Definition of atherosclerosis
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to other parts of the body. Healthy arteries are soft, strong and flexible. However, as we age, the walls of arteries can harden and thicken due to excessive stress – restricting blood flow to organs and tissues. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the two terms are often interchanged. Atherosclerosis involves the deposition of lipids in the walls of arteries, forming plaques that restrict blood flow. These plaques can rupture and form blood clots. Although atherosclerosis is often thought of as a heart problem, it can also affect arteries in any part of the body. Atherosclerosis can be prevented and treated.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis develops gradually. Atherosclerosis can be asymptomatic until the arteries become so narrowed or blocked that the blood supply to organs or tissues is inadequate. Sometimes, a clot completely blocks blood flow or ruptures and separates to form a blood clot that will trigger a cardiac event or stroke.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on the artery involved. For example.
1. If the artery is a coronary artery with atherosclerosis, the symptoms are much like a heart attack, such as chest pain (angina).
2. If it is atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying the brain, the symptoms are sudden numbness or weakness of the limbs, difficulty with speech or slurred speech, or drooping facial muscles.
3.If you have atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying the extremities, you will have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as pain in the lower extremities when walking (intermittent claudication).
4.Sometimes atherosclerosis can also cause erectile dysfunction in men.
When should I seek medical attention for atherosclerosis?
If you think you have atherosclerosis – or risk factors that make it hard – tell your doctor. Also look for early signs of inadequate blood flow, such as chest pain, lower extremity pain or numbness. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the progression of atherosclerosis and prevent the onset of acute lesions.
Causes of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease that can begin as early as childhood, and while the exact cause is unknown, researchers speculate that atherosclerosis begins with damage to the arterial lining, which can be caused by factors such as
1, high blood pressure.
2, high cholesterol.
3, irritants, such as nicotine.
4, certain identified diseases, such as diabetes.
Once the arterial lining is damaged, blood cells called platelets gather at the site of injury to repair the artery, leading to an inflammatory response. Over time, lipids (plaque) made up of cholesterol and other cellular waste products are likewise deposited in the damaged vessel endothelium, hardening and narrowing the artery. Organs and tissues supplied by the affected artery do not receive adequate blood flow to maintain normal function.
Eventually, fragments of the fatty deposits can rupture and enter the bloodstream. This leads to thrombosis, which can cause damage to organs, such as leading to a heart attack. A blood clot can also follow the blood flow to other parts of the body, partially or completely blocking blood flow to other organs.
Risk factors
The process of atherosclerosis has been occurring over time. In addition to aging, risk factors for atherosclerosis include
1.High blood pressure
2.Diabetes
3.Obesity
4.Smoking
5, aneurysm or early family history of heart disease
Complications
1.Complications of atherosclerosis depend on the site of the blocked artery.
2.Coronary artery disease may occur when atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries near the heart, and it can lead to chest pain or heart attack.
3. Carotid artery disease, which can occur when atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries near the brain. It can lead to transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke Peripheral artery disease, when atherosclerosis causes narrowing of arteries in the extremities4, may occur as a circulatory disorder in the extremities called peripheral artery disease. This disease can make you less sensitive to the sensation of cold and heat, increasing your risk of burns and frostbite. In rare cases, poor circulation in the extremities can also lead to necrosis (called gangrene)
5. Atheroma, atherosclerosis can also lead to aneurysm. It is a serious complication that can occur in any part of the body. Aneurysms are formed when the walls of the arteries bulge. Common symptoms of an aneurysm are localized pain and throbbing. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Although aneurysm rupture is often a sudden event, chronic leakage can occur. If a blood clot within the aneurysm becomes dislodged, it may lead to blockage of the distal artery.
Preparing for a screening appointment
If you think you have atherosclerosis, your doctor will first perform a physical exam, starting with a blood pressure measurement to see if you have high blood pressure, a common sign of atherosclerosis. The doctor will also perform an auscultation, using a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow in your arteries for any abnormalities.
One of the most common tests doctors use to check for atherosclerosis is to draw blood to test cholesterol levels and blood sugar. You will need to fast for 9-12 hours before having your blood drawn, during which time you can drink water, and your doctor will tell you in advance of your appointment if blood will be drawn.