There are pathologies that develop for a long period, and begin to manifest themselves at the last stage of development. These include atherosclerosis. Its consequences negatively affect important human organs. Some time ago, the disease manifested itself only in people of older and middle age. Currently, it is also diagnosed in the younger generation. Therefore, it is necessary to know what vascular atherosclerosis is, what are the causes and symptoms of this disease.
General information
Atherosclerosis is a slow-moving chronic arterial disease associated with impaired lipid metabolism and deposition of cholesterol on the inner walls of blood vessels. Through the arteries, the walls of which are normally covered with a smooth elastic layer, the blood delivers nutrients and oxygen from the heart to the tissues and organs. Under unfavorable conditions on the insidethe surface of the vessels are deposited products of cell decay, cholesterol and calcium. The walls become inelastic, plaques appear, the lumen decreases, blood flow slows down. In severe cases, the vessel becomes completely blocked, blood circulation stops, resulting in necrosis.
Types of pathology
Symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis and methods of treatment depend on which organ they are located in. Most commonly affected:
- The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. For a long time, the disease proceeds unnoticed, it is detected only with a scrupulous examination. Over time, there are burning retrosternal or abdominal pains that increase with physical exertion or emotional stress.
- Coronary vessels - nourish the heart, saturating it with oxygen and nutrients. Blockage of blood vessels leads to angina pectoris, manifested by painful attacks. They occur with any load and are localized in the stomach or in the chest area. The patient has pallor of the skin, coldness in the extremities, a feeling of fear arises. The disease progresses rapidly.
- Brain vessels - symptoms of atherosclerosis are manifested by dizziness, sleep disturbance, problems with memory, hearing and vision. Sometimes there is a loss of consciousness, speech is disturbed, a stroke is possible.
- Intestines - circulatory disorders cause pain in the abdomen, constipation and bloating. At the beginning of the disease, belching and flatulence appear, then peristalsis is disturbed. Pain is more common afterfood and the attack lasts more than an hour.
- Renal arteries - at the initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic and progresses slowly. Then the blood pressure rises. But, if both kidneys are affected, then the disease develops rapidly.
- Vessels of the extremities - the symptoms of atherosclerosis are expressed in weakness, fatigue and numbness of the calf muscles. The skin of the legs becomes dry and pale, and when walking there are painful sensations. Without timely treatment, the aches become constant even at rest, ulcers may appear, the worst option is the development of gangrene.
Main reasons
Atherosclerosis occurs and develops depending on the following factors:
- Heredity is a person's predisposition to vascular diseases.
- Disruption of metabolic processes - a change in liver function, leading to excessive production of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels.
- Age - what is vascular atherosclerosis - an ailment associated with blockage of blood vessels and progressing for many years. Therefore, it often manifests itself in people over the age of forty.
- Male - women are statistically less susceptible to the disease.
- Lifestyle - low physical activity, frequent stressful situations, smoking and alcohol.
- Unhe althy diet - eating a lot of food containing animal fats contributes to the formation of cholesterol.
- Obesity - the accumulation of fat in the body contributes to blockage of blood vessels.
- Failures in the work of the endocrinesystems - diabetes mellitus, gout lead to damage to the walls of blood vessels, impaired fat metabolism.
- Psycho-emotional states - the tendency of choleric people to hyperexcitability puts them at risk.
The causes of the disease are still not fully understood.
Features
Symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis most often occur after a long latent course of the disease. They can be as follows:
- Irregular heart rhythm, pain in the sternum after exercise or stress - occur with vascular heart disease.
- High blood pressure, impaired coordination of movement are observed as a result of damage to the kidneys and aorta.
- Violation of attention, headaches, memory impairment are associated with problems of cerebral vessels.
- The presence of lameness, discomfort in the legs, ulcers on the legs are symptoms and signs of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities.
- Pain in the abdomen, flatulence, constipation - occur with deposits on the walls of the aorta located in the abdominal cavity.
Symptoms tend to appear in middle and old age. By this time, there are already significant changes in the vessels, the plaques block the blood flow, and the patient feels discomfort. At any time, a vessel can rupture and form a blood clot. Often more than one organ is affected at the same time.
Diagnosis
To identify the disease, you must consult a doctor who:
- Conversations with the patient, identifies complaints, collectsdetailed medical history.
- Does an external examination depending on the localization of the disease: puffiness, trophic changes in the skin, formation of wen. Then the blood pressure is measured and the vessels are palpated.
After that, a preliminary diagnosis is made. To clarify it, the following laboratory tests are assigned:
- Complete blood and urine test.
- Biochemical blood test with a detailed lipid profile - is done to assess the functioning of internal organs and to detect cholesterol levels in the blood. Homocysteine is also determined, its high level indicates a greater likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
The method of instrumental examination is carried out for a complete diagnosis of the body and the detection of all atherosclerotic changes. To do this, appoint:
- ECG - helps to evaluate the work of the heart on a graphical representation of impulses.
- Dopplerography - allows the doctor to determine the size of plaques from cholesterol, the condition of the walls of the vessel, the size of the lumen.
- Echocardiogram - gives information about the state of the coronary vessels that feed the heart.
- Angiography - using a contrast agent, the walls of blood vessels are viewed, their defects are detected.
- Rheovasography - the peripheral blood flow system is viewed for the presence of cholesterol plaques.
- Aortography - makes it possible to examine the walls of the aorta.
- MRI - provides analysis of large arteries and vessels of the brain.
Only after fullexamination of the patient and consultations by narrow specialists, a diagnosis is made and treatment of symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis is prescribed.
Therapy
An integrated approach is required and the patient must follow all the doctor's recommendations. The fact is that the formed plaques do not completely disappear. Medications and lifestyle changes can stop and slow down the process. It will take a long period, perhaps several years, to achieve success and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Treatment of symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis consists of the following steps:
- Changing your lifestyle - a proper diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking will help stop sclerotic formations and reduce the risk of stroke.
- Medications - will control blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood, slow down and stop the progression of the disease.
- Angiography and stenting - the internal lumen of the vessel is assessed and with the help of a stent, a special metal prosthesis, the area blocked by a thrombus is opened, blood flow is restored. Surgical manipulation is performed through an artery located on the leg or arm.
- Bypass surgery is an abdominal operation in which blood vessels are taken from the limbs and implanted in the affected area. The blood flow path is restored.
What treatment regimen the attending physician decides, taking into account the severity of the pathology and the individual characteristics of the patient: chronic diseases, generalhe alth condition.
Symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis
The disease has different manifestations depending on the stage of development of the disease:
Initial - pathology without pronounced signs. Small lipid deposits form on the walls of the artery. They do not rise above the surface and do not interfere with blood flow. But if you are attentive to your he alth, you will notice that appears:
- fatigue, especially after physical and mental stress;
- intemperance and hostility;
- a little dizzy;
- headaches of a aching nature.
All symptoms disappear after rest and sleep. The patient during this period usually does not go to the doctor, because he does not attach importance to the first symptoms of atherosclerosis of the head vessels. Treatment started at this stage of the disease contributes to the complete resorption of deposits.
In the progression stage, the formation of relief outgrowths occurs. They merge into a single whole and begin to interfere with blood flow. Sometimes there is a cracking of deposits and small pieces of blood enter small vessels, clogging them. The patient begins to worry:
- prolonged headaches;
- tinnitus;
- insomnia:
- forgetfulness;
- decrease in attention;
- vision deterioration;
- emotional instability;
- trembling fingers and head;
- dyscoordination.
During this period, the treatment of symptoms of atherosclerosishead vessels is carried out by a conservative and surgical method.
At the last stage of atherocalcinosis, when calcium s alts are deposited on the cholesterol plaque, it thickens and increases in size. And over time, it completely clogs the vessel, and tissue necrosis forms. The patient's condition is characterized by a pronounced violation of the functions of the brain. He has:
- paralysis of limbs;
- disability;
- speech and swallowing are impaired;
- loss of orientation in space;
- urinary incontinence;
- dementia progresses.
With the indicated symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis, the consequences are very serious: the patient may have an artery rupture or a stroke.
Therapy Methods
Cerebral vascular disease associated with their blockage by cholesterol plaques is incurable, as these changes become irreversible. The main task of the doctor is to prevent further progression of plaque formation and stimulate the creation of bypass routes of blood flow to inaccessible areas. This is achieved by prescribing regular individual exercise therapy complexes that correspond to the age and capabilities of the patient. Collateral (not previously involved) routes of blood delivery to the area suffering from ischemia are opened. In addition, walks, massages, and water procedures have a positive effect.
Treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis with a symptom of obesity is aimed at weight loss. Whereinlimit the calorie content of food, carry out procedures to cleanse the intestines of cholesterol. Medical therapy, along with lifestyle changes, is aimed at dissolving and slowing down the formation of plaques. If necessary, surgical intervention is used to remove blood clots and dilate blood vessels. And special attention is paid to a diet using products that have an anti-sclerotic effect.
Limb diseases
A serious disease of the arteries of the arms and legs, as a result of which there is a partial or complete blockage of the vessels with plaques or blood clots. This prevents the normal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. With problems with the upper limbs, the patient feels:
- cold in the hands;
- pain, cramps, fatigue when doing physical work;
- hair loss.
When the first symptoms of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities appear, treatment should be started immediately. Only in the initial stage of the disease therapy gives effective results. The vessels of the legs are also affected quite often. The main symptom that they pay attention to is pain. Quite often it occurs in the muscles of the calf and thigh. A small lumen in the artery during movement cannot pass enough blood to meet the tissue's need for oxygen and nutrition. The result is pain. At the first stage of the disease, it quickly passes after the cessation of the load, and then returns when the movement is resumed. The most important symptom of blockage of the lower extremities is intermittentlameness and the pain it causes. In the elderly, atherosclerosis of the vessels is often confused with pain in the joints that occurs with arthrosis. It should be noted that joint pain is more strongly perceived at the beginning of the movement, and then weakens, while muscle pain is the opposite. In addition, the patient experiences the following symptoms:
- feet numbness, chilliness;
- different temperature in a he althy and diseased limb;
- appearance of sores in the lower leg;
- formation of darkened areas on the feet and fingers;
- no pulse between ankle and subclavian fossa.
Over time, the lower leg, not receiving proper nutrition, can lose weight, hair loss and delamination of nails will begin. If untreated, gangrene is possible. Therefore, if symptoms of the disease are detected, you should consult a doctor.
Therapy
In the treatment of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities, a comprehensive and individual approach is used for each patient. To do this, use:
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Diet food low in fat and cholesterol.
- Correction of weight for obesity.
- Permanent physical activity.
- Drug treatment is carried out with the use of drugs that reduce the production of fatty and bile acids.
- Surgical intervention in the absence of the effect of conservative therapy. In this case, cholesterol plaques are removed, and the lumen in the vessels increases.
The treatment method is determined by the attending physician,taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient.
Problems with the vessels of the heart
The main organ that ensures the movement of blood is the heart. Arteries are vessels through which blood enriched with oxygen and nutrients moves from the heart to other organs and tissues, supplying them with food. The elastic walls of the arteries stretch well and are able to withstand significant blood pressure. The heart itself must also be nourished. Oxygen is delivered through small coronary arteries. Due to various metabolic disorders, cholesterol is deposited on the inner walls of the arteries, gradually narrowing the lumen and interfering with the movement of blood. Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels occurs, the symptoms of which are manifested as follows:
- heart pain;
- pallor of the skin;
- fatigue;
- shortness of breath when walking;
- dizziness;
- constant nausea.
Often the first symptoms of the disease are taken by patients for the manifestation of other ailments, and precious treatment time is lost in the early stages. With the progression of atherosclerosis appears:
- angina, manifested by aching heart;
- cardiosclerosis - there is swelling, shortness of breath, weakness;
- arrhythmia characterized by paroxysmal cramps, dizziness, fainting.
When there is a complete blockage of the artery, there is a burning pain, lack of air, clouding of consciousness. With such symptoms of atherosclerosis of the heart vesselstreatment cannot be delayed. The prognosis depends on how quickly and correctly the patient will receive medical care.
Heart Vascular Therapy
When contacting a doctor early, therapy is carried out by prescribing:
- drugs for the regulation of lipid metabolism;
- beta-blockers and inhibitors - relieve pain, prevent the development of the disease;
- anticoagulants - exclude the formation of blood clots;
- special diet;
- exercise;
- weight loss.
What is atherosclerosis of the heart vessels - this is their blockage by plaques from cholesterol. And when the blood stops feeding the main organ, they suggest surgery:
- Bypass – A blocked artery is replaced with a vascular graft (shunt), providing blood flow.
- Angioplasty - mechanical expansion of the coronary vessels.
- Stenting - a rigid frame is placed in the cavity of the vessel, expanding the lumen.
Timely treatment prolongs the life of the patient.
Diseases of the vessels of the neck
Impaired blood circulation in the cervical spine due to the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels is extremely dangerous. Particles of deposits along with blood can enter the vessels of the brain and cause blockage. The disease develops for a long period and is chronic. At the initial stage, the symptoms of atherosclerosis of the cervical vessels are:
- emotional instability;
- discomfort in the neck;
- forgetfulness;
- poor concentrationattention;
- irritability;
- dizziness;
- memory deterioration.
If you do not see a doctor, the disease progresses and more serious problems occur, characterized by:
- loss of coordination;
- speech disorder;
- impaired vision;
- pale skin;
- excessive sweating;
- passing out.
These symptoms signal a blockage of a cerebral vessel and a stroke. The patient needs urgent medical attention. Treatment of the patient depends on the stage and severity of the disease, which is determined by the attending physician. Most often, an integrated approach is used: drug therapy, diet, physiotherapy exercises. But in some cases, the only effective remedy is surgery.
Atherosclerosis of the vessels: symptoms and treatment in the elderly
Low physical activity in old age slows down all metabolic processes, reduces the elasticity of blood vessels. The deposition of cholesterol plaques impedes blood flow, poorly supplying internal organs with food. Atherosclerosis is becoming an extremely dangerous disease and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- dizziness that gets worse with movement;
- change in gait;
- discoordination;
- tremor of hands and head;
- memory deterioration;
- depressed.
A person often cannot concentrate, becomes touchy, hisrelationships with loved ones. He often notices changes in his state of he alth himself due to the fact that it is difficult for him to perform work that requires increased attention. Atherosclerosis in the elderly develops rapidly. Therefore, noticing the signs of the disease, it is necessary to quickly contact a doctor and begin treatment. It is carried out with the help of medicines and surgery. Drugs used for therapy:
- preventing the formation of cholesterol in the liver;
- antiplatelet agents to reduce blood clotting;
- cholesterol-lowering statins;
- vitamin complexes;
- dissolving atherosclerotic plaques;
- improving lipid metabolism.
In addition, therapeutic exercises are prescribed, it is recommended to change the diet, strengthen the nervous system, regularly visit the attending doctor.
Conclusion
Now you know what atherosclerosis is. This is a very serious and dangerous disease that goes unnoticed in the initial stages, without any obvious signs. In order to avoid it, it is necessary to engage in daily physical education, eat right, eliminate stress, smoking and alcohol. All this will minimize the occurrence of blockage of blood vessels and allow you to live actively until old age.
