Hardening of the arteries

Hardening of the Arteries

Hardening of the arteries, also known as Atherosclerosis, is a common disorder that occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. Over time, these plaques can block the arteries and cause problems throughout the body.

Causes

Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood. The exact cause is unknown, but atherosclerosis may be caused by:

• Damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery. The damage can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Smoking
  • High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood
  • High blood pressure
  • High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes

Symptoms

Atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have the disease until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke. Some people may have symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, pain in the upper body, and other symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose atherosclerosis based on medical and family histories, risk factors, a physical exam, and test results. The tests may include blood tests, EKG (electrocardiogram), stress testing, echocardiography, and angiography.

Treatment

Treatments for atherosclerosis may include heart-healthy lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures or surgery. The goals of treatment include:

• Lowering the risk of blood clots forming
• Preventing atherosclerosis-related diseases
• Reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaque
• Relieving symptoms
• Widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteries

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle changes can help you prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis. These changes include:

• Heart-healthy eating
• Regular physical activity
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes

See Also

• Coronary Heart Disease
• Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes

Hardening of the arteries Resources
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