The brain and the right side of the shoulder body are supplied with blood through a large vessel - the brachiocephalic trunk. Any violations in his work threaten human life. Non-stenosing atherosclerosis of the BCA is especially severe. What it is, what symptoms the disease is accompanied by, you will learn from today's article.
Anatomical reference
Under atherosclerosis it is customary to understand such changes in the walls of blood vessels, which are accompanied by the appearance of fatty deposits on them. Depending on the affected area, there are several types of this disease. At the same time, due to certain physiological characteristics, some vessels are more susceptible to these changes. A prime example is the brachiocephalic arteries (BCA). To understand the mechanism of the development of the disease, you need to delve a little into the anatomy.
The brachiocephalic trunk is a large main vessel. It is represented by three extracranialarteries: vertebral, subclavian and carotid. Their weaves form the circle of Willis. The blood circulating through it provides continuous nutrition to the brain. If an obstruction in the form of an atherosclerotic plaque forms in one of the sections of this blood flow, 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 variants of this pathology:
- Non-stenosing atherosclerosis of BCA. Fat deposits are located longitudinally in the arterial bed. They do not block the lumen of the vessel completely. However, the rate of blood flow is significantly reduced. The prognosis for recovery from this disease is favorable.
- Stenosing sclerosis of BCA. In the lumen of the vessel, plaques in the form of tubercles are formed. They quickly increase 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 variant of the pathological process.
Brief description of the disease
Non-stenosing atherosclerosis of BCA is a chronic disease of the blood arteries caused by the deposition of plaques inside the vascular canal. It affects men over 50 to a greater extent. Recently, however, the pathological process is increasingly being diagnosed among the young population.
Atherosclerosis, affecting the vessels of the brain, is necessarily reflected in the work of the whole organism. The resulting cholesterolplaques gradually reduce the lumen of the blood flow. This, in turn, negatively affects the ability of blood to be transported through the vessel. As a result, the brain begins to experience a lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Prolonged fasting leads to the formation of "plugs" in the brain tissue. They mainly accumulate in the cerebral cortex and in the region of the basal nodes. As a result, the activity of nerve cells is inhibited. This negatively affects the ability of the sick person to think fully.
Main causes of violation
Non-stenosing atherosclerosis of BCA most often develops due to malnutrition. The active growth of plaques provokes an excess content of cholesterol, simple carbohydrates and animal fats in food. The abuse of table s alt also negatively affects.
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 a person's daily life accelerates the process of plaque formation. First of all:
- Smoking. Addiction slows down metabolism, reduces the elasticity of vascular tissue and contributes to the occurrence of attacks of high blood pressure.
- Hypertension. The initial manifestations of non-stenosing sclerosis of the BCA are usually detected against the background of persistent type 1 or 2 hypertension.
- Uncontrolled use of birth control pills.
- Associated diseases (diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency states,metabolic disorder).
Nonstenosing 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 indicate other pathological processes in the body. But with atherosclerosis, the brain is forced to constantly experience oxygen starvation, which is also manifested by impaired coordination. Other internal organs can be long enough without the supply of nutrients. The brain immediately reacts to the lack of oxygen by giving various signals.
Non-stenosing atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head without hemodynamic significant stenoses is not easy to identify. Most often, it is dizziness that indicates he alth problems. Sometimes the clinical picture is supplemented by neurovascular disorders. They manifest themselves in the form of increased irritability, noise in the head, insomnia. Otherwise, pathological changes go unnoticed.
Diagnostic Methods
If you suspect non-stenosing atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, which belong to the group of brachiocephalic, patients turn to a neurologist. This specialist conducts differential diagnosis. In case of confirmation of the disease, he sendspatient to a cardiologist. This doctor deals with the treatment of vascular pathologies.
To diagnose atherosclerosis today, all patients, without exception, are prescribed duplex scanning of the arteries. During the procedure, a specialist can examine and evaluate the condition of large and small blood vessels, surrounding tissues. The doctor also visualizes the intensity of blood flow in any part of its route.
In addition, 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 given.
Features of treatment
What are the stages of therapy for the diagnosis of "non-stenosing atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries"? Doctors advise starting treatment of the disease with a revision of the regime 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 only benefit. It is better to refuse addictions in the form of smoking, overeating and alcohol abuse. Particular attention must be paid to the diet. It will be discussed in more detail below.
At the next stage, they move on 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. Treatment is selected by the doctor, taking into account the results of the tests.patient. For example, to improve blood flow through the vessels, Actovegin or Curantil are attributed. With severe headaches, antispasmodics are indicated. In order to slow down the absorption of cholesterol, they resort to the help of Questran or Tribusponin.
Various physiotherapy procedures have a beneficial effect on the functioning 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. Not only medications help to correct the level of this substance, but also a change in diet.
First of all, you need to give up fatty meats, smoked meats and canned foods. It is better to refrain from consuming s alt in large quantities. The daily diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, seafood. Compliance with such a diet, even for 14 days, can significantly lower blood cholesterol levels.
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 already stenosing atherosclerosis, when cholesterol plaques cover the vessel cavity by more than 50%.
It is in the brachiocephalic arteries that fatty deposits accumulate quite quickly. An increase in their number leads tonot only a violation of brain activity, but also the appearance of microscopic hemorrhages, severe thromboembolism.
Prevention Methods
To prevent non-stenosing atherosclerosis of the extracranial arteries responsible for the blood supply to the brain, it is enough to follow the recommendations below:
- exercise daily physical activity (gym, hiking, hiking);
- avoid stressful situations;
- observe the regime of work and rest;
- give up bad habits;
- eat right.
Compliance with these rules allows not only to minimize the risk of developing the disease, but also to reduce the likelihood of complications due to an existing problem.
