Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of fat plaques inside the arteries, which occurs over time and can block blood flow and can cause a heart attack or stroke. However, atherosclerosis can also form in the arteries that supply the kidneys and other vital organs. These fat plaques are essentially made up of bad cholesterol and therefore it is so important to maintain ideal cholesterol levels throughout life.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis
The symptoms of atherosclerosis are not noticed until the blood vessel is completely blocked, causing ischemia in the organ in question.
Causes of atherosclerosis
The causes of atherosclerosis may be related to:
- Exaggerated consumption of high fat foods;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Genetic predisposition.
Learn more at: Causes of Atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
The diagnosis of atherosclerosis can be made through examinations such as cardiac catheterization and cardiac angiotomography. Some other tests suggest the presence of atherosclerotic disease such as exercise test, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, myocardial scintigraphy. These tests can identify the presence of coronary artery disease that have as one of the causes, atherosclerosis.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis
The risk of atherosclerosis increases with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise and aging. Men are at higher risk than women, although, after menopause, the risk increases for women, being equal to that of men.
Treatment for atherosclerosis
Prevention for atherosclerosis can be done through regular exercise and a low-fat diet. When the disease is already present, the degree of vessel involvement and the need for treatment with stenting or saphenous and / or mammary or coronary artery surgery or carotid surgery should be assessed, depending on the site of the plaques. Depending on the case, your doctor may only treat you with oral medications that may include antiplatelet drugs (AAS, Clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel), statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), beta blockers, antihypertensives, among others.
How atherosclerosis is formed
