Many patients who have been given this diagnosis are interested in what it is - atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart, and what exactly this disease threatens with. This disease is a lesion of a large vessel, accompanied by deposition of cholesterol in the form of plaques on the vessels. This leads to stenosis and impaired blood supply to organs.
Heart disease Aortic atherosclerosis leads to very dangerous complications, in particular, such as:
- ischemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- cardiosclerosis;
- vascular aneurysm.
In severely advanced cases, atherosclerosis leads to disability of the patient or even death.
What is a disease?
The cardiovascular system is exposed throughout life to various diseases that must be taken very seriously. The heart belongs to the most important organs. Indeed, a lot depends on the correctness of its work. Atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart is considered one of the most dangerous diseases. What is it, you can find out by reading the article.
When certain processes occur in the body, fat metabolism is disrupted. As a result of this, cholesterol accumulates. Even with minor damage to the walls of blood vessels in its place begins to form fatty deposits, which eventually turns into a plaque. What does this lead to?
Blood flow gradually becomes more difficult, and platelets begin to accumulate in place of fatty plaques, resulting in a narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels.
Plaques in the vessels significantly complicate the flow of blood, and if they form in the aorta, then the entire body is negatively affected. That is why the disease is considered very dangerous and treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Causes of occurrence
To prevent the occurrence of the disease, everyone should understand what it is - atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart, and for what reasons it occurs. The factors that provoke the formation of this disease can be divided into removable, potentially removable and unremovable. The latest development reasons include:
Elderly people significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis. In addition, it is worth noting that men get sick much more often than women. A large role is played by a genetic predisposition. Among the removable reasons can be identified such as:
- smoking;
- unbalanced nutrition;
- lack of exercise.
While smoking, tar and nicotine provoke spasms of blood vessels, which significantly increases the risk of arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. Malnutrition accelerates the development of the pathological process when animal fats predominate in the diet. A sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to the development of many different diseases, leads to a violation of the fat balance in the body.
Partially removable reasons include:
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- infections and intoxication of the body;
- dyslipidemia.
Be sure to treat high blood pressure, as it leads to faster formation of plaques. In addition, many diseases and impaired functioning of body systems lead to the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
Developmental stages
There are several stages of development of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart valves , among which it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- the formation of a grease spot;
- liposclerosis;
- atherocalcinosis.
At the initial stage, there is damage to the walls of blood vessels, a slowdown in total blood flow and the formation of fatty deposits. This is most noticeable in the areas of branching of the vascular system. Gradually protective mechanisms cease to function fully? and complex compounds are formed in this area. The duration of the initial stage is very different. However, it can be observed even in infants.
In the second stage, connective tissue begins to grow around fatty deposits and plaque formation occurs. If treatment is done on time, then the prognosis is quite favorable. After all, plaques are subject to dissolution. At this stage, the walls of the vessels gradually lose their elasticity, begin to crack and blood clots form.
The third stage is characterized by the fact that the plaques begin to condense and calcium salts are deposited. In some cases, the pathology does not cause the patient any discomfort and progresses for a long time. However, very dangerous complications may arise.
Symptoms of the disease
With atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart, the symptoms of the disease for a long time are completely absent. The first signs appear only when the walls of the vessels have undergone significant changes, and longer treatment is required. Atherosclerosis is detected only during diagnosis or after complications. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, the symptoms of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart can be different.
With damage to the thoracic aorta, there are such characteristic signs as:
- severe burning pain in the shoulder, shoulder area and arms;
- dizziness and headache;
- increase in pressure;
- hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
Non-specific symptoms can also include the formation of wen on the face and rapid aging. In addition, a bright streak appears on the iris of the eye. Among the main signs of atherosclerosis of the abdominal region can be distinguished such as:
- abdominal pain after eating;
- digestive disorders;
- soreness in the navel;
- rapid weight loss.
Often, such a disease leads to ischemia, as well as the necrosis of the intestinal loops. When the first signs of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart appear, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Diagnostics
How to treat atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart can only be determined by the attending doctor after a comprehensive diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, the doctor initially collects a medical history and examines the patient. Depending on the complaints, he identifies an area that requires a more comprehensive diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor must initially measure the pressure. If the disease occurs in the abdominal region, then when you feel it, you can detect irregularities and varying degrees of hardness. In some cases, the therapist may refer to narrower specialists, in particular, to a cardiologist, a vascular surgeon.
Then tests are prescribed to determine the level and composition of cholesterol in the body, since atherosclerosis provokes precisely an excessive amount of this substance. For a more accurate diagnosis, studies are carried out using special equipment. An
ECG with a load, ultrasound or MRI may be required. In addition, duplex or triplex scanning is often prescribed.
Only after a comprehensive diagnosis can you determine the presence of the disease and choose the treatment method. This disease has many varieties that are treated differently. Therefore, it is important to correctly diagnose.
Treatment features
Knowing what is atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart and what kind of ailment has signs, it is possible to recognize the symptoms of the disease in time and consult a doctor to obtain the required treatment. Therapy should be started as early as possible, adhering to principles such as:
- decrease in cholesterol intake with food;
- stimulation of its withdrawal and reduction of synthesis;
- elimination of the effects of infections.
An important role is played by diet and proper nutrition, which eliminates the consumption of foods containing cholesterol.
Drug treatment
Treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart is carried out with the use of medications. Modern medicines help eliminate the main signs of atherosclerosis. The patient is prescribed such groups of drugs as:
- statins
- a nicotinic acid;
- sequestrants;
- fibrates;
- beta blockers.
Statins help lower blood cholesterol by decreasing its synthesis in the body. From the side effects of such drugs, a violation of the functioning of the liver can be distinguished. Among these drugs can be noted "Zokor", "Mekavor", "Praholah".
Niacin helps reduce bad cholesterol. Among the most common side effects can be noted vasodilation, redness of the skin, rash, impaired functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Sequestrants of bile acids contribute to the combination of cholesterol with bile acids and the removal of harmful substances from the body. These drugs have very few side effects, which include nausea, heartburn, constipation, flatulence. Among such drugs, it is worth highlighting Kolesevelam, Kolestipol.
Surgical intervention
Surgical treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart is carried out only in cases where there is a high risk of a threat to life. Carry out such types of operations as:
- angioplasty;
- shunting;
- replacement of the affected area.
Angioplasty involves the reconstruction of blood vessels, as a result of which there is an opportunity to restore its lumen. Shunting implies the imposition of a shunt, which helps to normalize impaired blood flow. If an aneurysm was detected, then an operation is performed to excise it and replace the removed part with synthetic prostheses. Aneurysm rupture can only be treated surgically. The operation is performed only on vital indications.
Alternative methods of therapy
The treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart with folk remedies can give a good enough result, especially if the therapy is started on time and in the absence of concomitant diseases and complications. As a treatment and prevention, you can take vegetable oils strictly on an empty stomach.
There is another recipe. On an empty stomach you need to eat a mixture of vegetable oil, honey and lemon juice. All ingredients must be taken in equal proportions. A good remedy is considered to be potato juice, which must be taken strictly on an empty stomach. Redcurrant juice helps to cure atherosclerosis.
Alternative treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart helps to clean the vessels and prevent the occurrence of complications. For treatment, garlic is used, which can be used in the form of tinctures with red wine or mixtures with nuts, honey, vegetable oil and vegetable juice. Before starting treatment with folk remedies, you need to consult with your doctor about the safety of the methods used.
Dieting
Diet for atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart can improve the quality of life, prevent the occurrence of complications. Be sure to follow the rules of a healthy diet and exclude from your diet foods such as:
- food containing a large amount of animal fats;
- foods containing trans fats;
- eggs
- refined sugar;
- strong coffee and tea.
In addition, you need to minimize the amount of salt consumed. With the course of atherosclerosis, it is worth giving preference to such foods as:
- vegetables;
- legumes;
- fruits;
- low-fat dairy products;
- whole grain products.
In addition to a balanced diet, it is important to ensure sufficient physical activity to bring your weight back to normal. This is very important to reduce the risk of complications.
What is the disease dangerous?
Many people have atherosclerosis of the aortic heart. What to do? This is the first question that patients ask, since this disease is very dangerous for its complications. The resulting plaques slow down the flow of blood from the heart to various organs, as a result of which oxygen starvation of tissues and a lack of nutrients can be observed.
A thrombus forms around the plaque, which, if it comes off, can provoke many complications, up to the death of the patient. Atherosclerosis can cause complications such as:
- stroke;
- the death of some tissues;
- impaired functioning of the heart;
- the formation of trophic ulcers on the limbs and gangrene.
In addition, in men, atherosclerosis can provoke a violation of sexual activity. Moreover, all these processes are completely irreversible. If you do not conduct treatment on time, then a man can never have children.
Among the frequent complications, the formation of aneurysms of the thoracic or abdominal region can be distinguished. This pathology is accompanied by the formation of protrusions in the area of thinned vessels. With strong growth, you can determine them by palpation.
With stratification of the aneurysm, there may be acute bleeding, which leads to the death of the patient.
Preventive measures
In order to prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis and subsequently dangerous complications, prophylaxis is necessary in a timely manner. This is especially important if there is a predisposition to this disease. At the first suspicion of atherosclerosis, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis. In addition, a comprehensive examination is required at least once a year.
A person should abandon all bad habits and properly organize food. It is important to follow all the recommendations of the attending doctor, especially if the patient has diseases that provoke the formation of plaques.
You need to try to protect yourself from stressful situations. A prolonged stay in a state of anxiety has a detrimental effect on the whole organism as a whole, including the functioning of the cardiovascular system.