Atherosclerosis is a threat and danger

If we set out to collect statistics on the four most common causes of death among diseases, then, beyond all doubt, among them, we would have indicated atherosclerosis. A familiar word, is not it? Atherosclerosis affects large (trunk) vessels, during which the gradual deposition of cholesterol on the walls of the vessel occurs, resulting in a so-called atherosclerotic plaque (not just one), narrowing the lumen of the vessel. This, in turn, reduces the amount of blood flow in the affected vessel.

Atherosclerosis is dangerous because it affects large arteries. At first, atherosclerotic plaques, and then up to the blood clots nearby! A thrombus is one of the reasons for the slowly but surely progressive deformation of the artery lumen, not to mention the prospect of encountering a chronic insufficiency of blood supply. In addition, a thrombus can even become a cause of death: if, for example, a part of the blood clot breaks away from it and is carried away by the bloodstream further along the vessel, it is quite possible that once this particle is simply stuck there. And this is already - a blockage of the vessel, acute circulatory disturbance, the situation is potentially lethal.

Atherosclerosis has become a logical and expected continuation of such features of our life as irrational and improper nutrition, an abundance of stressful situations, and lack of mobility. It should be noted that atherosclerosis can become chronic. In addition, it is atherosclerosis that is most often the cause of disability and premature death. In this case, the disease affects mainly men (3-4 times more often than women), especially often appearing at the age of 40 to 45 years.

The risk factors and causes of atherosclerosis, some of which we have already listed (male gender, age), should be supplemented with the following: aggravated family heredity for atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, smoking, alimentary obesity, diabetes mellitus, certain metabolic disorders, lack of physical activity, excess Stress, malnutrition. Some of these factors can be eliminated completely - for example, you can always give up smoking. With others, you can only cope with it - like, for example, with diabetes. But with other factors, like sex or age, nothing to do.

Most often, changes associated with atherosclerosis, are localized in the aorta, as well as the brain, heart and kidney arteries. In addition, the arteries of the extremities, mainly the lower ones, can be affected. Complaints also depend on which arteries are affected by atherosclerosis. For example, atherosclerosis of the heart vessels is often manifested by angina and can lead to a heart attack. If the kidney vessels are affected, the patient has severe arterial hypertension. Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a decrease in working capacity, memory impairment, fast fatigue. Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the extremities is associated with pain during walking and movements.

However, not everything is so scary. Atherosclerosis is a disease that progresses slowly enough. Yes, to catch the beginning of the development of the disease is almost impossible. Yes, complications of atherosclerosis seriously threaten the life and health of the patient. Treatment of atherosclerosis - prevention of atherosclerosis. But if you do not neglect regular medical examination, if you avoid fatty foods, abandon bad habits, live an active and mobile life and try to protect yourself from systematic pressure changes and stressful situations, then everything will be fine. One must be attentive to one's health, especially if, for one reason or another, you are at risk for atherosclerosis.