WHAT IS ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND HOW DOES IT OCCUR?
Atherosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of artery walls and the accumulation of plaques on their inner walls.
It begins with the damage to the endothelial layer in the innermost part of the vessel wall in large and medium-sized vessels such as coronary arteries (arteries that feed the heart), aorta (the main artery that carries the blood pumped by the heart to the body), arm and leg arteries. One of the factors causing endothelial damage is high blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides), increased blood pressure, smoking, etc. tobacco products and diabetes.
Plaques consisting of cholesterol and other fats, calcium, platelets (cells that enable blood clotting) and blood clotting substance called fibrin accumulate in the artery wall as a result of endothelial damage. They stimulate the release of other substances. These substances cause cell proliferation in the vein and ultimately cause the vein to become thicker and narrower in diameter. Thus, blood flow in the vein and ultimately oxygenation decreases. A clot, which often forms near the plaque or by the breakdown of the plaque, completely blocks the artery and stops the blood flow.
When Does It Start?
Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and progresses slowly. It is a complex process and its effects generally become apparent with advancing age. However, it progresses rapidly in some people and can cause significant damage to the vessels in their 30s.
What Diseases Does It Cause?
Narrowing of the arteries due to atherosclerosis or blockage with a plaque developing on an atherosclerotic basis or plaque Due to blood clots formed as a result of rupture, the amount of blood passing through the coronary arteries decreases and cannot meet the oxygen needs of the heart (ischemia). The lack of oxygen creates a pain felt behind the breastbone (angina). If the blood flow is not restored, an irreversible death (necrosis) in the heart muscle (myocardial) cells whose nutrition is impaired and a heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs in the person.
Read: 0
