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Introduction
Atherosclerosis is he thickening of the arteries due to accumulation of atheromatous plaque along the walls of the arteries. The plaque is composed of macrophages, fat, cholesterol crystals, and calcium deposits.
Gradual thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries causes narrowing of the lumen, impairment of blood flow and increase in blood pressure.
Any artery of the body may be affected however only severe narrowing of the arteries that supply to critical organs can be recognized. | |
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Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease and signs and symptoms are not apparent until the blood supply to the tissues is so much restricted hat it results in ischemia. Over a period of time, the atherosclerotic plaque may rupture to form a thrombus that reduces or stops blood flow to the tissues fed by the artery leading to death of the tissue and this is called as infarction. If the coronary artery is affected, it can lead to myocardial infarction or heart attack and the symptoms include chest pain, difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing, etc. If artery leading to the brain is affected, it can lead to stroke and the symptoms are altered smell, taste, vision or hearing; drooping muscles of the face, etc. If arteries of the limbs are affected then there may be pain in the arms or legs. | |
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Causes of Atherosclerosis
It is most commonly found in people with high blood cholesterol levels. It occurs more commonly in those who have a family history of heart disease.
Diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high fat diet and increasing age are other risk factors associated with the development of atherosclerosis. | |
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Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis
Angiography and stress testing are used to detect atherosclerosis but they can detect only severe obstruction.
Certain anatomic and physiologic methods are used to detect the disease before it becomes symptomatic. Anatomic methods include coronary calcium scoring by CT, carotid intimal media thickness measurement by ultrasound, and intravascular ultrasound. Physiologic methods include lipoprotein analysis, HbA1c, and homocysteine testing. These approaches have not proved to be very useful by clinicians. | |
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Prevention of Atherosclerosis
One should follow a healthy lifestyle. Take a balanced diet which is low in fat and cholesterol, exercise daily, quit smoking, and limit the intake of alcohol. Visit your health care provider for regular checkups. | |
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Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment. Medications are given to treat the underlying causes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, etc. ACE inhibitors help to regulate blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers can also be used alternatively. Statins are used to lower the blood cholesterol levels. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin clopidogrel (Plavix) prevent formation of blood clots in the arteries.
Surgery may be required if severe narrowing of important arteries like the coronary and the carotid arteries takes place. Coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) maybe done. Risks associated with carotid artery surgery are very high and is recommended only when there have been some previous symptoms like stroke. | |