Due to today's lifestyle and eating habits, people are faced with many diseases. Especially cardiovascular diseases are at the forefront of these diseases. One of the most common and common cardiovascular diseases is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is called “Atherosclerosis” in medicine and it is more common in individuals over the age of 45. As in other cardiovascular diseases, early diagnosis and treatment are important in atherosclerosis. In cases where treatment is delayed, more serious health problems are likely to occur. For this reason, it is necessary to learn about atherosclerosis and learn what its symptoms are.
What is Atherosclerosis?
The question of what atherosclerosis means is frequently encountered in daily life. As the name suggests, atherosclerosis is a disease that occurs due to hardening of the arteries. Arteries in the human body have a flexible structure that will adapt to all movements throughout human life and take shape according to the body.
Thanks to this flexible structure, arteries help to maintain the balance of the body and maintain a healthy life by pumping the blood needed by the cells, tissues and organs. From birth to death, blood flow continues and is not interrupted. This system of the human body functions flawlessly.
However, due to some reasons, the accumulation of clots and cholesterol in the walls of the veins causes thickening of the veins. From time to time, there may be clots and cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels. However, unless this situation is permanent, it tends to return to normal on its own. In cases where cholesterol is constantly high, the vessels begin to thicken and lose their flexibility. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.
As a result of this, it becomes difficult for the blood to pass through the arteries and it occurs as a result of the limitation of blood flow. This limitation of blood flow causes the blood not to reach the necessary tissues and organs in a timely and sufficient amount. Many of the fatal diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and heart attack occur as a result of arteriosclerosis.
What are the Symptoms of Atherosclerosis?
Hardening of the arteries Symptoms can be quite different. In the initial stage, atherosclerosis may not show any symptoms. Symptoms most often occur when an artery becomes too blocked to pump enough blood to tissues or organs. It can be dangerous as there will be no symptoms until this period. Sometimes a blood clot completely affects the blood flow, even causing the vessel to rupture. In such cases, the probability of having a heart attack or stroke is quite high. Symptoms differ depending on which artery is hardened. Hardening of the coronary arteries:
- Disruption of heart rhythm (arrhythmia),
- Shortness of breath,
- Pain in the upper body, including chest, arms, neck and jaw
- Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs,
- Difficulty in understanding or speaking,
- Sagging of facial muscles,
- Paralysis,
- Severe headache,
- It manifests as visual weakness in one or both eyes.
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain in the shoulders, back, neck, arms or jaw,
- Abdominal pain,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting,
- Losses of balance,
What are the Causes of Atherosclerosis?
The causes of arteriosclerosis vary considerably. Atherosclerosis is an insidious disease that can start as early as childhood and progress slowly. Although the causes of atherosclerosis are not fully known, it may begin due to an injury that will damage the inner layer of an artery.
- High blood pressure,
- High cholesterol,
- High triglycerides,
- Smoking or other tobacco habits,
- Insulin resistance, obesity or diabetes,
- Inflammation from an unknown cause or from diseases such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause arteriosclerosis. blood cells and other substances usually collect at the site of the injury and build up in the inner lining of the artery. Over time, fat from cholesterol and other cellular products accumulates in the injured area and hardens, narrowing the arteries. Since the tissues and organs connected to these arteries cannot receive enough blood flow, they cannot function properly. In the future, the accumulated cholesterol and fat particles are broken and mixed with the blood stream.
This creates clots that block blood flow to the heart or other organs, blocking blood vessels. Thus, serious health problems can occur and these health problems can be life-threatening. In addition, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, genetic factors, sleep apnea, smoking habits, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure are among the triggers of atherosclerosis.How to Diagnose Atherosclerosis?
For the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, a physical examination is performed first and information about the patient's history is obtained. If necessary, referral to the cardiology service is made. Listening with a stethoscope is among the common and necessary examination methods. One or more tests can be applied according to the physical examination result. Blood tests are done to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels. High blood sugar and cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Also, CRP (C reactive protein) test can be done to check whether there is a protein associated with inflammation of the arteries. Electrical signals in the heart are recorded with EKG (electrocardiogram), which is a simple, painless and effective method. Thus, an idea about heart rhythm and health can be obtained. If signs and symptoms occur mostly during exercise, exercise stress tests may be performed while attached to the EKG.
Because exercising makes your heart stronger. It causes symptoms that may be overlooked because it causes the blood to work fast and pump blood. If the patient's condition is not suitable for exercise, drugs that will exert an exercise effect on the body are used. In addition to all these tests, other imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound, coronary calcium scanning, MRA or PET, cardiac catheterization and angiogram are among the methods used for diagnosis. The doctor performs the appropriate tests according to the patient's condition. Thus, an effective treatment is planned with the correct diagnosis.What are the Treatment Methods for Atherosclerosis?
Stages of atherosclerosis affect the patient's condition differently. However, the most effective treatment occurs when patients understand themselves and change their lifestyle accordingly. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are among the most effective ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Especially cigarettes and tobacco products damage the arteries. Quitting smoking is very important for the health of the arteries.
Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Therefore, individuals need to maintain their ideal weight. Consuming fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of refined sugars keeps blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in check. Eating whole grain bread instead of white bread is a simple but effective change. Replacing the consumed oils with healthy ones such as olive oil is also very effective for cardiovascular health. In addition, if necessary, treatment can be applied with medication and surgical methods.
Other drugs such as cholesterol drugs, blood thinners, blood pressure drugs and antibiotics recommended by the doctor are among the treatment methods of atherosclerosis. However, angioplasty and stent placement, endarterectomy, fibrinolytic therapy and coronary artery bypass surgery are among the surgical methods. If deemed necessary, several treatment methods can be carried out together.
You can also apply your own treatment by exercising and eating regularly to lead a healthy life. If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned and wondering what is good for arteriosclerosis, you can be examined without delay, so you can regain your health.Read: 0
