What is Atherosclerosis?
Arteries can thicken and harden for a number of reasons. This condition is called “arteriosclerosis”. A specific type of arteriosclerosis, “atherosclerosis”, is a condition in which cholesterol, fat and other substances build up in the arteries. These substances accumulated on the artery walls can combine to form a plaque structure. The accumulated plaque may narrow the arteries, obstructing blood flow. Commonly known as one of the cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in the body.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a health problem that develops as a result of the buildup of sticky plaque material inside the arteries. This buildup can occur as a result of the combination of cholesterol, cellular waste, fatty substances, fibrin (blood clotting factor), calcium, etc. Plaque build-up and blockage of blood vessels develop slowly. Plaque accumulated in the vessel can cause the artery walls to thicken. In this case, the area through which blood can pass is restricted and blood flow can be blocked. Tissues and vital organs with reduced blood flow cannot receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
What Diseases Does Atherosclerosis Cause?
Plaque build-up and atherosclerosis can occur in any artery of the body. Blood flow can be partially or completely blocked in arteries supplying the heart, brain, limbs, pelvis, or kidneys.
Health problems that can occur as a result can include
Coronary heart disease: Blockage caused by plaque build-up in the arteries of the heart,
Angina: Angina: Chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart,
Peripheral arterial disease: Plaque buildup in the legs, arms and pelvis,
Renal artery stenosis: Plaque buildup in the renal arteries,
Heart attack: When plaque breaks off and blocks blood vessels, cutting off blood flow to the heart,
Paralysis: Insufficient blood supply to the brain.
Other conditions that can result from partial or complete blockage include vascular dementia, erectile dysfunction and limb loss.
Causes of Atherosclerosis
The main cause of atherosclerosis is plaque build-up and damage to the arteries. However, there is no specific cause of atherosclerosis and there are multiple risk factors. Under the influence of these risk factors, inflammatory cells reach the damaged areas of the arteries and produce a number of chemical signals. These signals and secretions attract cholesterol and cell waste to the damaged area, causing a build-up. This build-up attracts white blood cells to this area. White blood cells gather the accumulation together and form white plaques. As this plaque layer grows, the artery begins to narrow and blood flow decreases. Pieces of plaque can break down and be carried in the blood.
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
The risk factors that trigger plaque formation are often interrelated. Atherosclerosis risk factors may include
- Presence of atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease in family members,
- Diabetes and hypertension,
- Overweight and obesity,
- Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis,
- Metabolic syndrome
- Advancing age
- Use of alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco products,
- Lack of physical activity,
- A diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol.
In addition, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy may increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Early-stage or mild atherosclerosis may often show no signs and symptoms. The symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of atherosclerosis can occur when blood vessels become narrowed and blocked. It can also cause some symptoms when a blood clot completely blocks blood flow. Moderate to severe atherosclerosis can have different symptoms depending on which blood vessel it occurs in.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis can be listed as follows:
- Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels: Chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, nausea and weakness,
- Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the arms and legs: Leg pain and cramping when walking, decreased blood pressure in the limb, changes in skin color, infection and non-healing wounds in the limbs,
- Atherosclerosis of the brain arteries: Speech difficulties, temporary loss of vision, sagging facial muscles, problems with thinking and memory, numbness in the limbs,
- Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: High blood pressure and kidney failure, edema, changes in urinary frequency, dry and itchy skin, fatigue,
- Atherosclerosis of the intestinal arteries: Severe pain or cramping after eating, diarrhea and weight loss.
In addition, atherosclerosis of the neck arteries can cause symptoms such as bruising and murmurs.
Atherosclerosis Diagnostic Methods
Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed using many different methods. Medical history and family history need to be assessed. A physical examination can be performed to listen to the heart and blood flow. Tests and methods used to calculate the risk of atherosclerosis or to diagnose it may include:
-Blood tests: This includes examining CRP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Echocardiogram: Measures blood flow in the heart and its ability to pump blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The rhythm and rate of the heart and its electrical activity are measured.
- Exercise stress test: The function of the heart is assessed during physical activity.
- Doppler ultrasound: Blood flow in various areas such as the arms and legs is monitored.
- Ankle/Arm index: This involves comparing blood pressure in the ankle with blood pressure in the arm.
- Angiography: A contrast dye is injected into the vein to detect the presence of blood vessel blockages.
Other tests or imaging methods may include computed tomography (CT), chest X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET), abdominal and carotid ultrasound.
Treatment Methods for Atherosclerosis
Treating atherosclerosis may involve various approaches. Lifestyle changes, medications and surgeries are among the treatment options. All treatment methods share similar goals: relieving symptoms, reducing clot risks, preventing heart attacks and strokes, enhancing cardiovascular health, halting plaque buildup, and widening arteries. Treatments for atherosclerosis may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding alcohol, smoking and tobacco products, physical activity and a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is one of the treatment steps.
- Medication: A number of medications can be used to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and prevent clots from forming. Statins and hypertension medications etc. can be used for this purpose.
- Surgery and other procedures: These are procedures that can be performed on patients with severe blockages and severe complications. Angioplasty, atherectomy, carotid endarterectomy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and stent placement are all procedures that can be used to treat atherosclerosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the early stages, atherosclerosis may not be diagnosed because it is often asymptomatic or confused with other conditions. For this reason, atherosclerosis can reach dangerous levels. You can read the rest of the article to see the most curious questions and answers about atherosclerosis.
What Is The Risk of Atherosclerosis Causing a Heart Attack?
Plaque formation and blood clots can block blood flow to the organs that the arteries supply. The formation of blood clots in the coronary arteries that supply the heart can block blood flow. Blood flow that cannot provide oxygen and nutrients can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack does not always occur in cases of atherosclerosis, but it is a common occurrence.
What are the Most Effective Ways to Prevent Atherosclerosis?
Prevention of atherosclerosis can be achieved by eliminating risk factors. Although it cannot be completely prevented, the risk of atherosclerosis can be reduced. The most effective ways to prevent atherosclerosis may be the following:
- Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium,
- Regular physical activity,
- Ensuring weight control, losing excess weight,
- Providing treatment for health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia,
- Restriction of alcohol and tobacco products,
- Ensuring regular medical check-ups.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
