BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
An extremely common form of hardening of the arteries in
which plaque deposits form in the walls of the blood vessels
that carry oxygen and other nutrients from the heart to other
body parts. Atherosclerosis may lead to kidney damage,
decreased circulation to the brain and extremities, and coronary-
artery disease. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of
strokes
and heart attacks. Onset can be in the 30's, but up to age 45,
atherosclerosis is more common in men. After
menopause,
women have the same incidence.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms often are absent until atherosclerosis reaches
advanced stages. Symptoms depend on what part of the body
has a decreased blood flow and the extent of disease.
Muscle cramps if atherosclerosis involves vessels in the legs.
Angina pectoris or heart attack if it involves blood vessels to
the heart.
Stroke or transient ischemic attack if it involves vessels to
the neck and brain.
CAUSES
Patches of fatty tissue, composed of low density lipoprotein
that damage artery walls often collect at artery junctions. This
collection may begin in early adulthood. At these points, the
inner lining of the artery may trap fatty substances that circulate
in the blood. As fatty deposits accumulate, they reduce
the blood vessel's elasticity and narrow the passageway, interfering
with blood flow. They can also crack or tear and form
clots that block off the artery.
RISK INCREASES WITH
High blood pressure.
High cholesterol levels (high levels of the low density
lipoprotein and low levels of the high density lipoprotein).
Adults over 60.
Male sex.
Stress.
Diabetes mellitus.
Obesity; sedentary lifestyle.
Smoking.
Poor nutrition (too much fat and cholesterol in the diet).
Family history of atherosclerosis.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Don't smoke.
Follow suggestions under Diet. Children and young adults of
parents with this condition may benefit from a low-fat diet.
Exercise regularly.
Reduce stress to a manageable level when possible.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, adhere strictly
to your treatment program.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
This condition is currently considered incurable. However,
numerous reports now indicate that vigorous treatment of risk
factors can reverse some blockage. Complications are eventually
fatal without treatment.
Scientific research into causes and treatment continues.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Heart attack.
Stroke.
Angina pectoris.
Kidney disease.
Congestive heart failure.
Heartbeat irregularity problems.
Sudden death.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies, ECG (electrocardiograph
that measures electrical activity of the heart),
exercise-tolerance test, blood studies of cholesterol and highdensity
lipoproteins, blood sugar tests, and X-rays of the chest
and blood vessels.
Treatment for atherosclerosis is generally directed at its
complications.
Counseling to learn to cope with stress is sometimes helpful.
Stop smoking.
Surgical treatment is available in some high-risk patients.
Balloon angioplasty can open narrowed vessels; vein graft
bypass can help restore blood to the heart; large arterial
obstructions can be removed by endarterectomy; entire segments
of diseased vessels can be replaced by woven plastic
tube grafts.
Additional information available from the American Heart
Association, local branch listed in telephone directory, or call
(800) 242-8721.
MEDICATIONS
Since the damage has already been done, there is no satisfactory
medicine that can treat atherosclerosis.
Recent studies show that lowering cholesterol levels in persons
with high levels can increase life expectancy. If you have
symptoms of a disorder caused by atherosclerosis and diet and
exercise fail to reduce cholesterol, antihyperlipidemic drugs
may be prescribed.
Other drugs may be necessary to treat symptoms of an associated
problem (high blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities).
Some studies have indicated that aspirin and vitamin E may
reduce the risk of heart attack. Get medical advice to see if
they should be recommended for you.
ACTIVITY
Usually no restrictions. Activity will depend on general state
of health and any other illnesses present.
A routine exercise program is encouraged.
DIET
Eat a diet that is low in fat and low in salt and high in fiber.
Increase your intake of grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
You or a family member has high risk factors for atherosclerosis
and want to become involved in a prevention program.
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