The heart is the most important organ in the human body. Rhythmic heart contractions contribute to the fact that oxygenated blood is carried throughout the body. This is a natural process. And through which vessels does the myocardium (this is the name of the middle layer of the heart muscle, which makes up most of its mass) receive the necessary amount of oxygen in order to function normally? Through coronary (also called coronary vessels).
Important! Coronary arteries are the only source of blood in the heart. Therefore, it is so important that they are in a “working condition” and function normally.
Atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart is a pathology of a chronic nature, which is characterized by the formation of cholesterol plaques that significantly overlap the lumen of the arteries and interfere with the normal flow of blood. Statistics say that this disease is one of the first places among the diseases of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, pathology is difficult to diagnose at the initial stage; and when already detected at a later date, it is difficult to treat. What triggers the development of pathology? How to deal with it? What are her symptoms? What preventive measures can prevent the development of coronary arteriosclerosis? Let's get it right. There is never a lot of useful information.
Causes of Atherosclerosis
The main reason for the development of coronary atherosclerosis is the presence of elevated cholesterol (about 6 mmol / l or more) in the blood. What can lead to this state of affairs:
- The consumption of animal fats in large quantities.
- Decreased activity of the metabolic process.
- Failure of the intestines in terms of excretion of fat-containing substances.
- The presence of a hereditary predisposition to coronary arteriosclerosis.
- Overstrain of a psycho-emotional nature and stressful situations.
- Diabetes.
- Hormonal background failure.
- Rapid weight gain, i.e. obesity.
- Violations of the central nervous system.
- Inactive lifestyle (i.e. physical inactivity).
- Do not forget about the age of patients and the gender factor. It is no secret that the older the person, the slower the metabolism. Up to 60 years, the disease is more often diagnosed in men; in women, the risk of developing an ailment increases after the onset of menopause.
- High blood pressure (i.e. hypertension).
On a note! Atherosclerosis of the coronary aorta can be triggered by the same factors as described above. Recall: the aorta is the largest blood vessel located above the aortic valve. It is from him that the two main arteries (right and left) of the coronary blood supply depart.
The mechanism of development of vascular atherosclerosis
The starting point for the development of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the coronary vessels and arteries is damage to the endothelium as a result of autoimmune pathologies, exposure to viruses and bacteria, as well as allergic reactions. It is in these places that fat deposits (plaques) are formed. Over time, they become more and more, as there is a constant flow of new volumes of “building material”. As a result, connective tissue is formed in the lesions, which is the reason for the narrowing of the lumen of the aorta and coronary vessels; their clogging; failure of the local blood circulation process and, as a result, serious diseases of a chronic nature (for example, coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction) and even death. That is, in the presence of cholesterol plaques, there are two options for the development of pathology: first, the vessel is slowly but surely clogged up to its final block; the second - a blood clot, having reached its maximum in volume, simply ruptures and thereby blocks any movement of blood through the artery. Both are very bad.
Who is at risk
Who is predisposed to atherosclerosis of the aorta of the coronary cerebral vessels and arteries? There is a certain group of people who have every chance that a similar pathology develops in their body. This category includes those who:
- Leads a sedentary lifestyle, that is, constantly either sits or lies. As a result, blood stagnation occurs in the body and, as a result, cholesterol settles on the walls of arteries.
- Has high cholesterol.
Remember! The more cholesterol in the blood, the greater the risk of blood clots.
- Suffers from diabetes. Metabolic disease is one of the main causes of pathology.
- It is overweight.
- Eating improperly. That is, a large amount of salt and animal fats are present in the diet.
- It has high pressure (this contributes to damage to the walls of blood vessels).
- Often smokes a lot.
Symptoms of the disease
All the signs that the blood circulation in the heart is not up to standard is divided into two categories - ischemic and general. The former are directly related to the work of the heart muscle, and the latter are associated with a deterioration in blood flow to various parts of the body.
Of the ischemic symptoms, it is worth highlighting the following:
- The presence of a heart muscle rhythm, which is somewhat different from normal. This happens as a result of the fact that with insufficient blood the heart begins to work “idle”.
- There is an increase in blood pressure due to congestion in the coronary arteries.
- Attacks of fear in a patient caused by problems with the heart muscle. The pulse increases, and the influx of testosterone increases, which only exacerbates the situation.
Symptoms of coronary atherosclerosis of a general nature:
- Shortness of breath, which is observed at the initial stage of an attack.
- Dizziness resulting from insufficient blood pressure.
- Failure of the central nervous system.
- The presence of pain (burning and oppressive) in the sternum, which can give to the left shoulder or back. As a rule, they arise during physical exertion, and they are associated with a lack of oxygen in the heart.
- Increased nervousness.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Coldness felt in the limbs (legs and arms).
- Swelling.
- Lethargy and weakness.
- Nauseous condition, sometimes turning into vomiting.
- Redness of the skin.
Important! At the initial stage of development, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the coronary arteries does not manifest itself in any way. The first symptoms appear only at the moment when the plaques begin to increase and obscure a part of the lumen of the vessels. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly undergo examination, especially for people at risk.
The main stages of atherosclerosis
The main phases of the development of the disease can take decades and in the absence of any fight against the disease can lead to serious consequences. There are five stages of atherosclerosis:
- Dolipid phase. It is characterized by a certain accumulation of protein compounds and lipids in the smooth muscles. During this period, there is a deformation of the intercellular membranes, the formation of blood clots (in its structure is soft), the loss of muscle elasticity, as well as collagen production in the body. At this stage, it is possible to return to normal if you adhere to proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
- Lipoid phase. The patient does not show any anxiety, despite the fact that there is a further proliferation of connective tissue. During this period, a rapid increase in body weight is observed.
- The phase of liposclerosis. Fully complete fibrous plaques form.
- Atheromatosis phase. At this stage, the destruction of atherosclerotic plaques, blood vessels, muscle tissue and connective tissue occurs. As a result of this, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system occur. Possible hemorrhages in the brain.
- The phase of calcination. Hard plaque is observed on the plaques, and the vessels become brittle and completely lose their elasticity and shape.
Atherosclerosis of the coronary cerebral vessels
The disease can develop for a long time completely asymptomatic or with some mild manifestations. The clinic begins to be observed only when plaques of an atherosclerotic nature already impede cerebral circulation, causing ischemia and vascular damage to the brain (i.e., discirculatory encephalopathy). As a result, either temporary dysfunction or serious tissue damage occurs.
There are three stages of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the coronary cerebral vessels:
- First one. This is the initial stage, which is characterized by symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, inability to concentrate, tinnitus, decreased mental activity and irritability.
- The second one. This is a progressive phase, which is characterized by an increase in psychoemotional disorders. The patient develops a depressive state, tremors of the fingers or head are observed; problems with memory, hearing and vision; headaches, constant tinnitus, uncoordinated movements, blurred speech, suspiciousness and anxiety.
- The third. At this stage, the patient has a persistent violation of speech function, complete indifference to his appearance (that is, apathy), memory lapses and loss of self-care skills.
The treatment of cerebral arteriosclerosis is a long process and cannot lead to complete healing. True, as a result of regular and complex therapy, a certain slowdown in the development of pathology can be achieved.
There are several surgical procedures for the treatment of ailment:
- Bypass surgery (i.e., plastic abdominal surgery), which allows blood flow to bypass the affected area of the vessel.
- Endarterectomy, during which the removal of atherosclerotic plaque and altered tissue of the vessel wall occurs.
- Extra-intracranial anastomosis (that is, the connection of the internal system of the carotid artery with its external component).
- Removing the affected area of the artery (i.e., blocked by an atherosclerotic plaque) and restoring it by installing an artificial prosthesis (i.e., prosthetics of the brachiocephalic trunk).
- Carotid endarterectomy. As a result of surgical measures, a resection of the internal surface of the carotid artery occurs.
Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis
When a patient contacts a medical institution, first of all, a specialist carefully listens to him. Moreover, all the smallest details are important, since it is they and clinical tests that make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition to collecting an anamnesis and visual examination, the doctor prescribes the following laboratory and instrumental studies:
- Complete blood count to determine cholesterol.
- Definition of the ankle-brachial index, that is, the measurement of pressure in the ankle and shoulder.
- Electrocardiogram. Sometimes, for making a diagnosis, daily monitoring of the ECG is necessary, in which a recording device that records all the indications is attached with straps to the human body and remains with it throughout the entire examination.
- MRI
- Examination on a special analyzer called a cardiovisor.
- Radionuclide studies.
- Bicycle ergometry. This method allows you to identify the latent form of coronary insufficiency.
- Treadmill test. In the process of this diagnosis, a study of the state of the heart muscle occurs at the time of a certain physical activity.
- Intravascular ultrasound. With it, you can get a clear picture of the lumen of the vessels.
- Duplex scanning. Ultrasound examination is not invasive in nature, with which you can evaluate the characteristics of blood flow.
- Ultrasound of the heart. Using this method, you can determine the extent of organ damage.
- Stress echocardiography. This method using ultrasound allows you to evaluate the anatomical structure and functioning of the heart muscle at the time of physical activity, as well as the pericardial space.
- CT scan.
Only after a comprehensive diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis does the specialist prescribe adequate treatment.
Important! Do not self-medicate: at best, it will not produce any results, and at worst, it will simply aggravate the situation with the state of your health.
Atherosclerosis treatment
In many ways, the treatment of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart depends on the stage of the disease. If the disease has just begun to develop, then, sometimes, it is enough:
- Taking certain medications that lower cholesterol (i.e., statins). The doctor may also prescribe beta-blockers, diuretics, antiplatelet agents, and others that help eliminate the symptoms of atherosclerosis.
Remember! Only a specialist can prescribe medications and determine their dosage.
- Lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, moderate physical activity under the supervision of a cardiologist, abstracting from stressful situations, as well as giving up such bad habits as smoking and drinking “hot” drinks will help to quickly cope with the disease.
On a note! You can use the advice of traditional medicine, after consulting with your doctor. For example, eating garlic gives a good effect in the fight against atherosclerosis. True, if he causes a patient to have a fast heartbeat, it is better to purchase garlic-based products in the pharmacy network.
How to treat coronary arteriosclerosis in severe cases? Most likely, you can not do without surgery:
- The most common option is to install a stent, with the help of which they expand the affected vessel, thereby ensuring normal blood flow.
Important! A patient who has had stenting will have to take statins and other drugs for life, because if this is not done, then the vessels will again be affected by atherosclerosis.
- Another option is coronary artery bypass grafting. Using this method, you can let blood flow around the affected area of the vessel.
Prevention
In order not to subsequently engage in the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, a number of preventive measures must be taken:
- Regularly load the body with moderate physical exertion (for example, walking, swimming, doing morning exercises or simply digging beds in your personal garden). The most important thing is more movements.
- Timely treat any pathology you have. It would be nice if you visited a cardiologist once every few years.
- Try to avoid stressful situations or at least abstract from them. Any psycho-emotional overstrain is harmful to health.
- If you are overweight, be sure to fight it.
- Try to alternate physical activity with relaxation.
- Proper nutrition is the key to health. What need to do? Refuse animal fats, eggs, butter, dairy products with a high percentage of fat content, sour cream, as well as meat and fish of fatty varieties. Vegetables and fruits are welcome.
- Stop smoking and consuming strong drinks.
- Walk outdoors regularly.
- Use traditional medicine recipes.
On a note! If atherosclerosis has already developed, then try to slow down its progress. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding both medication and lifestyle. If surgery is inevitable, then do not delay it.
Finally
Take care of your health, especially your heart. Moreover, such a pathology as atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries manifests itself in all its glory exclusively in the late stages. This disease is difficult to treat, but it can be stopped, and sometimes it can achieve positive dynamics. Remember: the main thing is to start treatment of coronary arteriosclerosis in time. Health to you and your loved ones!