood pressure comparison: Comparing blood pressure measurements in the ankles and arms can help detect differences that may indicate narrowed blood vessels.
- MUGA/radionuclide angiography: A type of nuclear scan that evaluates how the heart wall moves and the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.
- Thallium/myocardial perfusion scan: Another type of nuclear scan that can identify areas of the heart muscle that are not receiving enough blood.
- Cardiac CT: A type of X-ray test that can detect coronary calcification or heart artery blockages.
Treating Atherosclerosis
The treatment of atherosclerosis typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may include:
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Managing high blood pressure
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Adopting a healthy diet
Medications that may be used to treat atherosclerosis include antiplatelet drugs, which help prevent the formation of blood clots, and statins, which can lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow, such as a bypass procedure or the placement of a stent.
Preventing Atherosclerosis
While the exact cause of atherosclerosis is not fully understood, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and prevent the development of the condition:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
- Manage your health conditions: Control your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Know your family history: If you have a family history of heart disease or atherosclerosis, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- Get regular checkups: Routine screenings and check-ups can help detect any early signs of atherosclerosis and allow for timely intervention.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection and treatment of atherosclerosis are crucial, as the condition can progress slowly and silently over time. By addressing the underlying risk factors and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can often slow or even halt the progression of the disease, reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Conclusion
Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is a complex and potentially serious condition that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention and treatment. By understanding the causes, risk factors, and available diagnostic and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of this progressive disease.
Atherosclerosis | Cedars-Sinai
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DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
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What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is thickening of
the walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused
by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
Plaque is made up of deposits of
fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. As it
builds up in the arteries, the artery walls become thickened and stiff.
Atherosclerosis is a slow,
progressive disease. It may start as early as childhood. But in some people, it can
progress quickly.
What causes atherosclerosis?
It’s not clear exactly how it
starts or what causes it.
A gradual buildup of plaque or thickening due to inflammation
occurs on the inside of the walls of the artery. This reduces blood flow and oxygen
to
body organs and tissues.
Who is at risk for atherosclerosis?
Risk factors include:
- High cholesterol and triglyceride
levels - High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Type 1 and 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- High saturated fat diet
- Family history
What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis?
Signs and symptoms may develop
slowly over time. Symptoms may also vary depending on the affected artery. Or you
may
have few symptoms. But when a major artery is blocked, you may have a heart attack,
stroke, or blood clot.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis may
be like other health conditions. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
First, your healthcare provider
will do a complete health history and physical exam. You may also have 1 or more of
these tests:
- Cardiac catheterization.A long thin tube (catheter) is passed into the coronary arteries. A dye is
injected into an artery. Then X-rays are taken. The dye helps to show the narrowing,
blockages, and other problems of certain arteries. - Doppler sonography.A probe is used to send sound waves into a blood vessel to look at blood flow.
An audio receiver amplifies the sound of the blood moving though the vessel. Faint
sound or no sound may mean there is a blockage.
This is used to find narrowed blood
vessels in the abdomen, neck, or legs. - Blood pressure comparison.Blood pressure measurements in the ankles and in the arms are compared. This
helps find any differences in blood pressure. Big differences may mean blood vessels
are narrowed. - MUGA/radionuclide
angiography.
This is a type of nuclear scan. It is done to see how the heart wall moves and
how much blood is pumped with each heartbeat while you are at rest. - Thallium/myocardial perfusion scan.This is a type of nuclear scan. It is done while you are at rest, or after
exercise. It may show areas of the heart muscle that are not getting enough
blood. - Cardiac CT.This is a type of X-ray test. It can show if there is coronary calcification or
even heart artery blockages. These calcifications or blockages may lead to a future
heart problem.
This is used to find narrowed blood
How is atherosclerosis treated?
Treatment may include lifestyle
changes, medicine, and surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can include:
- Stopping smoking
- Controlling cholesterol levels
- Controlling blood sugar (glucose) levels
- Treating high blood pressure
- Getting exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
Medicines
Medicines that may be used are
listed below.
Antiplatelet medicines
These are used to decrease the ability of platelets in the
blood to stick together and form a clot.
Anticoagulants
These are also called blood thinners. They work differently from antiplatelet
medicines to decrease the ability of the blood to clot. Bivalirudin, enoxaparin,
and heparin are examples of IV (intravenous) and injectable anticoagulants. There
are many other anticoagulants used for treating blood clots that occur with
irregular heart rhythms. But these are not used often for atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol-lowering medicines
These are medicines used to lower fats (lipids) in the blood.
They focus on changing levels of low-density lipid (LDL) cholesterol. Statins are
a type of this medicine. They include simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and
pravastatin. Other types of medicine may be used to reduce cholesterol levels.
These include bile acid sequestrants such as colesevelam, cholestyramine, and
colestipol.
Another medicine is nicotinic acid. Your healthcare provider may also
prescribe fibrates. These help improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
People with inherited high levels of cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
may need to use a medicine called a PCSK9 inhibitor to control their cholesterol.
Two kinds of this medicine are alirocumab and evolocumab and are given by
injection.
Blood pressure medicines
Several different types of medicines act in different ways to lower blood pressure.
Coronary angioplasty
With this procedure, a long thin
tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel and moved up into the heart. There,
a balloon is inflated to create a bigger opening in the vessel. This increases blood
flow.
Angioplasty is done in other blood vessels elsewhere in the body.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) refers to angioplasty in the coronary
arteries to let more blood flow into the heart. There are several types of PCI,
including:
- Balloon angioplasty.A small balloon is inflated inside the blocked artery to open the blocked
area. - Atherectomy.The blocked area inside the artery is shaved away by a tiny device on the end
of a catheter. - Laser angioplasty.A laser is used to vaporize the blockage in the artery.
- Coronary artery stent.A tiny mesh coil is expanded inside the blocked artery to open the blocked
area and is left in place to keep the artery open.
Coronary artery bypass
This is most often called bypass
surgery. It is often done in people who have angina (chest pain) or have had a heart
attack and have significant atherosclerosis in multiple heart arteries. During the
surgery, a bypass is created around a blocked area of an artery. A healthy vein is
taken from elsewhere in the body. This is called a graft. The graft is usually taken
from the leg or from the chest wall. The graft is attached above and below the
blocked area of a coronary artery. This lets blood flow around the blocked area.
An
artery from another blood vessel in the chest can also be used to supply the heart
artery blood beyond a blockage as well. Sometimes more than 1 artery needs to be
bypassed during the same surgery.
What are possible complications of atherosclerosis?
Plaque buildup inside the arteries
reduces the blood flow. A heart attack may occur if the blood supply is reduced to
the
heart. A damaged heart muscle may not pump as well. This can lead to heart failure.
A
stroke may occur if the blood supply is cut off to the brain. If the blood supply
is
reduced in the arms or legs, it may cause severe pain and destroy tissue.
Can atherosclerosis be prevented?
You can prevent or delay
atherosclerosis by reducing your risk factors. This includes:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Losing weight
- Being physically active
- Not smoking
A healthy diet includes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean meats, skinless chicken, and fish
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy foods and drinks
- Low sodium
- Low amounts of refined sugars and grains
- Low amounts of solid fats
If you are at risk for
atherosclerosis because of family history or high cholesterol, take medicines as
directed by your healthcare provider.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms get worse
- You have new symptoms
Key points of atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerosis is thickening of the
walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused
by
a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. - Risk factors may include high
cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and saturated
fats. - Atherosclerosis can cause a heart
attack, stroke, aneurysm, or blood clot. - You may need medicine, treatments, or
surgery to reduce the complications of atherosclerosis.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from
a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and
what you want to happen. - Before your visit, write down
questions you want answered. - Bring someone with you to help you ask
questions and remember what your provider tells you. - At the visit, write down the name of a
new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new
instructions your provider gives you. - Know why a new medicine or treatment
is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. - Ask if your condition can be treated
in other ways. - Know why a test or procedure is
recommended and what the results could mean. - Know what to expect if you do not take
the medicine or have the test or procedure. - If you have a follow-up appointment,
write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. - Know how you can contact your provider
if you have questions.
Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
Medical Reviewer: Callie Tayrien RN MSN
Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
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
Modern cardiology at IMMA medical clinics provides consultations, diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels.
Leading specialists of the region, in comfortable conditions, will consult, carry out diagnostic measures and, if necessary, prescribe treatment for cardiac pathology. The clinic performs all studies of the coronary vessels and the heart using traditional and proprietary techniques. Each client of the clinic can be sure that his health is in the hands of the best doctors.
In our clinics you can:
- Consult a cardiologist;
- Take an ECG and get a professional interpretation of the results;
- Undergo ABPM procedure;
- Undergo Holter monitoring;
- And use other services.
For more details and any questions, please contact the number listed on the website
What is atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels is a chronic heart disease that occurs against the background of a violation of metabolic processes, in particular lipid (fat) metabolism. As a result, cholesterol plaques are deposited on the inner walls of the myocardial arteries, in which defective connective tissue (sclerosis) gradually grows.
Sealing of the walls of blood vessels leads to irreversible deformations, narrowing of the lumen, up to complete blockage.
Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels is the first symptom of IHD. Without timely and proper treatment, the development of coronary disease is inevitable.
As a rule, before the first clinical signs appear, the disease has been asymptomatic for a long time. According to medical statistics, atherosclerosis begins at a fairly young age and is clearly manifested by the age of 45-50. This is due to the cumulative feature of cholesterol. For many years, it can gradually envelop the walls of blood vessels until it reaches a critical level. The accumulation of trans fats interferes with full blood flow, up to a complete blockage of circulation. There comes asphyxia and atrophy of the heart muscle.
Causes
Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the heart develops under the influence of both social and physiological factors. In cardiology, there are more than 200 causes that provoke the progress of pathology.
The most common are:
- Lipid metabolism disorders, as a result of which excess cholesterol accumulates in the body, settling on the walls of blood vessels;
- Smoking has an extremely negative effect on the cardiac system. Nicotine, heavy resins damage cell membranes in blood vessels. Permeability is disturbed, blood circulation worsens;
- Hypertension. High blood pressure increases the load on the heart muscle;
- Static lifestyle. Office work, the lack of normal activity leads to a slowdown in metabolic processes, stagnant processes begin to develop;
- Unbalanced diet. Eating a large amount of fried, fatty foods leads to pathologies of the circulatory system;
- Genetic predisposition. If at least one close blood relative was diagnosed with atherosclerosis of the heart vessels, then the risk of developing the disease increases several times;
- Pos. In young and middle-aged women, the development of atherosclerosis is prevented by natural processes in the body – the synthesis of estrogens. After the onset of menopause, the risk of pathology increases;
- Old age. Gradual accumulation of harmful fats occurs over decades. Therefore, the older a person becomes, the greater the likelihood of a dangerous diagnosis;
- Narcological diseases. The presence of alcohol or drug addiction aggravates the general state of human health, one of the complications of addiction can be atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart;
After the onset of menopause, the risk of pathology increases;Diabetes. The clinical picture of the disease includes multiple lesions of blood vessels, against the background of impaired metabolism. Atherosclerosis can become a complication.
Symptoms
The danger of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart lies in the absence of symptoms in the first stages of development. The disease can “silently” destroy arteries for many years. As a rule, the first signs appear in middle age, after 45 years. During this time, negative processes in the vessels reach a critical level and are manifested by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the region of the heart, left shoulder and under the shoulder blade;
- Discomfort, burning sensation under ribs;
- Dyspnea while walking and in a fully horizontal position;
- General weakness, dizziness;
- Persistent slight nausea.
Nonspecific symptoms of atherosclerosis of the heart are often mistaken by patients for the manifestation of other diseases that have similar symptoms. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis in the early stages, when the treatment prognosis is favorable in the vast majority of cases.
Progressive atherosclerosis of the heart vessels is manifested by more serious symptoms:
- Angina pectoris. Short-term attacks of pain in the region of the heart, radiating to the shoulder blade, arm, abdominal cavity and lower jaw. Occur after physical activity, eating spicy food or emotional stress. Last no more than 15-20 minutes, the symptoms disappear after rest or taking sedatives, such as validol.
- Cardiosclerosis. The process of development of atherosclerosis is in the active stage – there is scarring and replacement of muscle tissue with inferior compounds. Manifested by constant weak to moderate pain, swelling of the extremities, shortness of breath, fatigue, decreased physical activity.
- Arrhythmia. The frequency and sequence of heartbeats is disturbed. The patient has paroxysmal pain, a feeling of cardiac arrest, dizziness, fainting, abnormal tremors in the chest region.
Heart failure. The rupture of a cholesterol plaque is accompanied by the formation of a blood clot that clogs the artery. The blood stops carrying oxygen and nutrients. The heart stops beating normally. There are strong, burning pains in the chest, nausea, the patient feels a lack of air, limbs swell, clouding of consciousness appears.
Important! In acute failure, the risk of myocardial infarction increases to 90%. If the attack is accompanied by a rupture of the aneurysm, death occurs.
Depending on how quickly the patient seeks medical help, the prognosis of atherosclerosis will be positive or unfavorable. If the pathology is launched to such an extent that foci of necrosis began to form in the myocardium, then there is a significant threat to life.
Treatment
The treatment of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart requires a heterogeneous, complex approach and a long period of time.
After an accurate assessment of the clinical picture of the disease, medications and therapeutic measures are prescribed, which include:
- Antihypertensive preparations for removing excess lipids and fluid from body tissues from blood vessel cells;
- Beta-blockers, inhibitors to decrease the oxygen demand of the heart. At the time of treatment, this reduces myocardial activity and the severity of symptoms.
- Anticoagulants to exclude the possibility of blood clots.
- Prescribing a special diet;
- Prohibition of smoking, alcoholic beverages;
- Moderate therapeutic exercise to prevent stagnant processes;
- Weight loss to normalize metabolic processes and remove toxic substances from the body.
Surgical intervention
Treatment of atherosclerosis involves surgical methods when the development of the disease is in the last stages and the patient’s life is in danger. The way to solve the problem is determined by the cardiologist if conservative therapy has not brought results.
Modern medicine offers the following types of surgical intervention:
- Coronary bypass surgery. Prostheses are inserted into the vessels, which allow you to restore blood circulation in the proper volume.
- Angioplasty. Mechanical expansion of the coronary vessels by introducing special catheters with a balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the cholesterol plaque is “flattened” and, accordingly, the throughput of the vessel is restored.
- Stenting. A rigid frame is inserted into the vessel cavity, which expands and fixes the lumen of the artery.
Preventive examination and early diagnosis will help to avoid dangerous surgery. The initial stages of the disease respond well to treatment and the prevention of dangerous complications.
Possible complications
Atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart has two types of complications – chronic and acute. Chronic forms include vascular insufficiency, irreversible deformation of the myocardial muscles, growth of defective connective tissue, oxygen starvation of the heart.
Most often, the following pathologies appear:
Myocardial infarction – necrotic scarring of muscle tissue associated with a lack of oxygen.
- Stroke is a myocardial disorder resulting in the death of nerve cells in the brain due to mild or extensive hemorrhage;
- Hypertension – persistent increase in blood pressure due to impaired blood circulation in the coronary vessels of the heart;
- Ischemic heart disease is a pathology with absolute or partial damage to the myocardium.
Acute complications are directly life-threatening and are associated with the formation of blood clots and spasms in the blood vessels. These include:
- Aortic hematoma – accumulation of blood between the walls of blood vessels. Manifested by fainting, severe chest pain. Requires immediate surgery.
Aneurysm is an expansion of the vascular cavity due to abnormal growth of connective tissue. A distinctive feature is a sudden rupture with large blood loss, which occurs asymptomatically.
In most cases, it ends in death.
Important! Already at the first consultation with a cardiologist, you can find out about the presence of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels. Visual inspection and listening are simple and, most importantly, timely diagnostic methods that will help preserve health and life.
Who is at risk
Everyone, regardless of gender and age, can get atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Many factors contribute to this, ranging from social causes to poor ecology.
Guidelines for assessing risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases, developed on the basis of many years of research in the field of cardiology, highlight the following indicators:
- Men aged 50-55;
- Difficult working conditions due to professional activities;
- Hereditary pathologies of the heart;
- Obesity;
- Smoking, including passive smoking;
- Psychological disorders – stress, depression, depression;
- Diseases of the thyroid gland;
- Poor nutrition, the definition includes fried, fatty, sweet and starchy foods, fast food.
A systemic risk assessment for the next 10 years can be done independently according to the well-known SCORE (Systemic COronary Risk Evaluation) scale proposed by American cardiologists.
The modern pace and rules of life put every second person at risk. Therefore, it is difficult to find a better prevention of atherosclerosis of the heart vessels than regular preventive examinations. At the slightest suspicion, it is better to contact a cardiologist and adjust your lifestyle than undergo a long treatment, not always with a positive outcome.
Appointment for a preventive examination
You can make an appointment with a cardiologist using the contacts listed on the website or by contacting the nearest IMMA medical center. You will receive comprehensive information not only about the internal routine of the clinic, but also about modern research standards, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic and diagnostic assistance provided to patients in the cardiology department is carried out according to the recommendations of the WHO RF by cardiologists of the highest category and candidates of medical sciences.
Author of the material: physician-therapist of the clinic on Nikulinskaya Nichman EG T. Toppera Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of the arteries (vessels that deliver blood from the heart to organs and tissues), in which large amounts of cholesterol are deposited in the vascular wall, forming thickenings called atherosclerotic plaques. Vascular atherosclerosis How does atherosclerotic plaque interfere with normal blood flow. Atherosclerosis affects large main arteries – the aorta and its branches. Among the sections of the aorta, the abdominal aorta is most susceptible to atherosclerosis. Clinically significant atherosclerosis of the aortic arch and thoracic aorta is much less common. From the peripheral arteries and direct branches of the aorta, it should be distinguished: When several arterial basins are affected, they speak of generalized (common) atherosclerosis. Most often, atherosclerosis affects the coronary, brachiocephalic basins, as well as the vessels supplying the lower extremities. Atherosclerotic or, as they are also called, cholesterol plaques gradually narrow the lumen of the arteries and make them less elastic. This creates an obstacle to the normal flow of blood and leads to insufficient blood supply to the feeding organ. The narrowing of the lumen of the vessel by an atherosclerotic plaque is called stenosis, and the complete blockage of the lumen is called occlusion. Symptoms of the disease begin to appear at a certain degree of stenosis of the artery, in which case we can talk about stenosing atherosclerosis of the vessels. So, for example, if the arteries of the heart narrow, then the blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) decreases. This can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, which can eventually lead to a heart attack. In addition, the danger of atherosclerosis lies in the fact that particles of atherosclerotic plaque can detach from the walls of arteries and be carried with blood to narrower vessels, blocking their lumen. In the area of atherosclerotic plaques, blood clots can form, partially or completely blocking the lumen of the artery. In such cases, there is an acute violation of the blood supply to the feeding organ, which can lead to dangerous, often life-threatening complications. The described mechanisms are often the cause of stroke, myocardial infarction, thrombosis and obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on the organ that nourishes the vessels affected by atherosclerotic plaques. So, with the defeat of the coronary arteries, the heart muscle (myocardium) suffers, coronary heart disease (CHD) develops. Of the vessels that feed the brain, atherosclerosis most often affects the internal carotid and vertebral arteries. In this case, patients may be disturbed by dizziness, impaired memory and vision, episodes of loss of sensation or movements in the face and limbs, and speech disorders. With the long-term existence of an atherosclerotic plaque in the lumen of the carotid artery, ulceration may occur on its surface, as well as blood clots, which can be carried away with the blood flow to the vessels of the brain, causing such clinical manifestations as paresis / paralysis, sudden loss of sensation in the limbs or in the face, as well as temporary blindness. When the vessels of the legs are affected, symptoms of intermittent claudication appear – pain in the calf (less often – in the gluteal and femoral) muscles that occur when walking. With the progression of obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities, trophic ulcers and gangrene of the extremity eventually occur. Causes of atherosclerosis are not fully understood. It is believed that the initial stages of atherosclerosis occur already at a young age, but usually it reaches its clinical significance in people of the older age group (over 50 years). Allocate risk factors for atherosclerosis, the impact on which can significantly slow down its progression, reduce the severity of its manifestations and prevent the occurrence of complications. It is important to regularly monitor the blood test for the so-called “bad” cholesterol, which is deposited in the wall of the arteries and causes the appearance and growth of atherosclerotic plaques. The best treatment for atherosclerosis is its prevention. It is necessary in order to prevent the onset of the first signs and symptoms of the disease, which will help to overcome atherosclerosis already in the initial stages. Prevention is primarily in the diet: do not abuse fatty foods, as well as the obligatory cessation of smoking. In the case of hypertension (hypertension), it is necessary to maintain normal blood pressure values with its control, as well as taking medications, after consulting with a therapist or cardiologist. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, it is shown to maintain a normal level of glucose in the blood by taking hypoglycemic drugs prescribed by an endocrinologist, daily monitoring of blood glucose levels, and regular monitoring by an endocrinologist. If atherosclerosis is suspected, an examination by a specialist doctor is necessary: You need to see a specialist (vascular surgeon) if you have one or more risk factors for atherosclerosis, as well as complaints characteristic of arterial disease. It is especially important to seek qualified help at the initial manifestations of the disease, when it is possible to prevent the development of severe complications of atherosclerosis. Before prescribing instrumental diagnostic methods, the doctor must evaluate the patient’s complaints. Gather information about past illnesses and past treatments. An objective examination provides detailed information about the severity and extent of the disease. In some cases, the diagnosis of atherosclerosis can be ruled out during the initial examination. If atherosclerosis of vessels of one or another localization is detected, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination. Laboratory and instrumental studies that can be used to diagnose atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis can be treated conservatively and surgically. Conservative treatment of atherosclerosis is used for non-expressed and non-stenotic forms of atherosclerosis. It includes the fight against risk factors for atherosclerosis, as well as taking medications from among statins (Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, etc.) and antiplatelet agents (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, etc. Vessels susceptible to atherosclerosis
Why atherosclerosis is dangerous
Particles of atherosclerotic plaque can detach from the walls of arteries and be carried with blood to narrower vessels, completely blocking their lumen. Clinical picture or symptoms of atherosclerosis
There are signs of angina pectoris – pain behind the sternum and shortness of breath during exertion or at rest.
With atherosclerosis of the iliac arteries, there may also be a violation of potency (erectile dysfunction). Causes of atherosclerosis
Risk factors for atherosclerosis
Cholesterol and atherosclerosis
With an increased value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner, cardiologist or vascular surgeon. In the absence of contraindications, the use of statins is recommended – medications that reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Prevention of vascular atherosclerosis
Which doctor treats vascular atherosclerosis?
How to treat vascular atherosclerosis: drug treatment of atherosclerosis
