Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a broad term describing the thickening and hardening of the artery walls. This pathological condition can lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, due to the reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to various parts of the body.

Aterosklerozė

Medial calcific sclerosis -- high mag

Plaque at different degrees of atherosclerotic stenosis

Histopathology of multiple lacunar infarcts and arteriosclerosis in basal ganglia

Pathophysiology

Arteriosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a form of arteriosclerosis. The accumulated substances, known as plaques, can reduce or block blood flow through the arteries, resulting in various health problems. In addition, the arterial wall can become calcified, leading to arterial stiffness, a condition called arteriolosclerosis.

Types

There are three types of arteriosclerosis:

• Atherosclerosis: Characterized by plaque buildup in the artery walls, this is the most common form of arteriosclerosis.
• Arteriolosclerosis: This involves the thickening of the smaller artery walls, often due to chronic high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis: A less common form, this involves calcification of the muscular arteries, particularly in the extremities.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis, including:

• Age
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease

Symptoms and Complications

Arteriosclerosis is often asymptomatic until an artery becomes so narrowed or clogged that it can't supply adequate blood to organs and tissues. Depending on where the blockages occur, symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness, and coldness in your lower legs or arms.

Cholesterol

Diagnosis

Arteriosclerosis is diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, EKG, stress tests, angiogram, and imaging tests like CT, MRI, or ultrasound.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment aims to slow or stop the progression of the disease, relieve symptoms, and reduce complications. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery or angioplasty.

Prevention strategies focus on managing the risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

References

Arteriosclerosis Resources
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