Dakaz Medical Center

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. (Arteriosclerosis is a general term for thickening or hardening of the arteries). The board is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin, and can develop in the arteries medium or large. The artery wall thickens and loses its elasticity.

Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive disease that may start in childhood. However, the disease has the potential to progress rapidly.
What is the cause of atherosclerosis?

It is unknown exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it. Some scientists think that certain risk factors that may be associated with atherosclerosis, including the following:

* High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
* The high blood pressure.
* Smoking.
* Diabetes mellitus (diabetes type I).
* Obesity.
* Physical inactivity.
* Diet high in saturated fat.

How does the disease progress?

There is a gradual buildup of plaque or thickening of the inside of artery walls, causing a decrease in the amount of blood flow and decreased oxygen supply to vital body organs and extremities.

A heart attack can occur if you reduce the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart. A stroke can occur if the supply of oxygenated blood to the brain stops. Gangrene may occur if you reduce the supply of oxygenated blood to the arms and legs.

What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis?

Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis may develop gradually and can be scarce as the plaque builds up in the artery. Symptoms may also vary depending on the affected artery. However, when a major artery is blocked, signs and symptoms can be severe, as those that occur in heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or blood clot.

The symptoms of atherosclerosis may resemble other cardiac conditions. Consult your doctor for diagnosis.

How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?

In addition to examination and complete medical history, diagnostic procedures for atherosclerosis may include one or a combination of the following:

* Cardiac catheterization – with this procedure X-rays taken after injecting contrast into an artery – is used to locate the narrowing, occlusions and other abnormalities of specific arteries.
* Doppler sonography – a special transducer is used to send sound waves into a blood vessel to evaluate blood flow. An audio receiver amplifies the sound of blood moving though the vessel. If the sound is weak or no sound may indicate an obstruction of blood flow.
* The comparison of blood pressure – the figures are compared blood pressure in the ankles and arms to determine if there are any limitations on the flow of blood. When Significant differences may indicate a narrowing of the vessels that could be caused by atherosclerosis.
* The radionuclide angiography (Also called MUGA.) – A nuclear scan to see how the heart wall moves and how much blood is expelled with each heartbeat, while the patient is at rest.
* The myocardial perfusion scan with thallium scan – a nuclear scan is done while the patient is at rest or after exercise and that may reveal areas of the heart muscle not receiving enough blood.

Treatment for atherosclerosis:

Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:

* Your age, overall health and medical history.
* Extent of the disease.
* The location of the obstruction.
* Signs and symptoms.
* Your tolerance for specific medications or therapies.
* Expectations for the course of the disease.
* Your opinion or preference.

Tags: Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, cause of atherosclerosis, the symptoms of atherosclerosis, Treatment for atherosclerosis