Atherosclerosis
Definition: Also known as "hardening of the arteries", atherosclerosis is a disease in which the arteries are hardened and narrowed as a result of plaque, which has built up along the inside of the artery walls. The disease is a chief contributor to cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis may begin as early as childhood, but it is the advanced stages of this condition that are the most dangerous later in life.
Symptoms: Early atherosclerosis does not involve the presence of any symptoms. In later stages, as the arteries become harder and narrower, an individual may start to experience symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the blockage. For instance, cramps in the legs may signal the presence of peripheral arterial disease, while a certain type of chest pain called angina could indicate coronary artery disease. Typically, the long-term development of atherosclerosis means that symptoms also develop gradually. However, an occlusion caused by a clot could trigger a rapid onset of symptoms.
Atherosclerosis may be diagnosed through several tests, including the following:
Electrocardiogram (EKG). Following a medical history and physical examination, an EKG is a first-line diagnostic test. It is a recording of the heart's electrical activity as a graph on a moving strip of paper or video monitor.
Exercise stress test. If the heart is not receiving sufficient oxygen, the physician will likely want to determine whether exertion aggravates the condition.
Nuclear stress test. This test uses a harmless radionuclide substance into the bloodstream to take very clear pictures. This gives the physician important information about where blockages of arteries may have occurred.
Echocardiogram of the heart. This test uses sound waves to visualize the structures and functions of the heart.
Ultrafast computed tomography. This noninvasive imaging test takes multiple views of the heart.
Low fat diet, quitting smoking, controlling diabetes,controlling high blood pressur, reducing the amount of fats and oils and cholesterol, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (avoid obesity), keeping a routine of moderate to vigorous exercise, learn your family medical history, getting regular physical examinations, stress management, controlling chronic depression.
Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin) - inhibit the formation of blood clots.
Beta-blockers - reduce the workload of the heart by blocking the effect of adrenaline on the heart.
Nitrates - work directly on the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax and allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart.
Cholesterol reducing drugs - lowers the patient's level of fats (lipids) in the blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
ACE inhibitors - block the production of a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to flow into the heart.
Vitamins - may also be helpful, especially folic acid, which counteracts the dangerous effects of an amino acid called homocysteine.
Balloon angioplasty - A balloon-tipped catheter presses plaque back against the artery walls, increasing the amount of room through which blood can pass through the vessel.
Stenting - A wire mesh metal tube called a stent can be inserted into the area of a damaged artery.
Atherectomy - uses a catheter to destroy plaque by cutting it away.
Know yourself and Protect yourself.
