Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Causes & Get Treatment at Medicover
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.
Symptoms:
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.
- One may have symptoms such as chest pain or pressure if you have atherosclerosis
in your heart arteries (angina).
- One may experience sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs, difficulty
speaking or slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, and other signs
and symptoms of atherosclerosis if the plaque formation is in the arteries
leading to your brain. These symptoms indicate a transient ischemic attack
(TIA), which can lead to a stroke if left untreated.
- One may experience indications or symptoms of peripheral artery disease if they
have atherosclerosis in the arteries of arms and legs, such as leg pain when
walking (claudication) or low blood pressure in an affected limb.
- High blood pressure or renal failure can result from atherosclerosis in the
arteries leading to the kidneys.
When to see a doctor?
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.
Causes and Risk Factors :
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 pressure that is too high
- High Cholesterol levels
- High blood triglycerides, a form of fat (lipid).
- Tobacco use (smoking and other forms)
- Obesity, diabetes, or insulin resistance
- Inflammation caused by an unknown cause or disorders including arthritis, lupus,
psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
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.
Risk factors :
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries over time.
Aside from age, the following factors may raise your risk of atherosclerosis:
- High Blood pressure
- High Cholesterol levels
- High C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Apnea (sleep deprivation)
- Tobacco usage, including smoking and chewing
- A family history of heart disease
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy eating habits
Prevention :
The same healthy lifestyle adjustments that are advocated for
treating atherosclerosis are also beneficial in preventing it. These are some of
them:
- Smoking should be avoided.
- Consumption of nutritious foods should be encouraged
- Regular exercise is essential.
- Keeping a healthy weight is important.
- Blood pressure should be checked and maintained at a healthy level.
- Keeping healthy cholesterol and blood sugar level is important.
Just remember to take things one step at a time and consider what lifestyle
adjustments you can handle in the long run.
Diagnosis
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 -
Blood tests
To assess blood sugar and cholesterol levels will be ordered by the doctor.
Atherosclerosis is caused by high blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A
C-reactive protein (CRP) test may also be performed to look for a protein
linked to artery inflammation.
ECG or EKG
An EKG (electrocardiogram) might be recommended in which electrical signals
in the heart are recorded.
Stress test with exercise
This test may be recommended if signs and symptoms occur most frequently
during activity. While attached to an ECG, you'll walk on a treadmill or
ride a stationary cycle. This exercise stress test can uncover heart
abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected. If you are unable to
exercise, a medicine that replicates the effects of exercise on your heart
may be prescribed.
Echocardiogram
This test uses sound waves to show how well blood flows through the arteries
as your heart beats. Exercise stress testing is sometimes used in
conjunction with it.
Ultrasound with Doppler
A sophisticated ultrasound instrument (Doppler ultrasound) may be used by the
doctor to monitor blood pressure at numerous places along your arm or leg.
These readings can help to evaluate the severity of any blockages in
arteries, as well as the rate at which blood flows through them.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
The ankle-brachial index is a measurement of the distance between the ankle
and the wrist. This test can determine if the arteries in the legs and feet
have atherosclerosis. Your doctor compares the blood pressure in your ankle
to the blood pressure in your arm during an ABI test. Peripheral vascular
disease, which is mainly caused by atherosclerosis, can be identified by an
abnormal difference.
Catheterization and angiography of the heart
If your coronary arteries are restricted or clogged, this test can reveal it.
A doctor inserts a tiny catheter into a blood vessel and into heart during
this treatment. The catheter is dipped in dye. The arteries become visible
on X-ray when the dye fills them, revealing areas of obstruction.
Calcium scan of the coronary arteries
This standard test, often known as a heart scan, uses computed tomography
imaging to obtain detailed images of heart. Calcium deposits in the arterial
walls might be seen. The test results are reported as a score. The higher
the score when calcium is present, the greater your risk of heart disease.
Other types of imaging examination
Arteries may also be studied using MRA or PET by your doctor. Large artery
hardness and narrowing, as well as aneurysms, can be detected using these
tests.
Treatment :
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.
Medications :
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:
- Statins and other cholesterol medications
- Blood thinners
- Blood pressure medications
Surgical or non-surgical techniques
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:
Stent implantation and angioplasty
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a treatment that helps unblock a
clogged or blocked artery. A catheter is inserted into the affected artery
by your doctor. A second catheter is passed through the first catheter to
the blockage, with a deflated balloon on its tip. The balloon is inflated by
your doctor, which widens the artery. To aid in the opening of the artery, a
mesh tube (stent) is frequently left in place.
Endarterectomy
Plaque buildup on the walls of a restricted artery may require surgical
removal. When the treatment is performed on the neck arteries
Fibrinolytic therapy
If a blood clot is blocking an artery, your doctor may use a clot-dissolving
medicine to break it apart.
Echocardiogram
This test uses sound waves to show how well blood flows through the arteries
as your heart beats. Exercise stress testing is sometimes used in
conjunction with it.
Bypass surgery for the coronary arteries
Your doctor uses a healthy blood vessel from another region of the body to
create a bypass around the blocked artery, diverting blood flow. A graft
consisting of synthetic material is sometimes used as a bypass.
Lifestyle changes and self-care
Quit smoking
Smoking causes artery damage. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to
keep your arteries healthy and avoid the consequences of atherosclerosis.
Exercise
Regular exercise improves blood flow, decreases blood pressure, and lowers
your risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease-related diseases. Exercise
for at least 30 minutes.
Lose weight and stay healthy
Losing even a few pounds if you're overweight can lower your chances of high
blood pressure and high cholesterol, two important risk factors for
atherosclerosis.
Consume nutritious foods
A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as
refined carbs, sweets, saturated fat, and sodium, will help you manage your
weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Instead of
white bread, try using whole-grain bread. Snack on an apple, a banana, or
carrot sticks. Use nutrition labels as a guide to keep your salt and fat
intake in check. Reduce or eliminate sugar and sugar substitutes, and
replace them with monounsaturated fats like olive oil.
Do not take tension
As much as possible, reduce your tension. Use healthy stress-management
practices like muscular relaxation and deep breathing.If you have high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or any chronic disease, work
with your doctor to control it and improve your general health.
Dos and Don’ts
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. |
Care at Medicover
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.
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