What is atherosclerosis and how to prevent it

What is atherosclerosis

Our blood vessels (arteries) carry oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Sometimes vessels are formed fat deposits - plaque. Because of these arteries are narrowedAtherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis)Become hard and rigid, it is more difficult to deliver blood and oxygen to the organs. This is atherosclerosis - a dangerous chronic disease.

How to recognize atherosclerosis

Many people are not aware of the disease because often it has no symptoms. In the initial stages of atherosclerosis find yourself just will not succeed. If you do not have a full examination of the body at least once a year, to learn about the illness can be many years later, when he goes into a heavy phase and plaque block the blood flow.

symptomsAtherosclerosis atherosclerosis moderate to severe depending on which the artery affected. According to Lyudmila Sbrodova, often the disease affects blood vessels of several organs.

vessels of the heart

You may feel pressure and discomfort in the chest. The pain often gives in the back, Neck, shoulders, arms or jaw. Yet sometimes shortness of breath, arrhythmia (frequent palpitations), insomnia, fatigue.

vessels of the brain

Key features in this case - sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, temporary loss of vision, dizziness, loss of coordination in walking, severe headache, fainting.

Vessels of hands and feet

If these arteries are narrowed, the limbs are numb and hurt, especially when driving.

renal blood vessels

Because of plaques renal insufficiency may develop in the renal arteries. Its main symptoms: weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, too frequent or infrequent urination, swelling arms and legs, trouble concentrating, pruritus.

Where does atherosclerosis

The disease can appear as early as childhood. Why - is unknown. Usually it starts with damage to the endothelium - the inner layer of the artery.

applyAtherosclerosis Causes can damage blood vessels are a few things:

• high blood pressure;
• smoking tobacco;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• sugar diabetes first type;
• obesity, obesity;
• lack of exercise.

How dangerous atherosclerosis

The disease has few complicationsAtherosclerosisThreatening the health and lives.

• If leading to the heart arteries are narrowed, blood flow slows down. This leads to coronary heart disease and angina. A later sometimes it becomes a cause heart attack infarction and death.
• Due to the narrowing of blood vessels, which are driven blood to the brain, a stroke may occur.
• Blockage of the arteries in the arms or legs resulting in convulsions, muscle aches, and sometimes even to gangrene.
• Atherosclerosis can cause the aneurysm within the vessel wall. This bulge, which eventually bursts and triggers internal bleeding.

When to see a doctor

As soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

First go to the therapist. He will examine you and will refer you to a specialist, depending on which the artery affected by the disease. Atherosclerotic heart disease involved in cardiology and cardiac surgery, brain - neurologist, extremities - Angiology and vascular surgery, kidney - nephrologist.

How to treat atherosclerosis

This can slow downArteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis the development of atherosclerosis and improve the patient's condition.

Lifestyle change

The first thing the doctor will advise you to adjust mode and to get rid of bad habits. Here's how to do itAtherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis):

• If you are a smoker, drop it.
• Adhere to proper nutrition, to reduce the amount of cholesterol. Try to avoid foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar. Lean on fruits and vegetables.
• Be active. Experts advise to pay it at least 2.5 hours daily. For example, you can ride a bike, walk and a couple of times a week to engage in strength training.
• Maintain optimum weight in the range body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9.
• Less drink alcohol.

If you just woke up and did not run the disease, no other treatment may not be necessary.

Admission drugs

This is the next stage, which takes over if the change of habits does not help.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis is now employed drugs that prevent the formation of atherogenic lipoproteins, inhibiting absorption cholesterol in the intestine, the physiological lipid metabolism correctors, angioprotectors some other means which picks up attending doctor. Most receive nothing in any case impossible.

Lyudmila Sbrodova, cardiologist

Operation

It is necessary if the patient is a serious blockage of the artery. The operation will help to remove plaque from the walls and restore blood flow.

Is it possible to prevent atherosclerosis

Protect yourself a hundred percent impossible. But some risk factors are controlled.

We have already given advice on lifestyle changes to treat atherosclerosis. They are suitable for those who want to prevent the disease.