Atherosclerosis of vessels is a disease characterized by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. Men 50-60 years old and women over 60 years old are most often affected by this disease. Among the most common diseases are atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck, kidneys, brain, heart and lower extremities.
As you know, cholesterol is a substance that is part of many fats, so its presence in the human body is simply necessary. But this applies to cases where the norm is not exceeded. After all, if there is an increase in cholesterol in the blood, then this entails its gradual deposition on the walls of blood vessels. This mainly happens when eating food that is rich in them, when neuropsychiatric disorders occur, or when the function of the sex and thyroid glands decreases. Over time, connective tissue forms around these plaques and a graduallime deposition. At this moment, a disease such as vascular atherosclerosis occurs.
Sometimes the destruction of atherosclerotic plaques occurs, on the coating of which a small defect appears. As a result, platelets begin to adhere to it, which form blood clots. When part or all of the thrombus is torn off, the lumen of the vessels is clogged, leading to a cessation of blood flow, and then, sometimes, to death.
Symptoms:
- arterial hypertension;
- pain in the leg muscles;
- angina attacks;
- heart failure;
- neurological disorders (e.g. stroke);
- kidney failure;
- myocardial infarction.
Reasons
Currently, vascular atherosclerosis does not have a pronounced cause of its appearance. Although it has been proven that lifestyle plays a huge role in the development of the disease.
The main factors that provoke atherosclerosis of the vessels include:
- smoking;
- alcohol consumption;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- malnutrition;
- emotional depression;
- overload;
- stress.
Diagnosis
For an accurate diagnosis, the following research methods are used:
- with high cholesterol, lipid metabolism disorders are determined;
- X-ray examination of vessels is used to detect atherosclerosis of the aorta;
- ultrasoundindicates the absence or presence of blood clots, atherosclerotic plaques, or other obstructions that interfere with normal blood circulation.
Treatment
Treatment of atherosclerosis should be comprehensive. First of all, you should pay attention to your diet, especially for people prone to obesity. Fats of animal origin, sweets and smoked meats should be limited, which, by the way, are recommended to be completely excluded. But fruits should be consumed in unlimited quantities.
Next, drug therapy or surgical intervention (bypass, stenosis) is performed, the choice of which largely depends on where the vasoconstriction is located and on the presence of a lumen in the artery.
