Atherosclerosis, (Vascular Thickening) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease due to the thickening of arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke or even death. Causes of atherosclerosis1. Smoking2. High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood3. High blood pressure4. High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetesPlaque may begin to build up where the arteries are damaged. Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. Eventually an area of plaque can rupture (break open).
When this happens, blood cell fragments called platelets stick to the site of the injury. They may clump together to form blood clots. Clots narrow the arteries even more limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body. Depending on which arteries are affected, blood clots can worsen angina (chest pain) or cause a heart attack or stroke. Treatments for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures or surgery.
The goals of treatment include:a. Relieving symptomsb. Reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaquec. Lowering the risk of blood clots formingd. Widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteriesTreatment is by:1. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercise, no smoking and alcohol or stress2. Lowering lipids such as statiins and fibrates3. Blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarinSurgeries and procedures for atherosclerosis are1.
Angioplasty, Stent placement, 2. Coronary Artery Bypass surgery, 3. Carotid artery surgery and AtherectomyTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 AtherosclerosisChapter 2 Interesting Facts about AtherosclerosisChapter 3 Treatment of AtherosclerosisChapter 4 HypertensionChapter 5 Coronary Heart DiseaseChapter 6 DiabetesChapter 7 High CholesterolEpilogueOde To AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteriesAtherosclerosis can affect any artery in the bodyPlaque forms blood clots which can block blood flowA heart attack or stroke may occur where the blood clot goesRisk factors are from an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, Other factors are smoking, high cholesterol and obesityHigh blood pressure, diabetes and older age all affect the heartHigh C reactive protein, triglycerides, stress also play a partThere may be sudden chest pain, headache and problems breathingThere is also dizziness, trouble walking or speakingThere may be sudden weakness, numbness of the limbs or confusionThere may also be blurred vision and loss of balance or coordinationTreatment is by relieving symptoms and stop blot clots formingIf the arteries are already blocked, to bypass or do arterial wideningMaking lifestyle changes often can help prevent or treat atherosclerosisTaking medications to thin blood will prevent blood arterial thrombosis-An original poem by Kenneth Kee