Quite often, people who have reached adulthood suffer from a disease of the vascular system - atherosclerosis. This pathology is a consequence of the deposition of fat-like substances - lipids, as well as proteins on the arterial walls. As a result of this process, the diameter of the lumen of the vessels decreases. The blood supply to all organs of the human body due to the development of atherosclerotic changes is sharply worsening. At the same time, dystrophic and then sclerotic processes develop in the affected vessels.
Atherosclerosis is found in women much less often than in men. In addition, data from statistical studies indicate a later (by 10-15 years) development in women of this ailment. Experts see the explanation of this fact in a significant difference in the way of life of the sexes. In addition, women produce hormones estrogen, which protect them from this disease.
There are various types of atherosclerosis. Belonging to one or another category of pathology is directly dependent on the location of lipid plaques.
All types of atherosclerosis have certain symptoms that are directly dependent on the degree of vascular damage. The main signs of the disease are:
- arterial hypertension;
- myocardial muscle infarction;
- angina pectoris occurring with periodic attacks;
- pain in the muscle area of the legs, manifested in the process of walking;
- heart failure ;
- ischemic disease of an abdominal nature;
- neurological pathology;
- insufficiency in the functioning of the kidneys, etc.
Types of atherosclerosis differ in symptoms, the definition of which is considered the initial stage of diagnosing the disease. To establish the most accurate picture of the disease, the specialist must compare the signs of the pathological process. The correct solution to the problem will significantly reduce the range of research needed.
All types of atherosclerosis are the result of pathological processes that occur in the large arteries of the human body. The development of the disease begins on the walls of the vessels, which leads to their gradual destruction. At the initial stage of the pathology, lipid spots form. Separate sections of the artery walls are impregnated with fats. This stage does not cause circulatory disorders. In this regard, the symptoms of the disease at this stage are absent. Lipid spots are formed with maximum speed in the presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Obesity also contributes to their formation.
The second stage of the disease is characterized by the process of inflammation of lipid spots. Pathological areas accumulate immune cells in themselves, which allow them to resist fats and microorganisms. With a significant duration of the inflammatory process, a significant mass of lipids decomposes. In this case, connective tissue sprouts and plaque appears. The surface of the neoplasm reduces the diameter of the vessels and impairs blood circulation in them.
Over time, the plaques rupture and the released tissue clogs the arteries. This provokes atherosclerosis of the heart or brain, as well as other types of pathology. Plaque rupture results in blood clots. They completely block the vessel and disrupt the blood supply to the body in the arterial area located above its location.
Thrombosis can result in gangrene of the lower extremities and myocardial muscle infarction. Vascular blockage is also a cause of cerebral stroke. The diagnosis of multifocal atherosclerosis is made when trophic type ulcers appear on the skin, as well as incipient gangrene. This means an accelerated passage by an illness of all stages of development, and its spread to a sufficiently large area. In this case, there is a need for urgent amputation surgery, otherwise the patient is at risk of death.