CVD - Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup on the artery walls. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They are lined with a thin layer of cells that keeps them smooth and allows blood to flow easily. This is called the endothelium. Atherosclerosis starts when the endothelium becomes damaged, allowing the harmful type of cholesterol to build up in the artery wall. The body sends a type of white blood cell to clean up this cholesterol, but, sometimes, the cells get stuck at the affected site. Over time, plaque can build up, made of cholesterol, macrophages, calcium, and other substances from the blood.

Sometimes, the plaque grows to a certain size and stops growing, causing the individual no problems. However, sometimes, the plaque clogs up the artery, disrupting the flow of blood around the body. This makes blood clots more likely, which can result in life-threatening conditions.

In some cases, the plaque eventually, breaks open. If this happens, platelets gather in the affected area and can stick together, forming blood clots. This can block the artery, leading to life-threatening complications, such as stroke and heart attack. The condition can affect the entire artery tree, but mainly affects the larger, high-pressure arteries.

Symptoms

The first signs of atherosclerosis can begin to develop during adolescence, with streaks of white blood cells appearing on the artery wall. Most often, there are no symptoms until a plaque ruptures, or the blood flow is very restricted. This typically takes many years to occur. The symptoms depend on which arteries are affected.

Carotid arteries

Carotid arteries provide blood to the brain. A limited blood supply can lead to a stroke, and a person may experience a range of symptoms as a result of atherosclerosis in this area, including:

• weakness
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• facial numbness
• paralysis

Coronary arteries

Chest pain can be a symptom of atherosclerosis affecting the coronary articles. Coronary arteries provide blood to the heart. When the blood supply to the heart is limited, it can cause angina and heart attack.

• Symptoms include:
• vomiting
• extreme anxiety
• chest pain
• coughing
• feeling faint

Renal arteries

Renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. If the blood supply becomes limited, there is a serious risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The person with renal artery blockage may experience:

• loss of appetite
• swelling of the hands and feet
• difficulty concentrating

Treatment

Treating atherosclerosis is important for preventing complications.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, various medications, and surgical interventions. However, it is important that a doctor correctly diagnoses atherosclerosis to make sure that the arteries are returned to full capability.

Diagnosis

Those who are at risk of developing atherosclerosis should be tested because the symptoms do not show until cardiovascular disease develops. A diagnosis will be based on medical history, test results, and a physical exam.

Treatment options

The range of treatments for atherosclerosis include:

Lifestyle changes: These focus on weight management, physical activity, and a healthy diet. A doctor may recommend eating foods high in soluble fiber and limiting intake of saturated fats, sodium, and alcohol.

Medication: Antiplatelet medications can prevent the build-up of plaque or help prevent blood clots. Others, such as statins, might be prescribed to lower cholesterol, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can help lower blood pressure.

Surgery: Severe cases of atherosclerosis may be treated by surgical procedures, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Angioplasty involves expanding the artery and opening the blockage so that the blood can flow through properly again. CABG is another form of surgery that can improve blood flow to the heart by using arteries from other parts of the body to bypass a narrowed coronary artery.

Prevention

Preventing the development of atherosclerosis is one of the best ways to treat the condition.

Steps to limit the risk of plaque buildup include:

Diet: Try to avoid saturated fats, they increase levels of bad cholesterol. The following foods are high in unsaturated fats and can help keep bad cholesterol levels down:

• olive oil
• avocados
• walnuts
• oily fish
• nuts
• seeds

Exercise: Exercise will improve fitness levels, lower blood pressure, and help weight loss.

Not smoking: Smoking is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis, and it also raises blood pressure. Smokers should quit as soon as possible and arrange a meeting with their doctor about ways to give up and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Causes

Certain factors can damage the inner area of the artery and lead to atherosclerosis.

These factors include:

• high blood pressure
• high levels of cholesterol
• smoking
• high levels of sugar in the blood

Complications

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious and long-lasting complications.

These can lead to a range of dangerous complications, including:

• Heart disease and heart failure: The heart may not be able to pump enough blood around the body, or may not fill with sufficient levels of blood.
• Heart attack: This is a medical emergency in which the supply of blood becomes blocked. It can be life-threatening.
• Kidney failure: The kidneys can stop functioning if they do not receive enough blood.
• Aneurysm: This is a serious condition in which the walls of an artery bulge, sometimes bursting and causing potentially fatal internal bleeding.
• Stroke: A stroke is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to the brain is blocked, starving the brain of oxygen. This can kill brain cells.
• Arrhythmia: Atherosclerosis can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and palpitations.

Risk factors

Certain people have a higher risk of developing the condition. These include

• Diabetes: Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes and frequently high blood glucose levels are more likely to develop atherosclerosis.
• Genetics: People who have a parent or sibling with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease have a much higher risk of developing atherosclerosis than others.
• Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution appears to increase the risk of cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries.