Atherosclerosis and cholesterolPlaque (fatty deposits) build up in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. These deposits are made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood). Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis means hardening (sclerosis) of the arteries. Show
As plaque builds up, the wall of the blood vessel thickens. This narrows the channel within the artery – reducing blood flow. That lessens the amount of oxygen and other nutrients reaching the body. Watch an animation about atherosclerosis. Where plaque develops, and the type of artery affected, varies with each person. Plaque may partially or totally block blood flow through large- or medium-sized arteries in the heart, brain, pelvis, legs, arms or kidneys. This can lead to conditions such as:
Plaque presents a double threatPlaque itself can pose a risk. A piece of plaque can break off and be carried by the bloodstream until it gets stuck. And plaque that narrows an artery may lead to a blood clot (thrombus) that sticks to the blood vessel’s inner wall. In either case, the artery can be blocked, cutting off blood flow. If the blocked artery supplies the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke occurs. If an artery supplying oxygen to the extremities (often the legs) is blocked, gangrene, or tissue death, can result. How it starts and how it progressesAtherosclerosis is a slow, lifelong progression of changes in the blood vessels that may start in childhood and get worse faster as you age. The cause of atherosclerosis isn’t completely known. Many scientists believe plaque begins when an artery’s inner lining (called the endothelium) becomes damaged. Four possible causes of such damage are:
Smoking plays a big role in the progression of atherosclerosis in the aorta (the body’s main artery), coronary arteries and arteries in the legs. Smoking makes fatty deposits more likely to form, and it accelerates the growth of plaque. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. As you get older, fats, cholesterol, and calcium can collect in your arteries and form plaque. The buildup of plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. This buildup may occur in any artery in your body, including around your heart, legs, brain, and kidneys. It can result in a shortage of blood and oxygen in various tissues of your body. Pieces of plaque can also break off, causing a blood clot. Without treatment, atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, among other conditions. Atherosclerosis is a fairly common problem associated with aging. This condition can be prevented and many successful treatment options exist. Did you know? Most symptoms of atherosclerosis don’t show up until a blockage occurs. Common symptoms include:
It’s also important to know the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Both of these can be caused by atherosclerosis and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of a heart attack include:
The symptoms of stroke include:
Heart attack and stroke are both medical emergencies. Call 911 or your local emergency services and get to a hospital’s emergency room as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. When plaque builds up and the arteries become hard and inflamed, blood has trouble flowing through them to the rest of the body. This prevents your organs and tissues from getting the oxygenated blood they need to function. The following are common causes of hardening of the arteries: High cholesterolCholesterol is a waxy, yellow substance that’s found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods you eat. If the levels of cholesterol in your blood are too high, it can clog your arteries. It becomes a hard plaque that restricts or blocks blood circulation to your heart and other organs. DietIt’s important to eat a healthy diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you follow an overall healthy dietary pattern that stresses:
Some other diet tips:
AgingAs you age, your heart and blood vessels work harder to pump and receive blood. Your arteries may stiffen and become less elastic, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. Your doctor will perform a physical exam if you have symptoms of atherosclerosis. They’ll check for:
A cardiologist may listen to your heart to see if you have any atypical sounds. Your doctor will order more tests if they think you may have atherosclerosis. Tests can include:
Treatment involves changing your current lifestyle to decrease the amount of fat and cholesterol you consume. You can exercise more to improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment. You may also need additional medical treatments, such as medications or surgery. MedicationsMedications can help prevent atherosclerosis from worsening. Medications for treating atherosclerosis include:
Aspirin can be particularly effective for people with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. An aspirin regimen discussed with your doctor may potentially lower your risk of having another health event if you already have atherosclerosis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently released updated guidelines on using aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These guidelines may be relevant in discussions with your doctor. If you have no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, only use aspirin as a preventive medication if your risk of bleeding is low and your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is high. Always discuss an aspirin regimen with your doctor first. SurgeryIf symptoms are especially severe or if muscle or skin tissue are endangered, surgery may be necessary. Possible surgeries for treating atherosclerosis include:
Many factors place you at risk for atherosclerosis. Some risk factors can be modified, while others can’t. Family historyIf atherosclerosis runs in your family, you may be at risk for hardening of the arteries. You can inherit this condition, as well as other heart-related problems. Lack of exerciseRegular exercise is good for your heart. It keeps your heart muscle strong and encourages oxygen and blood flow throughout your body. Lack of exercise increases your risk for a host of medical conditions, including heart disease. High blood pressureHigh blood pressure can damage your blood vessels by making them weak in some areas. Cholesterol and other substances in your blood may lower the flexibility of your arteries over time. SmokingSmoking tobacco products can damage your blood vessels and heart. DiabetesPeople with diabetes have a much higher incidence of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent as well as treat atherosclerosis, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. Helpful lifestyle changes include:
You may see improvement in your health with treatment, but this may take time. The success of your treatment will depend on:
Hardening of the arteries can’t be reversed. However, treating the underlying cause and making healthy lifestyle and dietary changes can help slow down the process or prevent it from getting worse. Work closely with your doctor to make the appropriate lifestyle changes. They’ll help you find the proper medications to control your condition and avoid complications. What causes hardening of the arteries?Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.
What are the symptoms of hardening of the arteries in the legs?Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease. hair loss on your legs and feet.. numbness or weakness in the legs.. brittle, slow-growing toenails.. ulcers (open sores) on your feet and legs, which do not heal.. changing skin colour on your legs, such as turning pale or blue.. shiny skin.. in men, erectile dysfunction.. What is the medical term for hardening of plaque?Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, which is any hardening of the arteries. Your arteries can become hard or stiff for many different reasons. One reason is plaque buildup. That's what atherosclerosis refers to.
What describes hardening of the arteries of the brain?Cerebral arteriosclerosis is the result of thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries in the brain. Symptoms of cerebral arteriosclerosis include headache, facial pain, and impaired vision. Cerebral arteriosclerosis can cause serious health problems.
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