Atherosclerosis of the vessels - symptoms, causes and treatment

Atherosclerosis of the vessels is a disease characterized by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol on the walls of the vessels. The most frequently affected men are 50-60 years old and women older than 60 years. Among the most common diseases are arteriosclerosis of the vessels of the neck, kidneys, brain, heart and lower limbs.

As you know, cholesterol - a substance that is part of many fats, so its presence in the human body is simply necessary. But this applies to cases when the norm is not exceeded. After all, if in the blood there is an increase in cholesterol, then this entails its gradual deposition on the walls of the vessels. In general, this happens when eating food that is rich in them, when neuropsychiatric disorders occur or when the function of the genital and thyroid gland decreases. Over time, around these plaques, connective tissue is formed and gradual deposition of lime begins. At this point, and there is a disease like atherosclerosis of blood vessels.

Sometimes there is a destruction of atherosclerotic plaques, on the coating of which there is a small defect. As a result, platelets begin to adhere to it, which form thrombi. With the detachment of a part or the entire thrombus, the lumen of the vessels is clogged, leading to an arrest of the blood flow, and then, sometimes, to a lethal outcome.

Symptoms:

• Arterial hypertension;
• Pain in the leg muscles;
• Attacks of angina pectoris;
• heart failure;
• Neurological disorders (for example, stroke);
• Kidney failure;
• Myocardial infarction.

Causes

At the present time, arteriosclerosis of the vessels does not have a pronounced reason for its appearance. Although it is proved that a lifestyle plays a huge role in the development of the disease.

The main factors that provoke atherosclerosis of the vessels are:

• smoking;
• Alcohol consumption;
• passive lifestyle;
• Malnutrition;
• Emotional depression;
• Overloading;
• Stress.

Diagnostics

For the precise diagnosis, the following research methods are used:

• With elevated cholesterol , a determination is made of lipid metabolism disorders;
• X-ray examination of vessels is used to detect atherosclerosis of the aorta ;
• Ultrasound examination shows the absence or presence of thrombi, atherosclerotic plaques or other obstructions that interfere with normal blood circulation.

Treatment

Treatment of atherosclerosis should be comprehensive. First of all, it is worth paying attention to your diet, especially people who are prone to obesity. It is necessary to limit fats of animal origin, sweets and smoked products, which, by the way, are recommended to be excluded altogether. But fruit should be consumed in unlimited quantities.

Further, drug therapy or surgical intervention (shunting, stenirovanie), the choice of which largely depends on where the vasoconstriction is located and the presence of a lumen in the artery.