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

Atherosclerosis