Atherosclerosis, a chronic disease of the arteries - a phenomenon quite common and associated with the deposition of cholesterol and lipoproteins (fats) on the inner walls of blood vessels. Accumulating such deposits harden, becoming a so-called vascular plaque. Over time, plaque formation may lead to complete blockage of the arteries and trigger a range of symptoms and health problems of various organs.

Over time, for several years, or even decades, forming cholesterol plaques of the arteries constrict, making the artery walls harder hampering and disrupting the blood circulation. To complete cardiac arrest in diseased arteries can lead the formation of blood clots that occur as a result of narrowing of the arteries. In addition, the individual particles of cholesterol, flaking, can be caught in small blood vessels and clog them. In any event, blockage of the arteries is very dangerous, because disturbing the blood circulation, generally blocked or complicates access to the tissues of blood and oxygen, which in turn, leads to irreversible tissue damage (necrosis). This is a very common cause of heart attacks and strokes. If you get a blood clot in the artery related to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism.

In some cases, plaque formation is a complex process step of causing a weakening of the walls of arteries, which in turn leads to the formation of aneurysms. Aneurysm rupture accompanied by intense bleeding and may threaten human life itself.

The gradual hardening of artery walls - a process often associated with aging Internal and external aging: it is necessary to think in advance   human. However, high cholesterol Cholesterin   can cause hardening of the artery walls, and at a young age.

In the case of most people, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis provoking - the result of an unhealthy lifestyle and, primarily, an unbalanced diet with plenty of harmful fats. Other factors related to lifestyle - for example, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, obesity - also increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

For other risk factors increases the chances of developing atherosclerosis include:

• Diabetes
• Family history (cases of atherosclerosis with relatives)
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

Symptoms

Feature of atherosclerosis particularly dangerous is that hardening of the arteries due to the formation of cholesterol in itself does not cause any symptoms until the blood circulation is affected arteries decelerate substantially or completely terminated. If atherosclerosis caused the narrowing of blood vessels, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop, which in turn, causes symptoms such as chest pain Chest pain   and shortness of breath. In addition, poor circulation due to atherosclerosis can cause problems with the intestines, kidneys, limbs and brain.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis involves, in addition to the initial examination by a doctor and listen to the heart and lungs stethoscope, a number of specific tests and procedures. These include, in particular, the analysis of which allows to diagnose high cholesterol levels in the body (such analysis for the prevention of atherosclerosis is recommended to perform after the thirty-five years in men and women sorokapyatiletiya). Among other procedures to diagnose circulatory problems caused by atherosclerosis include:

• Doppler ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance arteriography
• Computed tomography of the blood vessels
• Angiography (x-rays of blood vessels)

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent the formation of cholesterol in the lumen of blood vessels, it is necessary, first of all, a few simple rules:

• Avoid fatty foods. Eat balanced meals low in fat and cholesterol. Be sure to include in the diet as many fruits and vegetables. Twice a week you can eat fish (but not fried in oil or very fatty)
• Limit the amount of alcohol. Doctors recommend reducing the amount of alcohol consumption to a minimum (one serving per day for women, two servings - for men)
• Active in sports. If you have a normal weight, at least thirty minutes a day is necessary to devote to exercise, but if the weight above the norm - at least sixty to ninety minutes a day.

Another effective measure for the prevention of atherosclerosis - quitting smoking, which helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Blood pressure should be checked every one to two years to reach fifty years old, and every year - after the fiftieth anniversary. If you have high blood pressure, any diseases of the cardiovascular system or of stroke in history, the pressure should be checked frequently. A normal blood pressure - less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or after a stroke or myocardial pressure may be slightly less than 130/80 millimeters of mercury.

Selection drugs for effective treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis depends on many factors, including:

• Years
• The presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system or circulatory disorders
• The presence of harmful habits (alcohol, smoking)
• Weight above the norm
• High blood pressure
• Having diabetes

To prevent the formation of blood clots in the arterial lumen narrowing condition your doctor may recommend medication like aspirin or clopidogrel, with similar anti-platelet effect. In no event can not take aspirin on their own, without consulting a doctor.

Unfortunately, normalize blood flow in diseased arteries and remove cholesterol plaques formed almost impossible. However, changing lifestyle and control cholesterol help prevent or significantly retard the formation of plaque in the future.

Possible complications of atherosclerosis

• Stroke
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Kidney disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Aortic aneurysm
• Mesenteric artery ischemia
• Stenosis (narrowing) of the renal artery