Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Heart Conditions
Atherosclerosis
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the hardening and/or narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque consists of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium, cellular waste products and other substances, and can build up in the inner lining of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a very slow, progressive condition, that can start in childhood and leads to heart disease and other complications.
Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
There are no symptoms of atherosclerosis until it causes other complications. Then symptoms would be indicative of where the hardening of the arteries is occurring, and symptoms would be related to the associated condition:
- Coronary artery disease - Coronary artery disease develops
when atherosclerosis affects the arteries in the heart.
- Stroke - A stroke occurs
when the arteries in the brain harden.
- Peripheral
arterial disease - Peripheral arterial disease
develops when the arteries in the arms, legs or pelvis are
affected.
- Renovascular hypertension - This condition develops when atherosclerosis affects the arteries in the kidneys.
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis
There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, some which can be controlled, and some that cannot. Risk factors include:
- Age
- Family history
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking/tobacco usage
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Causes of Atherosclerosis
The arteries provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. The inner lining of the arteries is called the endothelium. This inner lining can be injured due to high cholesterol levels, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, smoking and/or diabetes. When the endothelium is damaged, substances that flow through the arteries, such as fats, cholesterol, calcium, cellular waste products and other substances (collectively known as plaque), are deposited in the artery wall, and over time begin to build up. The build up of these substances causes the arteries to harden, narrow or become blocked. Depending on where the hardening or blockage occurs, other complications then follow.
Diagnosing Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is usually diagnosed after other complications have arisen and another conditions has been diagnosed, such as coronary artery disease. To determine the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will review your symptoms, review your medical and family medical history, and complete a physical exam. If your doctor suspects atherosclerosis, other tests may be prescribed as well, including:
- Blood
tests - screening for cholesterol
levels and blood glucose levels
- Electrocardiogram
(EKG) - measures rate
and regularity of heartbeat
- Stress EKG or Stress
Test - EKG performed
while patient is performing moderate exercise, such as jogging
or
riding a stationary bike
- Chest
x-ray - allows doctor to see a picture
of your heart and other potentially affected organs
- Ultrasound - provides more detailed picture
than x-ray
- CT
scan - provides a computer-generated
picture of affected organs
- Angiography - minor catheter-type procedure that allows doctor to examine the inside of the arteries for damage or blockage
Treatment Options
Atherosclerosis and the related complications can be treated and controlled in a variety of ways. Most patients require treatment combining lifestyle changes and medication, but some may require surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
The following is suggested for treating as well as preventing atherosclerosis:
- Eat healthy - Stick to a heart-healthy low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol diet.
- Quit smoking - Stop using all tobacco products
- Exercise - Moderate, daily exercise provides great benefits.
- Lose weight - If you are considered overweight or obese, talk with your doctor about the best way for you to shed the extra weight.
Medication
Medication may be necessary to slow or reverse atherosclerosis, or to treat the contributing conditions. The most effective medications will lower cholesterol or blood pressure or prevent blood clots.