As a result of plaque, a fatty substance, building up on the inner walls of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Despite its ability to affect any artery in the body, atherosclerosis is especially dangerous when it affects the blood supply to the heart, the brain, the kidneys, and the limbs. Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease can all be complications of atherosclerosis. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerosis in this blog post.
Atherosclerosis is believed to be caused by damage to the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines the inside of the arteries. This damage may occur as a result of:
High cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and obtained from food. If the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, are too high or the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, are too low, cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries and form plaque.
As a result of high blood pressure, the endothelium can be damaged and plaque is more likely to form in the arteries.
Smoking damages the endothelium and increases the risk of plaque formation as well as lowering HDL levels and increasing LDL levels.
High blood sugar levels can damage the endothelium and increase inflammation in arteries in diabetics. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly use or produce insulin.
Having excess body fat can increase the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis.
When the body is injured or infected, it produces inflammation as a natural response. However, chronic or excessive inflammation can damage the endothelium and lead to plaque formation. Inflammation can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, stress, or poor diet.
Usually, atherosclerosis does not cause any symptoms until it becomes severe enough to reduce or block blood flow to an organ or tissue. The symptoms vary depending on which artery is affected and how much blood flow has been compromised.
Chest pain or angina
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Confusion
Numbness or weakness
The doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, as well as order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity and location of plaque buildup in your arteries. Some of these tests are:
Blood tests
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Stress test
Doppler ultrasound
Coronary angiogram
Heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure are among the complications of atherosclerosis that can be prevented or reduced through atherosclerosis treatment. The treatment options depend on the severity and location of plaque buildup in your arteries, along with your overall health and risk factors. They include:
Changes in lifestyle can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation levels, as well as improve blood flow and overall health. They include:
Consuming a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar, and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Avoiding secondhand smoke and quitting smoking.
Losing weight if you are overweight or obese or maintaining a healthy weight.
Stress management and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Drinking no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
The following medications can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, or inflammation levels, as well as prevent blood clots or relieve symptoms.
Atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pravastatin are examples of statins that lower LDL cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol.
Lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, and captopril are examples of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which reduce blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels.
Metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, and propranolol are examples of beta blockers, which lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart. They reduce the workload on the heart and prevent angina attacks.
Amlodipine, nifedipine, diltiazem, and verapamil are calcium channel blockers that lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Diuretics lower blood pressure by increasing urine production. They also reduce fluid retention and swelling. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, and triamterene.
Aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel are antiplatelet agents that prevent blood clots and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Drugs that prevent blood clots by interfering with the clotting process. Examples include warfarin, heparin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban.
As a result of the build-up of plaque on the inner walls of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis is a serious and common condition that causes the arteries to narrow and harden. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, but it is especially dangerous when it affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs. Among the serious complications that can result from atherosclerosis are heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease. On the basis of a medical history, physical examination, and some tests, a doctor can diagnose atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery can be used to prevent or reduce the complications of atherosclerosis. As a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical care and monitoring, atherosclerosis can also be prevented or delayed by regular screening, risk factor management, and healthy lifestyle. People with atherosclerosis can live longer and healthier lives with proper treatment and prevention.
