Atherosclerosis is a condition when fats, cholesterol, and other chemicals build up on the walls of the arteries. This accumulation is called plaque. The arteries may narrow as a result of the plaque, obstructing the blood flow. A blood clot can result if the plaque bursts.
Although atherosclerosis is commonly associated with the heart, it can affect arteries throughout the body. It can be treated, managed and prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Mild atherosclerosis does not have more symptoms and they normally don't appear until an artery has constricted or clogged to the point where it can't allow enough blood flow to your organs and tissues. A blood clot can sometimes totally block the blood flow or even break apart, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
Depending on which arteries are compromised, the symptoms of moderate to severe atherosclerosis vary.
Consult your doctor if you suspect you have atherosclerosis. Keep an eye out for early signs of poor blood flow, such as chest pain (angina), limb pain, and numbness.
Atherosclerosis can be stopped from worsening and a heart attack, stroke, or another medical emergency can be avoided with early detection and treatment. Get the best treatment for Atherosclerosis from the best Cardiology doctors at Medicover Hospitals.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, slow-moving illness that can start early in your childhood or adulthood. Although the specific cause of atherosclerosis is uncertain, it is thought to begin with damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery. The following factors may contribute to the damage:
Blood cells and other chemicals clump at the injury site can build up in the inner lining of the artery if the inner wall of the artery is injured.
At the injury site, fatty deposits (plaque) formed from cholesterol and other cellular products solidify over time, restricting the arteries. Organs and tissues connected to clogged arteries receive insufficient blood to operate correctly.
Fragments of the fatty deposits may eventually break off and enter your bloodstream.
Furthermore, the plaque's smooth lining may tear, releasing cholesterol and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This can result in a blood clot, which can stop blood flow to a specific portion of your body, such as when blood flow to your heart is obstructed, resulting in a heart attack. A blood clot can also spread to other places of your body, obstructing blood flow to an organ.
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries over time. Aside from age, the following factors may raise your risk of atherosclerosis:
The same healthy lifestyle adjustments that are advocated for treating atherosclerosis are also beneficial in preventing it. These are some of them:
Just remember to take things one step at a time and consider what lifestyle adjustments you can handle in the long run.
Your doctor will do a physical examination and inquire about your personal and family medical history. When your doctor listens to your arteries with a stethoscope, he or she may detect a whooshing sound (bruit). Your doctor may recommend one or more tests such as -
Lifestyle modifications, including eating a balanced diet and exercising are the first line of defence against atherosclerosis. However, medicines or surgical procedures may be required in some cases.
There are a variety of medications available to help delay or even reverse the consequences of atherosclerosis. The following are some of the drugs that are used to treat atherosclerosis:
A more aggressive approach to treating atherosclerosis is sometimes required. The doctor may consider one of the following surgical procedures if you have significant symptoms or a blockage:
A person with Atherosclerosis has to follow sets of do’s and don’ts to manage it and the related symptoms. Lifestyle changes matter a lot in this condition and one should be strict about adhering to the healthy habits.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Eat nutritious food. | Do smoking. |
| Perform regular exercises | Take stress or tension. |
| Maintain proper body mass index | Eat oily, deep-fried or outside food. |
| GMaintain your cholesterol levels. | Stop taking medications suddenly. |
| Maintain blood pressure levels. | Forget to take regular doctor appointments. |
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to the patients with compassion and care. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of Atherosclerosis based on which a dedicated treatment plan is designed. We have an excellent team of Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.
Atherosclerosis is a progressive cardiovascular disease characterized by the buildup of plaque, composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances, in the arteries. This can narrow and harden the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and potentially causing serious health issues.
Atherosclerosis is primarily caused by the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the arterial walls. Factors like high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and inflammation play a significant role in promoting the development of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis often develops silently for years. Symptoms depend on the affected arteries. Common symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, leg pain or cramping during physical activity (claudication), and in severe cases, heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed through various methods, including physical exams, blood tests to measure cholesterol levels, imaging tests like angiography, ultrasound, and CT scans, as well as stress tests to assess heart function.
Yes, atherosclerosis can be prevented or slowed down through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and keeping conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control can significantly reduce the risk.
Atherosclerosis can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and even death. Plaque rupture can cause blood clot formation, which can block blood flow to vital organs and tissues.
Treatment of atherosclerosis involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures. Medications can include cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, and medications to control blood pressure and diabetes. Procedures like angioplasty and stent placement might be used to open narrowed arteries.
While atherosclerosis is generally not fully reversible, its progression can be slowed down or even halted with appropriate interventions. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help stabilize existing plaques and prevent the formation of new ones, improving overall cardiovascular health.
