Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
It is define as the condition in which your blood vessels which supply the blood and nutrients to the tissues and organs become stiff and thick and the lumen of vessels become obliterated. And causes the obstruction to the blood supply to the organs or tissue. Atherosclerosis is specific for the cholesterol and fats accumulation in the arteries but it may use for other causes of vascular obstructions in generally.
Symptoms
Usually mild disease does not show any sign and symptoms but mild to severe disease have following symptoms:
- Chest pain like angina
- Sudden numbness
- Temporary vision loss if plaque obstruct the optical artery
- Kidney failure
- Claudication
Causes
Causes of atherosclerosis include:
- Chronic blood pressure
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Underlying inflammatory disease
Complications
Complications of atherosclerosis depend on the organ which is affected due to the obstruction of blood vessel:
- Heart failure
- Carotid artery disease which leads to stroke
- Gangrene of legs and arm
- Aneurysms
- Chronic renal disease
Diagnosis
Your doctor diagnosis atherosclerosis during routine checkup by hardening and stiffing of your arteries. Other diagnostic signs and symptoms include:
- Listen bruits by using stethoscope
- Low blood pressure
- Weak pulse
- Absent pulse
Other diagnostic tests include:
- Doppler ultrasound to measure the blood pressure in your vessels
- ECG to check the electrical activity of your heart
- Blood test to check the lipid profile
Treatment
Treatment options include:
Medications. To control cholesterol and lipid level in your body like anti-platelet medications, beta blockers diuretics etc.
Surgical option include angioplasty, fibrinolytic therapy
Endarterectomy and by pass surgery.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Along with treatment healthy lifestyle will provide you a better health for long term.
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Eat healthy food
- Maintain healthy weight
- Reduce fats in your diet
- Reduce stress