What is Atherosclerosis

what is Atherosclerosis On this night we will give you a post about heart disease Atherosclerosis this post is a continuation of our previous post titled What is valvular Heart Disease. Atherosclerosis is a common disorder in which there is hardening of the arteries. It is caused by the formation of fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances, which together are known as plaques in the artery walls over the years. The formation of plaque in the arterial wall occurs over time, lifestyle factors such as smoking, high-fat foods, drinking too much alcohol and lack of exercise also contribute to the stiffness of the arteries and high blood cholesterol levels. The impact of atherosclerosis can be life threatening. The most commonly due to atherosclerosis is high blood pressure. With the hardening of the arteries and plaque formation, blood flow is blocked so it can not be effectively channeled to various parts of the body. This can cause tissue damage or death, which is also known as necrosis.

Blood clots can form in arteries and also causes the flow path is blocked. If pieces of plaque from the artery walls apart and moved to a smaller blood vessels, it can cause another blockage in blood flow. In more serious cases, an aneurysm (or bulge in a blood vessel) which is formed as a result of high blood pressure can rupture and cause internal bleeding person can not be saved by his life.

Causes 

Atherosclerosis is caused by a buildup of fat and other substances in the blood vessel walls. Of fat will harden and form plaque. These plaques that block blood flow to the heart.

Blockage occurs slowly. The inside of the artery lined by endothelium, the thin layer of cells that serves to keep the artery remains taut and smooth. Arteries that make smoother blood circulation to the heart remains smooth. When the endothelium is damaged due to the effects of high blood pressure, effects of smoking, or high cholesterol, that's when plaques begin to form.

The next stage, bad cholesterol (LDL) into the blood vessel through the damaged endothelium. Cholesterol is then ingested by white blood cells. Over time, clumps of white blood cells "attack" bad cholesterol hardens and becomes plaque in the blood vessel walls. This plaque that inhibits blood circulation.

symptoms of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms of the condition. But found when another emergency arise. Because there is no clear sign of atherosclerosis, a person may not be aware of his condition for many years. As a result of prevalent atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries that is causing a decrease in blood flow to the heart and organs of the body. This can cause chest pain, gasping for breath and fatigue.

diagnosing Atherosclerosis 

A physical examination with other tests, can determine whether a person is suffering from atherosclerosis. The doctor listened vascular murmur, to determine whether there is a blockage in an artery.
Doppler test (using ultrasound), arteriogram (use of x-rays), CT angiography and magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) is another examination can determine atherosclerosis in man.

treating Atherosclerosis 

Lifestyle changes have a major impact on the development of atherosclerosis. Because atherosclerosis can not be eliminated, changing unhealthy lifestyle can help prevent worsening of the condition. Positive lifestyle changes such as avoiding the consumption of fatty foods, limiting alcohol consumption every day, exercise and stop smoking, all of which help slow down the effects and prevent the worsening of atherosclerosis.
Drugs to treat high cholesterol can slow the formation of plaque in artery walls, thus slowing atherosclerosis. The doctor also may prescribe antiplatelet drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots. These drugs are combined with a healthy lifestyle, can help people avoid related problems such as heart failure and stroke