The brain and the right side of the humeral body are supplied with blood through a large vessel - the brachiocephalic trunk. Any violations in his work threaten human life. Especially difficult is the non-stenotic atherosclerosis of BCA. What is it, what symptoms are accompanied by the disease, you will learn from today's article.
Anatomical reference
Atherosclerosis is commonly understood as such changes in the walls of blood vessels that are accompanied by the appearance of fatty deposits on them. Depending on the area of damage, several types of this disease are distinguished. Moreover, due to certain physiological characteristics, some vessels are more susceptible to these changes. A striking example is the brachiocephalic artery (BCA). To understand the mechanism of the development of the disease, it is necessary to delve a little into the anatomy.
The brachiocephalic trunk is a major trunk vessel. It is represented by three extracranial arteries: vertebral, subclavian and carotid. Their interweaving form the Willis circle. The blood circulating through it provides continuous nutrition to the brain. If an obstacle in the form of an atherosclerotic plaque forms in one of the sections of this bloodstream, there is a danger to the functioning of the entire brain. Sometimes such deposits, consisting mainly of fat and connective tissue, lead to the development of hypoxia and even stroke.
In modern medicine, it is customary to consider 2 options for this pathology:
- Non-stenotic atherosclerosis of BCA. Fat deposits are located longitudinally in the arterial bed. They do not completely clog the vessel lumen. However, significantly reduce blood flow. The prognosis for recovery with this ailment is favorable.
- Stenosing sclerosis of BCA. In the lumen of the vessel, plaques in the form of tubercles form. They are rapidly increasing in size. As a result, they can completely block the lumen of the vessel. In this case, they talk about the development of a stroke.
In today's article, we will dwell in more detail on the first version of the pathological process.
Short description of the disease
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis BCA is a chronic disease of the blood arteries caused by the deposition of plaques inside the vascular canal. To a greater extent, men older than 50 years are exposed to it. Recently, however, the pathological process is increasingly being diagnosed among the young population.
Atherosclerosis, which affects the vessels of the brain, is necessarily reflected in the work of the whole organism. The resulting cholesterol plaques gradually reduce blood flow clearance. This, in turn, negatively affects the ability of blood to transport through the vessel. As a result, the brain begins to experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients.
Long starvation leads to the formation of "plugs" in the brain tissue. Mostly they accumulate in the cerebral cortex and in the area of the basal nodes. As a result, inhibition of the activity of nerve cells occurs. This negatively affects the patient’s ability to think fully.
The main causes of the violation
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis of BCA most often develops due to malnutrition. Active growth of plaques provokes an excessive content of cholesterol, simple carbohydrates and animal fats in food. Salt abuse is also negatively affected.
The exact factors leading to the development of the disease are unknown. However, doctors managed to identify a whole group of so-called provocateurs. Their presence in everyday life accelerates the formation of plaques. This is, first of all:
- Smoking. The addiction slows down the metabolism, reduces the elasticity of blood vessels and contributes to the appearance of attacks of high blood pressure.
- Hypertension The initial manifestations of non-stenotic sclerosis of BCA are usually detected against the background of persistent type 1 or 2 hypertension.
- Uncontrolled use of birth control pills.
- Related diseases (diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency states, metabolic disorders).
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries with stenosis develops in the absence of competent treatment. That is why, when the initial symptoms of the disease appear, you should immediately seek medical help.
Clinical picture
The disease begins its development with the appearance of dizziness. This symptom may also indicate other pathological processes in the body. But with atherosclerosis, the brain is forced to constantly experience oxygen starvation, which also manifests itself as a violation of coordination. Other internal organs can be quite long without nutrients. The brain immediately responds to the lack of oxygen, giving various signals.
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head without significant hemodynamic stenosis is difficult to identify. Most often, dizziness indicates health problems. Sometimes the clinical picture is supplemented by neurovascular disorders. They appear in the form of increased irritability, noise in the head, and insomnia. Otherwise, pathological changes pass unnoticed.
Diagnostic Methods
If you suspect non-stenotic atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, which belong to the brachiocephalic group, patients turn to a neurologist. This specialist conducts differential diagnosis. In case of confirmation of the disease, he directs the patient to a cardiologist. This doctor is engaged in the treatment of vascular pathologies.
To diagnose atherosclerosis today, all patients, without exception, are assigned a duplex scan of the arteries. During the procedure, a specialist can review and assess the condition of large and small blood vessels surrounding their tissues. The doctor also visualizes the intensity of blood flow at any part of its sequence.
Additionally, standard clinical and laboratory tests are prescribed. After studying the picture of the disease, the patient’s history and the results of the examination, the doctor confirms or refutes the preliminary diagnosis. Then therapy is prescribed.
Treatment features
What are the stages of therapy with a diagnosis of “non-stenotic atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries”? Doctors advise starting treatment of the disease with a review of work and rest. It is necessary to eliminate all stressful situations, reduce workloads, add the number of hours of sleep. Physiotherapy exercises will also benefit only. It is better to refuse addictions in the form of smoking, overeating and alcohol abuse. Particular attention must be paid to diet. About it will be described in more detail below.
At the next stage, they switch to the use of medications. The main purpose of their use is to stop the unpleasant symptoms that accompany non-stenotic atherosclerosis of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries. The doctor selects the treatment based on the results of the patient's tests. For example, to improve blood flow through the vessels, they attribute “Actovegin” or “Curantil”. With severe headaches, the administration of antispasmodics is indicated. In order to slow down the absorption of cholesterol, they resort to the help of Questran or Tribusponin.
Various physiotherapeutic procedures have a beneficial effect on the work of the body. Rest in sanatoriums is no less useful.
Recommended Diet
One of the main reasons for the development of non-stenotic atherosclerosis is the accumulation of cholesterol in the body. To adjust the level of this substance, not only medications help, but also a change in diet.
First of all, it is necessary to abandon fatty meat, smoked meats and canned foods. Better to refrain from the use of salt in large quantities. The daily diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, seafood. Compliance with such a diet even for 14 days can significantly lower blood cholesterol.
What is the danger of the disease?
Non-stenotic atherosclerosis requires timely and high-quality therapy. Otherwise, the pathological process will continue to progress. As a result, it can lead to the development of stenotic atherosclerosis, when cholesterol plaques cover the cavity of the vessel by more than 50%.
It is in the brachiocephalic arteries that fat deposits accumulate rather quickly. An increase in their number entails not only a violation of brain activity, but also the appearance of microscopic hemorrhages, severe thromboembolism.
Prevention Methods
To prevent non-stenotic atherosclerosis of extracranial arteries responsible for blood supply to the brain, it is enough to follow the recommendations below:
- daily load the body with physical activity (classes in the gym, hiking, hiking in the mountains);
- avoid stressful situations;
- observe the regime of work and rest;
- abandon addictions;
- eat properly.
Compliance with such rules can not only minimize the risk of developing the disease, but also reduce the likelihood of complications due to an existing problem.