Atherosclerosis is a disease that is characterized by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. Men 50-60 years old and women over 60 years old are most often affected by this disease. Among the most common diseases, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck, kidneys, brain, heart and lower extremities is distinguished .
As you know, cholesterol is a substance that is part of many fats, so its presence in the human body is simply necessary. But this applies to those cases when the norm is not exceeded. After all, if there is an increase in cholesterol in the blood, then this entails its gradual deposition on the walls of blood vessels. This mainly happens when consuming food that is rich in it, when neuropsychiatric disorders occur, or when the function of the genital and thyroid glands decreases. Over time, connective tissue forms around these plaques and a gradual deposition of lime begins. At this moment, a disease such as vascular atherosclerosis occurs.
Sometimes the destruction of atherosclerotic plaques occurs, on the coating of which a small defect appears. As a result of this, platelets that form blood clots begin to adhere to it. With the separation of part or all of the thrombus, the lumen of the vessels becomes clogged, leading to the cessation of blood flow, and then, sometimes, to death.
Symptoms
- arterial hypertension;
- pain in the muscles of the legs;
- angina attacks;
- heart failure;
- neurological disorders (e.g., stroke);
- renal failure;
- myocardial infarction.
Causes
Currently, atherosclerosis of blood vessels does not have a pronounced reason for its appearance. Although it is proved that a huge role in the development of the disease has a lifestyle.
The main factors provoking atherosclerosis of blood vessels include:
- smoking;
- alcohol consumption
- passive lifestyle;
- malnutrition;
- emotional depression;
- overload;
- stresses.
Diagnostics
For an accurate diagnosis, the following research methods are used:
- with high cholesterol , lipid metabolism disorders are determined;
- X-ray examination of blood vessels is used to detect aortic atherosclerosis ;
- an ultrasound scan shows the absence or presence of blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques, or other obstructions that interfere with normal blood circulation.
Treatment
The treatment of atherosclerosis should be comprehensive. First of all, you should pay attention to your diet, especially to people prone to obesity. Fats of animal origin, sweets and smoked foods should be limited, which, incidentally, is recommended to be completely eliminated. But fruits should be consumed in unlimited quantities.
Further, drug therapy or surgery (bypass, stening) is carried out, the choice of which largely depends on where the vasoconstriction is located and on the presence of a lumen in the artery.