Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. Show As you get older, fats, cholesterol, and calcium can collect in your arteries and form plaque. The buildup of plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. This buildup may occur in any artery in your body, including around your heart, legs, brain, and kidneys. It can result in a shortage of blood and oxygen in various tissues of your body. Pieces of plaque can also break off, causing a blood clot. Without treatment, atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, among other conditions. Atherosclerosis is a fairly common problem associated with aging. This condition can be prevented and many successful treatment options exist. Did you know? Most symptoms of atherosclerosis don’t show up until a blockage occurs. Common symptoms include:
It’s also important to know the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Both of these can be caused by atherosclerosis and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of a heart attack include:
The symptoms of stroke include:
Heart attack and stroke are both medical emergencies. Call 911 or your local emergency services and get to a hospital’s emergency room as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. When plaque builds up and the arteries become hard and inflamed, blood has trouble flowing through them to the rest of the body. This prevents your organs and tissues from getting the oxygenated blood they need to function. The following are common causes of hardening of the arteries: High cholesterolCholesterol is a waxy, yellow substance that’s found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods you eat. If the levels of cholesterol in your blood are too high, it can clog your arteries. It becomes a hard plaque that restricts or blocks blood circulation to your heart and other organs. DietIt’s important to eat a healthy diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you follow an overall healthy dietary pattern that stresses:
Some other diet tips:
AgingAs you age, your heart and blood vessels work harder to pump and receive blood. Your arteries may stiffen and become less elastic, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. Your doctor will perform a physical exam if you have symptoms of atherosclerosis. They’ll check for:
A cardiologist may listen to your heart to see if you have any atypical sounds. Your doctor will order more tests if they think you may have atherosclerosis. Tests can include:
Treatment involves changing your current lifestyle to decrease the amount of fat and cholesterol you consume. You can exercise more to improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment. You may also need additional medical treatments, such as medications or surgery. MedicationsMedications can help prevent atherosclerosis from worsening. Medications for treating atherosclerosis include:
Aspirin can be particularly effective for people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. An aspirin regimen discussed with your doctor may potentially lower your risk of having another health event if you already have atherosclerosis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently released updated guidelines on using aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These guidelines may be relevant in discussions with your doctor. If you have no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, only use aspirin as a preventive medication if your risk of bleeding is low and your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is high. Always discuss an aspirin regimen with your doctor first. SurgeryIf symptoms are especially severe or if muscle or skin tissue are endangered, surgery may be necessary. Possible surgeries for treating atherosclerosis include:
Many factors place you at risk for atherosclerosis. Some risk factors can be modified, while others can’t. Family historyIf atherosclerosis runs in your family, you may be at risk for hardening of the arteries. You can inherit this condition, as well as other heart-related problems. Lack of exerciseRegular exercise is good for your heart. It keeps your heart muscle strong and encourages oxygen and blood flow throughout your body. Lack of exercise increases your risk for a host of medical conditions, including heart disease. High blood pressureHigh blood pressure can damage your blood vessels by making them weak in some areas. Cholesterol and other substances in your blood may lower the flexibility of your arteries over time. SmokingSmoking tobacco products can damage your blood vessels and heart. DiabetesPeople with diabetes have a much higher incidence of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent as well as treat atherosclerosis, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. Helpful lifestyle changes include:
You may see improvement in your health with treatment, but this may take time. The success of your treatment will depend on:
Hardening of the arteries can’t be reversed. However, treating the underlying cause and making healthy lifestyle and dietary changes can help slow down the process or prevent it from getting worse. Work closely with your doctor to make the appropriate lifestyle changes. They’ll help you find the proper medications to control your condition and avoid complications. How are hypertension heart disease and stroke related?In hypertension, the force of blood flowing through your arteries is too high. This reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to heart disease. High blood pressure can also damage the arteries that supply your brain. The pressure can reduce blood flow to your brain, resulting in a stroke.
What is the relationship between high blood pressure and disease?High blood pressure can cause many heart problems, including: Coronary artery disease. Arteries narrowed and damaged by high blood pressure have trouble supplying blood to the heart. Too little blood flow to the heart can lead to chest pain (angina), irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or a heart attack.
Which of the following represents the greatest risk factor for stroke?Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the single most important risk factor for stroke.
How can hypertension be prevented?High blood pressure can often be prevented or reduced by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking.
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