What are the primary causes of atherosclerosis. How can you prevent hardening of the arteries. What are the most effective treatments for atherosclerosis. Why is atherosclerosis considered a serious health concern. How does atherosclerosis impact cardiovascular health.

The Basics of Atherosclerosis: Unraveling Hardened Arteries

Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, is a condition that significantly impacts cardiovascular health. This prevalent disorder occurs when fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials accumulate along the inner walls of arteries, forming plaque. As plaque builds up over time, it narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs and tissues.

How exactly does atherosclerosis develop? The process begins with damage to the inner lining of arteries, which can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol levels. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, attracting white blood cells to the site. These cells then absorb fat and cholesterol particles, forming foam cells that contribute to plaque formation.

Key Components of Atherosclerotic Plaque

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

Is atherosclerosis reversible? While complete reversal is challenging, its progression can be slowed or halted through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Early detection and management are crucial for preventing serious complications.

The Silent Threat: Identifying Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis often develops silently over years, making it crucial to understand and address its risk factors. Some risk factors are beyond our control, while others can be modified through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases with advancing years
• Gender: Men are generally at higher risk, though risk equalizes after menopause
• Family history: Genetic predisposition plays a role
• Race: Some ethnicities have higher risk

Modifiable Risk Factors

• High blood cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Diabetes
• Poor diet high in saturated and trans fats

Can managing these risk factors prevent atherosclerosis? While it’s not always possible to completely prevent the condition, addressing modifiable risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis or slow its progression.

The Silent Progression: Understanding Atherosclerosis Symptoms

One of the most challenging aspects of atherosclerosis is its often asymptomatic nature in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may begin to manifest, varying depending on which arteries are affected.

Common Symptoms Based on Affected Arteries

• Coronary arteries: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath
• Carotid arteries: Sudden weakness, numbness, or slurred speech
• Peripheral arteries: Pain or cramping in the legs, especially during exercise
• Renal arteries: High blood pressure, kidney dysfunction

Why is early detection of atherosclerosis crucial? Because symptoms often appear only when the condition has advanced significantly, regular check-ups and screenings are essential for early intervention and prevention of serious complications.

Diagnostic Approaches: Unveiling Hidden Arterial Damage

Diagnosing atherosclerosis often involves a combination of physical examinations, medical history analysis, and various diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers employ a range of techniques to assess the extent of arterial damage and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Atherosclerosis

1. Blood tests: To check cholesterol levels and other risk factors
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect heart rhythm abnormalities
3. Stress tests: To evaluate heart function during physical activity
4. Ankle-brachial index: To assess blood flow in the legs
5. Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize arteries
6. Angiography: To provide detailed images of blood vessels

How accurate are these diagnostic methods? While no single test can provide a complete picture, combining multiple diagnostic approaches allows healthcare providers to accurately assess the presence and severity of atherosclerosis.

Lifestyle Modifications: The First Line of Defense Against Atherosclerosis

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is fundamental in preventing and managing atherosclerosis. These changes can significantly impact the progression of the disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Key Lifestyle Changes for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Management

• Adopt a balanced, nutrient-rich diet low in saturated and trans fats
• Engage in regular physical activity (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Control other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Can lifestyle changes alone reverse atherosclerosis? While complete reversal is rare, these modifications can significantly slow progression and, in some cases, lead to partial regression of plaque buildup.

Medical Interventions: Advanced Treatments for Atherosclerosis

When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to manage atherosclerosis, medical interventions become necessary. Treatment options range from medications to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors.

Medications for Atherosclerosis Management

• Statins: To lower cholesterol levels
• Antihypertensive drugs: To control blood pressure
• Antiplatelet medications: To prevent blood clots
• Beta-blockers: To reduce heart rate and blood pressure
• ACE inhibitors: To protect the heart and blood vessels

Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures

1. Angioplasty and stenting: To open blocked arteries
2. Atherectomy: To remove plaque from arteries
3. Bypass surgery: To create alternative routes for blood flow
4. Carotid endarterectomy: To remove plaque from carotid arteries

How effective are these treatments in managing atherosclerosis? While treatments can significantly improve outcomes, their effectiveness varies based on individual factors and the stage of the disease. A comprehensive approach combining lifestyle changes and medical interventions often yields the best results.

Preventing Complications: Vigilance in Atherosclerosis Management

Atherosclerosis can lead to severe complications if left unmanaged. Understanding these potential outcomes emphasizes the importance of proactive prevention and treatment strategies.

Potential Complications of Atherosclerosis

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• Aneurysms
• Chronic kidney disease

How can these complications be prevented? Regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed treatments, and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle are crucial in minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis-related complications.

The Future of Atherosclerosis Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

As our understanding of atherosclerosis deepens, researchers continue to explore innovative approaches to prevention and treatment. These emerging therapies hold promise for more effective management of this pervasive condition.

Cutting-Edge Research Areas in Atherosclerosis

• Gene therapy to target specific risk factors
• Nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery
• Immunotherapy to modulate inflammatory responses
• Stem cell therapy for vascular regeneration
• Advanced imaging techniques for early detection

What potential do these emerging therapies hold? While many are still in experimental stages, they offer hope for more personalized and effective treatments that could revolutionize atherosclerosis management in the future.

In conclusion, atherosclerosis remains a significant health concern, but our growing understanding of its mechanisms and risk factors has led to improved prevention and treatment strategies. By combining lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and regular monitoring, individuals can effectively manage this condition and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. As research continues to advance, we can look forward to even more sophisticated approaches to combating this pervasive arterial disease.

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 | Cedars-Sinai

ABOUT

CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

NEXT STEPS

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.

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.

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;

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: therapist at the clinic on Nikulinskaya Nichman EG

Stenosing atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries treatment, occlusion of the carotid and vertebral arteries.

Atherosclerotic lesion of the arteries supplying the brain: brachio – shoulder, cephalis – head (Greek), i.e. brachio-head arteries.

These include:

• subclavian arteries,
• vertebral arteries,
• brachiocephalic trunk,
• common, external and internal carotid arteries

Classification of disease forms

(Reference: narrowing of the arteries – stenosis, complete blockage – occlusion)

• stenosis and occlusion of the internal carotid artery,
• stenosis and occlusion of the common carotid artery,
• stenosis and occlusion of the vertebral artery,
• stenosis and occlusion of the subclavian artery.

Narrowings of these arteries supplying the brain with blood lead to chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (CCM) or to strokes (cerebral infarction).

HHMK – a state of constant lack of blood in the brain, continuous oxygen starvation of the brain tissue, forcing the brain cells to be in constant tension of all intracellular systems and intercellular connections, which leads to disruption of the normal functioning of both brain cells and the organ as a whole.

The main classification of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (CCM) used in Russia (according to Pokrovsky A.V.) contains 4 degrees:

• I degree — asymptomatic course or absence of signs of cerebral ischemia against the background of proven, clinically significant damage to cerebral vessels;
• II degree – transient ischemic attack (TIA) – occurrence of focal neurological deficit with complete regression of neurological symptoms within 1 hour; transient disorders of cerebral circulation (TIMC) – the occurrence of focal neurological deficit with complete regression of neurological symptoms within 24 hours;
• III degree – the so-called chronic course of SMN, i. e. the presence of cerebral neurological symptoms or chronic vertebrobasilar insufficiency without a history of focal deficit or its consequences. In neurological systematizations, this degree corresponds to the term “dyscirculatory encephalopathy”;
• IV degree – previous, completed or complete stroke, i.e. the existence of focal neurological symptoms for more than 24 hours, regardless of the degree of regression of the neurological deficit (from complete to no regression).

Dry statistics cannot fully reflect the whole tragedy of the situation when a cerebral infarction occurs – a stroke … But it is stroke that ranks second in the structure of general mortality of the population, second only to cardiac (cardiac) pathology. 35% of stroke patients die within the first month, and approximately 50% of patients die within a year, i.e. every second. Think about these figures: about 6 million people are affected by stroke in the world every year, and in Russia – more than 450,000, i. e. every 1.5 minutes, a Russian suffers a stroke for the first time. In St. Petersburg, 12 thousand cases of stroke are registered annually.

Stroke

Stroke is the main cause of disability in the population. Only about 20% of surviving patients can return to their previous work. At the same time, a stroke imposes special obligations on the members of the patient’s family and places a heavy socio-economic burden on society.

Ischemic stroke is the necrosis of parts of the brain due to insufficient blood supply to them through the arteries. The brain is powered by two carotid and two vertebral arteries. About 80% of ischemic strokes occur due to damage to the carotid or vertebral arteries in the neck. The vast majority of narrowing of the arteries occur due to the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessel wall, which not only cause insufficient blood flow to the brain, but also collapse with the formation of small or massive blood clots, causing either a massive stroke or many small ones, leading to a significant decrease in intelligence and dementia.

The presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels that feed the brain is often difficult to suspect, since complaints are varied and inconsistent. The main precursors of the development of a large stroke are the so-called transient ischemic attacks (TIA), which occur when small fragments of an atherosclerotic plaque break off and enter small vessels of the brain, causing brain death in a small area. In this case, transient paralysis of the arms and / or legs (from several minutes to several hours), speech disorders, transient or sudden blindness in one eye, memory loss, dizziness, fainting are possible.

Having a TIA is a red flag that your brain is in serious danger and needs to be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.

Modern possibilities of cardiovascular surgery allow saving lives and improving its quality for the majority of patients and prevent ischemic cerebrovascular accidents. The arsenal of cardiovascular surgeons of the clinic includes modern equipment, unique plastic materials and surgical treatment technologies. In some cases, intravascular elimination of the narrowing of the carotid artery is possible without anesthesia and an incision through the puncture of the artery and the introduction of a special instrument into its lumen under X-ray control.

Basic methods for diagnosing atherosclerosis of brachiocephalic arteries:

• color duplex scanning,
• multislice computed tomography-angiography,
• direct radiopaque angiography.

The main methods of treatment of atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries

Unfortunately, there are no drugs that can “dissolve” or eliminate plaques in the vessels. Some drugs, such as aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs, can only stop the growth of atherosclerotic plaques and reduce the likelihood of blood clots. The main and only effective treatment for narrowing and occlusion of the carotid, vertebral, subclavian arteries is surgery. Numerous studies by scientists from different countries have undeniably proven the effectiveness of preventive surgical methods in preventing stroke.