home Audience 3 Atherosclerosis develops as a result of a disorder. Symptoms and signs of atherosclerosis. Problems with brain function

Atherosclerosis develops as a result of a disorder. Symptoms and signs of atherosclerosis. Problems with brain function

So, what is atherosclerosis? That is, what kind of disease is this, and what are its symptoms/signs? In this material you will become familiar with the causes of this very insidious disease, as well as the stages of its development. You will learn about diagnostic methods, modern treatment methods and proper prevention (in order to reduce the risks of developing this disease).

Atherosclerosis – what is it and how is it dangerous for human health?

Atherosclerosis (from the Greek words: “athera” / gruel + “sclerosis” / hardening) is a chronic disease of blood vessels (occurring due to lipid metabolism disorders). As a result, right inside their walls, layers of “conditionally bad” are “superimposed” on each other. Thus, forming atherosclerotic/cholesterol plaques. In addition, over time, the walls of the vessels thicken and harden (become inelastic), and also deform, narrowing the lumen as much as possible, up to complete blockage (i.e. obturation).

The gradual narrowing of the lumen inside the vessels is dangerous due to the development of a fairly wide range of serious ailments (such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents, etc.). Complete blockage is fraught with heart attack, stroke or gangrene (of the extremities).

Unfortunately, due to the many negative factors that the modern world “gives” us (stress, lack of exercise, poor diet and other problems), even men and women aged 35-40 can experience the symptoms of this disease (except for older people). years. At the same time, the first ones (i.e., men) are most at risk of developing, due to the lack of estrogens in their bodies. The so-called female sex hormones, which “by nature” cleanse the blood of excess “bad” cholesterol, and reliably protect against calcium imbalance (one of the key “building materials” of atheromatous plaques).

Symptoms (signs) of vascular atherosclerosis

There are 2 important points worth noting here. First: at the initial stage of development, as a rule, the symptoms of atherosclerosis are completely invisible (which, by the way, is the insidiousness of the disease). Second: the examples given below may also signal other diseases, which can only be determined accurately by a doctor. (Who treats what and what is described). Therefore, it is important not to “self-diagnose” yourself (based only on articles read on the Internet), and also not (!) to practice self-medication!

Problems with cerebral vessels

The main symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis (brain vessels), which can appear at virtually any age (but are most pronounced after 45 years):

sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep (and equally after waking up) / frequent awakenings at night / occurrence of nightmares);
headaches (“pressing”, “dull”, “aching”, especially immediately after physical or emotional stress / more often, “wandering”, that is, without clear localization);
tinnitus (first appearing after overexertion, and then without any reason, combined with dizziness);
fatigue and irritability (especially when performing everyday tasks that were previously easy);
decreased memory and concentration (difficulty concentrating on new or routine tasks);
some problems with the nervous system (anxiety, excessive excitability, apathy, suspicion, etc.);
disturbances in vision, speech, breathing, or even eating (for example, a person began to choke frequently while eating);
impaired coordination of movement (fear of open space / legs “give” when going outside);
intolerance to bright light and loud sounds.

Heart problems

Alarming symptoms of atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta include:

“pressing”, “dull”, “aching” and “burning” pain in the chest area, especially radiating under the shoulder blade, to the left forearm (further to the hands and fingers);
frequent sensations of “compression” in the chest (as if something heavy had been placed on it);
pain occurs when breathing (and not only when inhaling, but also when exhaling);
increased systolic (i.e. “upper”) blood pressure;
paroxysmal angina / dizziness / shortness of breath;
some physical manifestations (premature gray hair, wen on the face, light stripes on the iris of the eyes, abnormal hair growth in the ears, etc.).

The most common symptoms of atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta of the heart:

bowel dysfunction (expressed in alternating constipation and diarrhea)
frequent bloating (abnormal gas formation, increased flatulence);
sudden weight loss (in a relatively short period of time);
aching/wandering pain in the navel area (especially occurring after eating and disappearing after 2 hours);
problems with sexual life (mostly in men).

Problems with blood vessels of the lower extremities

Supposed symptoms of obliterating atherosclerosis (vessels of the lower extremities):

frequent sensations of “chilliness” or “numbness” of the limbs (from “pins and needles” to complete loss of sensitivity);
too pale (“marbled”) skin on the legs (when even the smallest blood vessels are clearly visible);
loss of fat layer on the thighs, legs and feet (especially, in combination with hair loss, in the above areas of the body);
“intermittent claudication” associated with paroxysmal pain in the thighs, buttocks and calves;
redness of the fingers (formation of wounds - trophic ulcers).
at the very last stage - rapidly rapid tissue necrosis (or gangrene), requiring (!) emergency medical care (to avoid amputation of limbs).

Causes of atherosclerosis

The main causes of the development of atherosclerosis depend on many factors, of which the most negative is a violation of lipid metabolism. Depending on the correct treatment and the firm decision of the person himself to change his lifestyle, the destructive process can slow down. That is why modern doctors conditionally divide all the causes of this disease into 3 main groups:

the first is irreparable (gender, age, family heredity);
the second is correctable (bad habits, poor diet, physical inactivity, stress);
and the third - partially removable (mostly, these are curable or already chronic diseases).

Floor

As practice has shown, in terms of the degree of risk of developing atherosclerosis, men are less “lucky” than women. Not only does the intensive development of this disease, as a rule, begin 10 years earlier in them (men - 45/50 years; women - 50/55 years), but also the incidence rates are 4 times higher. Unlike male and female sex hormones, estrogens are effective protection against changes in the level of lipid fractions. However, after menopause, women also become unprotected.

Age

It is a natural factor contributing to the development of vascular atherosclerosis. From birth, i.e. Even from infancy, the aging process of the body already begins. In adolescence (10-15 years), subject to an incorrect/inactive lifestyle (for example, sitting at the computer with “chips”), it gains momentum/accelerates. After 40-45 years it becomes noticeably noticeable: significant atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels occur. Of course, by applying drastic treatment measures, this process can be significantly slowed down.

Heredity

Some cardiologists believe that atherosclerosis is a familial/hereditary disease that can occur in family members at the same age for several generations (even three/four). According to research results, it can even manifest itself in different vascular areas. There is a hypothesis that the most important “impetus” for the development of the disease is nervous overstrain (frequent stress).

The risk of developing the disease increases if, for example, your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55. And also, for example, if your mother or sister had a heart attack before the age of 65.

Bad habits

The most dangerous habit is smoking, due to the negative effects of both nicotine itself and other (no less harmful) elements on the walls of blood vessels. The situation is aggravated by counterfeit tobacco products (or without a filter) produced in “handicraft” conditions.

Smoking can damage blood vessels, i.e. “squeezing” them increases blood pressure, as well as the level of bad cholesterol in the blood plasma. It also prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the body's tissues.

As for alcoholic beverages, (!) their normalized amount (according to most scientists) is considered an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis. However, it should be borne in mind that this “thing” (pleasant, but dangerous) can lead to psychological dependence (alcoholism) or cirrhosis of the liver.

Sedentary lifestyle

Physical inactivity (mainly a “sedentary” lifestyle) seriously disrupts the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and creates problems in blood circulation. Which ultimately leads not only to the development of atherosclerosis, but also obesity, diabetes, and other (no less dangerous) diseases.

“Office” professions (sitting at a desk all day), and then evening leisure exclusively on the couch or in front of the computer – these are insidious enemies that are slowly but surely “ruining” our body. Creating the illusion of comfort.

Stress (emotional stress)

Stressful situations at work (change of profession, dismissal), at home (divorce, conflicts in the family), financial problems, feelings of anxiety - these are serious reasons that increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis (and a number of cardiovascular diseases).

It is definitely worth noting that prolonged exposure to stress (or deep depression) can increase risks by more than 2-3 times (and depending on gender or age, even more). The most serious “shocks” are frequent attacks of anger.

Know how to relax and unwind! If this doesn’t work, then consult a psychologist. As the Eastern sages said: “If you do not find time for rest and relaxation, then soon you will have to look for it for treatment.”

Postmenopause

As a result of endocrine changes, along with dangerous risks of developing diseases such as osteoporosis, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and other diseases, the risks of atherosclerosis increase. The lack of estrogen leads to excessive deposition of “bad” cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques. At this stage of life, the following are strongly recommended: a set of physical exercises and a proper diet (to increase the level of “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood serum).

Poor nutrition

Fried/spicy foods. Foods high in animal fats (saturated and trans fats), sodium (salt) and sugar. Light snacks on the run with “fast foods” and “hot dogs”. The most common are the latter, since due to repeated heat treatment of the oil (to save money from unscrupulous sellers), carcinogens are formed that provoke the development of a wide range of cancer diseases.

Diseases and other disorders

hypertension (arterial hypertension at or above 140/90 mm Hg or 130/80 mm Hg for diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease);
obesity - a violation of the ratio of body weight and height (especially abdominal intra-abdominal obesity - around the waist);
diabetes mellitus (increases risks up to 7 times compared to other options);
dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia/hyperlipoproteinemia);
hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones);
homocysteinuria (hereditary metabolic defects);
hyperfibrinogenemia (high level of fibrinogen in the blood plasma / “thick blood”);
infections (intoxication) – especially cytomegalovirus and chlamydial.
metabolic disorders.

Other risk factors for atherosclerosis

An increased content of C-reactive protein (CRP, English C-Reactives Protein - CRP), in itself, is a sign of inflammation in the body.
in the blood can also increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, especially in women.
Lipid profile disorders. Specifically, high levels of LDL/LDL cholesterol (conventionally “bad” cholesterol) and low levels (conventionally “good” cholesterol).
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, lasting up to 10 seconds. Accompanied by loud snoring and frequent awakenings. This disease can increase the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart attack or stroke.

Stages of development of atherosclerosis

Modern medicine distinguishes three main/sequential stages in the development of this disease.

Stage one: formation of lipid spots/streaks

The main feature of the initial stage of development of the disease is that the symptoms of atherosclerosis, as such, do not manifest themselves in humans. Due to the absence of any specific disorders, problems in blood circulation through the arteries are almost impossible to update.

At this stage the following events occur. Molecules of lipoprotein complexes begin to penetrate the damaged structures of the arterial walls (individual sections of the bloodstream, especially at the branches), forming a thin fatty layer. Visually (i.e. under a microscope), these changes can be observed in the form of elongated yellowish stripes.

At first, the protective enzymes of the artery walls try to restore their integrity and dissolve LDL/VLDL cholesterol, proteins and other elements of the lipoprotein complex, but over time the “safety mechanism” is depleted and the next stage begins (which will be discussed below). Accelerate the process: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.

Stage two: liposclerosis (layering and inflammation of lipid strips)

This stage is characterized by inflammation of lipid strips, due to the fact that the body begins to actively fight the problem. A focus of chronic inflammation is formed, as a result of which the lipid/fat layer decomposes, and new connective tissue begins to grow in its place.

This is how atherosclerotic plaques are formed, still weak and liquid (easily dissolved), but already quite dangerous. Over time, this combination of fats, tissue fibers and calcium begins to increase in size, forming specific elevations above the walls of the arteries. Location of the lesion: under the endothelium (between the inner and outer walls of the vessels).

Accordingly, those areas of the walls of blood vessels (where cholesterol plaques are located / “attached”) quickly lose their elasticity and can crack, and this is fraught with the formation of blood clots. In addition, some fragments may come off from the still young and therefore loose surface of the plaques, posing a threat to vessels with small lumens (clogging them).

Stage three: atherocalcinosis (serious complications)

This is the final stage in the development of atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the manifestation of a wide range of complications associated with the formation/growth and deformation of fibrous plaques. It is during this period of time that clearly defined (local) symptoms of the disease begin to appear, usually associated with disruption of normal blood supply.

The most dangerous complications of atherosclerosis are the rupture of fibrous (advanced atherosclerotic) plaques, accompanied by a large release of blood, and the formation of blood clots that clog the lumens of blood vessels. In acute forms of blockage (occlusion), the risk of stroke increases significantly. When large arteries, especially those supplying the limbs, are blocked, necrosis (death) of tissue or gangrene occurs.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

Diagnosis of a wide range of diseases associated with the development of atherosclerosis includes:

a detailed survey of the patient (history collection) to identify important symptoms of the disease (progressing in the heart, brain or limbs), as well as previously suffered diseases (heart attacks, strokes, kidney pathology);
initial examination of the patient: from appearance (for “aging”, changes in skin color, hair loss, etc.) to palpation of the arteries, listening to systolic murmurs or other special functional tests;
taking tests () for cholesterol content in venous blood (high and low density lipoproteins) to determine (and lipid balance, in general;
X-ray (and, if necessary, angiographic) examination of internal organs and vessels in the chest area;
ultrasound (ultrasound) examination (to detect a decrease in the speed of the main blood flow and the presence of cholesterol plaques);
other methods and methods determined by the attending physicians (depending on the specifics of the disease).

Modern methods of treating atherosclerosis

Modern medical practice involves two main methods of treating atherosclerosis: drug therapy (in 80% of cases) and surgical intervention (in 20% of cases). How to treat atherosclerosis?

Drug treatment

In most cases, to eliminate the main cause of the disease, doctors prescribe special drugs (medicines for vascular atherosclerosis), which include 4 main groups: statins, fibrates, nicotinic acid and bile acid sequestrants.

This method of treating atherosclerosis is practiced in conjunction with an (individually selected) diet and a set of physical exercises. For diseases of the extremities, the use of physiotherapy is permissible. So, about the drugs...

Bile acid sequestrants– are polymeric insoluble compounds (ion exchange resins), the main task of which is to “bind” bad cholesterol, as well as bile acids synthesized from it in the liver. As a result, the level of cholesterol in the body's cells quickly decreases.

Please note: with long-term / “protracted” treatment with these drugs, problems with the intestines may occur (the first alarming symptoms: diarrhea and flatulence). It is for this reason that “fat sequestrants” are usually prescribed at the initial stage of development of atherosclerosis or for short-term prophylaxis.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis, they are used to most effectively reduce cholesterol levels in the blood serum, blocking its synthesis in the liver. Due to the identification of many side effects, these days, in addition to statin drugs, experienced doctors usually prescribe other medications that support the normal functioning of the heart, liver and intestines. For insurance.

They are relatively new and (as practice has shown) quite effective drugs against atherosclerosis. Usually prescribed in combination with statins. Since the mechanism of action of these drugs is not aimed (!) at reducing cholesterol, but (by destroying their structure). Not suitable for patients suffering from liver disease (or predisposed to it).

Medicines – derivatives of nicotinic acid (). Having a lot of advantages, one of which is an excellent vasodilating effect, they are an important component in the complex treatment program for atherosclerosis. Despite many advantages, they are strictly contraindicated for patients suffering from diabetes, gallbladder diseases and liver failure.

Surgical operations

In case of high risks of developing atherosclerosis (vascular occlusion by cholesterol plaque or blood clot), modern medicine recommends emergency surgery. At the moment, in the treatment of atherosclerosis, modern medicine has the following types of operations:

Open type(surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaques or straightening of tortuosity - endarterectomy).

Bypass surgery(invasive method). In this case, surgeons suture the affected area of the vessel to a healthy one (or “bypass” it using an implant) in order to form a new blood line. As a result, there is a gradual restoration of blood supply to tissues.

Prosthetics. Using innovative materials (the latest advances in medicine), the affected vessel (after resection/removal) is completely replaced with a graft.

Balloon angioplasty and artery stenting. When the lumen of a narrowed vessel is expanded using a balloon, after which (if necessary) stents are installed (special metal inserts to hold the lumen in the arteries/vessels). In practice, it looks like this: a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery, and under the control of a mini-camera, it is “guided” (through the bloodstream) to the affected area. Next, surgeons perform the actions described above.

Another effective method of treating atherosclerosis, as well as a number of other serious diseases (especially deadly ones), is prayer to God. Followed by the right way of life: both for the body/organism and for the soul. Faith is a powerful force! Not all of us are descended from apes; most educated people are descendants of Adam, created by God.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

Preventive measures to prevent atherosclerosis include complete cessation of bad habits (especially smoking), normalization of the emotional background (exclusion of stressful “foci”). As well as proper nutrition, systematic exercise (according to the person’s age category/general state of health) and gradual weight loss.

Smart nutrition

To prevent atherosclerosis, you should completely eliminate foods high in trans fats, salt and sugar from your diet. Replace semi-finished and fried foods with cereal foods, vegetables, berries and fruits. Everyone should consume vegetable oils (the most useful are olive and flaxseed oils containing omega-3 complex). Eat fish dishes at least 2 times a week.

Weight loss

According to reputable doctors, for a metabolic shift for the better (with a subsequent increase in the level of good HDL cholesterol, which “washes out” LDL bad cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels - the culprit in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques), it is enough to reduce weight by even 6-7%. The best means for losing body weight are a low-calorie diet and a set of physical exercises.

The basis of the vascular wall is made up of muscle fibers, on the outside it is covered by the connective tissue adventitia membrane, on the inside by the endothelium, which, together with the underlying thin layer of connective tissue, forms the inner lining of the vessel - the intima.

The endothelium has a barrier function and repels cellular elements, so intravascular thrombosis does not normally occur. If the structure of the intima is disrupted, leukocytes migrate to the site of damage, and lipoproteins are precipitated from the bloodstream - the process of formation of an atherosclerotic plaque begins.

Causes and signs of atherosclerosis

There is no unified theory for the development of atherosclerotic lesions; however, most scientists and clinicians consider damage to the vascular endothelium and a decrease in its barrier function to be the trigger for plaque formation. The damaged area of the inner lining of the artery becomes a target for atherogenic factors.

Increased levels of atherogenic low-density lipoproteins in the blood also promotes the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. At the initial stage, the damaged intima is saturated with lipoproteins - an atheromatous spot is formed - the initial stage of plaque formation.

Nonlinear blood flow is normally observed in places where arteries branch, but when they spasm and increase blood pressure, it can occur anywhere. In this case, favorable conditions are created for both endothelial damage and lipoprotein deposition.

Risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a polyetiological process. This means that for a lesion to occur, a combination of several unfavorable factors is necessary, and not just one trigger.

In this case, they often talk not about the causes, but about the risk factors of the disease. These include:

Smoking- nicotine provokes vasospasm and negatively affects the barrier properties of the endothelium. In addition, chronic nicotine intoxication leads to a change in the ratio of atherogenic and non-atherogenic lipoproteins in the peripheral blood, which is an additional reason for the formation of plaques.
Poor nutrition, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to disorders of fat metabolism and obesity, and also provoke an increase in blood pressure. The combination of increased levels of low-density lipoproteins and high blood pressure gives impetus to the onset of atherogenesis.
Emotional overload in combination with reduced physical activity: stress reaction (preparing the body for intense physical activity). If this mechanism is not implemented, the effect of stress hormones is too long and causes endothelial damage.
Gender and age: female sex hormones prevent damage to the vascular wall, so atherosclerotic vascular damage in women more often occurs after menopause. In general, the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age.
Heredity: some structural features of the endothelium and fat metabolism, inherited, create favorable conditions for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Classification

Depending on which factor is primary, hemodynamic and metabolic forms of atherosclerosis are distinguished. In the first case, vascular disorders are primary (structural anomalies, endothelial deficiency), in the second - metabolic disorders (increased levels of low-density lipoproteins, hyperglycemia).

Depending on the period of flow, three phases are distinguished:

The initial phase (preclinical) occurs without symptoms. Changes in the lining of blood vessels are already occurring, but they are not sufficient to disrupt the function of the organ or tissue. At this stage, atherosclerosis can be detected by laboratory indicators, therefore a biochemical blood test for lipoprotein content is included in the list of studies required when undergoing a preventive medical examination.
The phase of advanced clinical manifestations, which, in turn, is divided into:
- ischemic-the formed plaque partially blocks the lumen of the vessel, and the blood supply to the tissue suffers; with increased load, ischemic damage becomes obvious; in relation to the coronary vessels - this is;
- trombonecrotic- an overgrown atheromatous plaque is easily injured, provoking vessel thrombosis, while the blood supply to the tissue completely stops and it can become necrotic; An example of clinical manifestations at this stage is either dry gangrene or mesenteric thrombosis.
The sclerotic stage is characterized by persistent narrowing of blood vessels and gradual connective tissue degeneration of tissue, for example, cerebro- or cardiosclerosis.

Depending on the activity of the atherosclerotic process, the following are distinguished:

progressive atherosclerosis - the formation of new or growth of existing atheromatous plaques continues, clinical manifestations gradually worsen, the risk of complications is high;
stabilized atherosclerosis - the development and formation of new plaques is suspended, clinical manifestations remain unchanged or regress, the risk of complications is low;
regressive atherosclerosis - clinical symptoms decrease, general condition and laboratory blood parameters improve.

What are the main symptoms of atherosclerosis?

In the initial stages, the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque is asymptomatic, and vascular patency disorders are not so strong as to cause clinical manifestations.

Circulatory disorders in tissues begin at the stage of fibrosis and plaque calcification, and signs of atherosclerosis are determined by the location of the lesion:

atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries is manifested by chronic headaches, memory impairment, decreased mental performance and concentration; progression of the process can lead to personality changes and mental disorders; a typical complication that occurs when the lumen of a vessel is completely closed -;
atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries leads to the development of coronary heart disease; clinically it manifests itself in the form of attacks of severe pain behind the sternum in the heart area after physical or emotional stress, as well as a decrease in physical performance; the plaque can completely block the lumen of the coronary artery or provoke its thrombosis - in this case it will develop;
atherosclerosis of the abdominal arteries leads to partial or complete ischemia of the mesentery and intestines; in the first case, pain after eating, bloating and stool disturbances occur, in the second, acute thrombosis of the mesenteric vessels occurs - a condition requiring emergency surgical care;
atherosclerosis of the aorta is manifested by chronic arterial hypertension; with a long course, an aortic aneurysm may occur.

Diagnostics

Based on the patient's complaints and changes identified during a clinical examination, the doctor may suspect the presence of atherosclerosis. To clarify and confirm the diagnosis, laboratory and instrumental studies are prescribed:

Blood chemistry for cholesterol content. Using this method, both total cholesterol and the ratio of high- and low-density lipoprotein levels are determined. The latter have a high atherogenic potential, so an increase in their level, especially in combination with a decrease in the level of high-density lipoproteins, indicates an active course of the atherosclerotic process.
X-ray research methods. A chest x-ray is performed if atherosclerosis of the aorta is suspected; it can be used to judge the degree of its deformation and the presence of calcifications. To study smaller vessels, angiography (coronary angiography, cerebral vasography) is used - obtaining a series of radiographs after intravascular injection of a radiopaque substance. Using this study, you can see the location and size of plaques, as well as assess the degree of narrowing of the lumen of the vessel.
Ultrasound More often used to study the vessels of the extremities, it can also be used to identify the presence of plaques and assess the degree of narrowing of the vessel.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

Treatment of atherosclerosis necessarily includes lifestyle correction and control of the course of concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus). If this is not enough, medication is prescribed.

If the vessels of the extremities, heart or mesenteric vessels are damaged, it is possible to restore their patency surgically.

Non-drug treatment of atherosclerosis

Low cholesterol diet. The Mediterranean diet is considered the best option. It is recommended to consume olive oil, fish and seafood, herbs, fresh vegetables and fruits. Fatty meats are excluded; chicken fillet and lean beef are recommended for meat dishes.
Rational physical activity helps normalize vascular tone and is the best prevention of obesity and arterial hypertension.
Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, minimizing stressful situations. It is very important to learn how to cope with stress without the use of medications and psychoactive substances.
Lifestyle correction is the basis of atherosclerosis therapy, without which no drugs or surgical methods will be effective. For treatment, medications are used that prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract or accelerate its breakdown. The selection of the drug and dose should be carried out by a doctor.

Surgery

Removal of the affected vessel, if the blood supply can be restored due to the compensatory development of collaterals. Most often these are arteries of the limbs of medium caliber. The affected vessel is removed if there is a high risk of thrombosis, thrombus rupture and associated complications.
Balloon angioplasty or coronary stenting is used for damage to the vessels of the heart to restore blood supply to the heart muscle when the lumen of the feeding artery is critically narrowed.

Prevention

The only reliable way to prevent atherosclerotic vascular lesions is healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that the first cholesterol stains can appear on the walls of blood vessels already in childhood, so prevention should begin in childhood.

Complications with already developed atherosclerosis can be prevented if you take prescribed medications and follow the recommendations of your doctor. If there are concomitant diseases, their treatment is also a mandatory measure in the prevention of complications.

Prognosis for atherosclerosis

Subject to lifestyle correction, smoking cessation and timely treatment the prognosis is favorable: stabilization and even regression of the atherosclerotic process is quite possible. Regression of atherosclerosis is possible only at the initial, preclinical stage. If any of the main symptoms of atherosclerosis have already appeared, maintenance treatment will be lifelong.

If treatment is refused and risk factors persist, the likelihood of complications becomes extremely high. In this case, the prognosis for both the health and life of the patient is unfavorable.

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Poor nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle, frequent stress - all this in one form or another is present in the life of almost every modern person. While the body is young, it can cope with adverse factors without much damage. But what happens when compensatory opportunities dry up, but poor conditions remain? A person gets many different diseases, including atherosclerosis. What is it?

Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects large and medium-sized blood vessels. The mechanism of development of atherosclerosis is quite complex. If there is a large amount of cholesterol in the blood, it is deposited on the inner walls of blood vessels, injuring them, causing inflammation and the formation of blood clots. Gradually, the amount of cholesterol increases and cholesterol plaques form. They increase in size, narrowing the lumen of the vessels and interfering with the normal flow of blood through them.

In addition to the plaques themselves, blood clots also pose a danger in atherosclerosis. They can break away from the walls and, together with the blood flow, enter thinner vessels. Finally, they find themselves in a vessel that they can no longer overcome and completely block it. The tissues that fed the damaged vessel no longer receive nutrients and die. This is called a heart attack. Probably everyone has heard this name in relation to the heart when the myocardium is damaged, but a heart attack can also occur in other organs, as well as individual muscles. The consequences of atherosclerosis can be very dangerous, even fatal.

However, cholesterol should not be considered poison for the body. It is involved in the formation of blood vessel walls and is an integral part of many hormones and vitamins. Even its excess in a healthy body is destroyed in the liver. It begins to pose a danger only in a weakened body, in the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as when it regularly enters the blood in excess quantities. That is why the fight against atherosclerosis should not be solely about the fight against cholesterol.

In this article we will look at the phenomenon of atherosclerosis: pathogenesis, complications, prevention, treatment and symptoms of the disease.

Classification

As with most diseases, atherosclerosis has several classifications. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests dividing this disease by origin and location.

Based on their origin, the following types of atherosclerosis can be distinguished:

Hemodynamic - this type occurs with various diseases of the blood vessels: thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Arterial hypertension also contributes to its appearance. With the treatment of these pathologies, atherosclerosis can be fairly corrected.
Metabolic - the cause of this atherosclerosis is an excess amount of cholesterol in the blood due to an unbalanced diet, consumption of large amounts of fried, fatty foods, as well as an imbalance of certain vitamins and microelements. The same type of pathology also develops in some autoimmune diseases. Treatment of atherosclerosis in this case is a certain difficulty, since it is not always correctable.
Mixed - this type is the most common. It is due to the fact that the formation of blood clots provokes metabolic disorders, and poor metabolism, in turn, affects blood clotting. That is, in this case, both factors influence and reinforce each other. At the early stage of atherosclerotic vascular lesions, the disease responds well to treatment, but in advanced cases, even surgical intervention may be necessary.

Types of atherosclerosis by localization:

Atherosclerosis of the aorta - in this case, the largest blood vessel of the human body is affected;
Coronary vessels - it is dangerous for the development of complications such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, since the nutrition of the heart itself suffers;
Brain vessels - the nutrition of the brain is disrupted, which can cause neurological symptoms and also lead to the formation of strokes. Treatment of this type of atherosclerosis must begin as early as possible;
Vessels of the lower extremities - occurs most often and affects the large and medium arteries of the legs;
Vessels of the liver and gall bladder - not so common, but also requires treatment to avoid the development of complications;
Renal vessels - as the name suggests, the kidney vessels are affected. Without timely treatment, atherosclerosis of the renal vessels can lead to chronic renal failure.

The clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis depend to the greatest extent on its location.

There is also a classification of atherosclerosis according to the periods of its development, proposed by phlebologist Myasnikov:

Period 1 – preclinical. During this period, there are no manifestations of the disease yet. Determination of atherosclerosis is possible only in the case of a targeted search for it using special diagnostic methods, which will be discussed later;
2nd period – ischemic. During this period, the walls of the arteries in places where fat is deposited begin to become inflamed and swollen, after which a scar of connective tissue is formed. The lumen of the vessel narrows, blood flow and organ nutrition are disrupted. Classic symptoms of atherosclerosis appear. They manifest themselves most clearly if the process affects the coronary or cerebral arteries.
3rd period – trombonecrotic. In places where an atherosclerotic plaque has formed, blood clots, that is, thrombi, begin to appear. They pose a danger because they can come off and clog vessels that are smaller in diameter, causing necrosis of tissues or organs. At this stage, treatment for atherosclerosis should be started immediately.
4th period – sclerotic. The affected part of the artery is replaced by a scar, which reduces its elasticity and does not allow it to cope with blood flow.

Mechanism of disease development

To better understand how and for what reasons this pathology develops, the mechanism of development of atherosclerosis should be studied. It is believed that it takes place in several stages:

First stage

At this stage, so-called lipid (fat) stains form on the walls of blood vessels. Their formation occurs in places where the wall is injured for some reason and the blood flow is slowed down. Most often this occurs in places where blood vessels branch. The wall swells and becomes loose. Nevertheless, the vessel strives to protect itself and dissolve lipids, but over time its protective properties weaken.

Second phase

At this stage of development of atherosclerosis, the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque occurs, which is a complex of fats and connective tissue. The plaque itself is still quite soft and can be dissolved. However, this can also be detrimental: the soft plaque can tear into pieces and, along with the blood flow, enter small vessels. At the site of its attachment, the vessel wall loses its elasticity and cracks, which leads to the formation of blood clots. Complications of atherosclerosis such as thrombophlebitis and vascular thrombosis may develop.

Third stage

At the next stage of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thickening and calcification of the plaque occurs. It becomes hard, narrows the lumen of the vessel and can completely block it, which causes necrosis of the tissues feeding from the damaged artery.

This is not the only mechanism for the development of atherosclerosis considered by doctors and researchers. There is an opinion that the appearance and development of the disease is influenced by certain viruses and infections, as well as hereditary mutations that damage the walls of the arteries, which contributes to the appearance of lipid stains in such places. This theory is also supported by the fact that lipid stains can sometimes be found in children who are unlikely to abuse fatty foods.

In any case, we can conclude that the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is not fully understood and is quite complex. For the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque, a combination of many factors is necessary.

Causes

The etiology (development) of atherosclerosis is based on a violation of the metabolism of fats and proteins in the body. Until recently, it was believed that excess cholesterol was deposited in the blood and atherosclerotic disease was formed. However, it has been proven that an increase in cholesterol alone is not enough; some other predisposing factors are needed.

Factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:

Hereditary predisposition - it has been noted that most often the disease develops in people whose close relatives have already suffered from a similar disease;
With age, the risk of getting sick increases, which is natural, since the entire body, including blood vessels, wears out. The walls are injured, and the body is no longer able to compensate for the impaired functions;
The psycho-emotional factor is of great importance in the etiology of atherosclerosis. It has been noticed that those people who often experience anxiety and stress, have nervous work, are at risk of atherosclerosis more often;
Excess weight also plays a significant role in the occurrence of illness;
The causes of atherosclerosis may lie in a lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle;
Bad habits, in particular smoking and alcohol abuse;
Various diseases: heart disease, vascular disease, thyroid disease, gout, diabetes mellitus and others;
Men get sick more often than women, so a person’s gender can also be considered a risk factor;
Poor nutrition, eating fast food, fried, salty, fatty foods.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of atherosclerosis depends on the location, degree of vascular damage, the body’s compensatory capabilities and some other factors:

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease presents certain difficulties, since there may be no signs of atherosclerosis for a long time. What examinations and tests are performed if this pathology is suspected?

First of all, the doctor collects anamnesis from the patient. It is necessary to find out what complaints exist, how they manifest themselves, and when they appeared. Since there are different forms of atherosclerosis, patients' complaints may also differ.

In addition to the medical history, it is also necessary to collect a medical history of the sick person. Heredity, genetic predisposition to the disease, lifestyle, work, nutrition are clarified. All these factors influence the appearance of atherosclerosis. This is what you need to find out first. Next, an external examination, laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out.

During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the color of the skin, counts the heartbeat and measures blood pressure. High blood pressure, pale skin, and rapid heartbeat may indicate a disease of the cardiovascular system. In addition, when listening to the heart, characteristic murmurs, expansion of the borders of the heart and other signs of pathology can be detected.

Laboratory tests to diagnose the disease include:

General and biochemical blood test - the level of sugar, blood protein, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine may be increased. A blood test can also suggest which organ is suffering the most, and therefore in which vessel movement is hampered, since different forms of atherosclerosis give different clinical pictures.
General urine test - there may also be changes in it, especially with pathology of the renal vessels. Protein appears in the urine and red blood cells may be present.
A blood lipid test, as well as an immunological test, may be important.

Instrumental examination methods:

Electrocardiogram - based on its results, you can evaluate not only the heart rate, but also see heart rhythm disturbances. It allows you to judge the size of the chambers of the heart and their work.
Phonocardiogram is important in diagnosing atherosclerosis of the initial parts of the aorta, since it allows one to evaluate heart murmurs and detect the disease at a fairly early stage of vascular atherosclerosis.
Ultrasound of the heart - allows you to examine the chambers of the heart, their size, the size of the myocardium, heart valves;
X-ray – it shows the size of the heart, as well as the shape and size of the aorta.
Magnetic resonance imaging – allows you to evaluate changes in organs and obtain clear images;
Angiography of various vessels, including coronary vessels that directly supply the heart. A contrast agent is injected into the vessels, allowing you to evaluate the blood flow and see places where it is obstructed. Based on this study, the estimated degree of atherosclerosis can be assessed.

According to indications, it is possible to use other research methods. In addition, consultation with various specialists is necessary: cardiologist, neurologist, vascular surgeon, ophthalmologist, nephrologist, etc.

Timely diagnosis is important not only to prescribe the correct treatment for atherosclerosis, but also to prevent the development of complications.

Complications

All organs and tissues in the human body must receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and oxygen, which are supplied to them by blood. Atherosclerotic disease, which does not allow blood to pass freely through the affected vessels, without treatment over time leads to serious complications:

Poor nutrition of the brain can manifest itself, and with complete blockage of the vessel, the development of ischemic stroke. In this case, part of the brain dies, which leads to serious disruptions in life, and without timely assistance, even death.
On the part of the heart, serious complications of atherosclerosis can occur, such as severe attacks of angina pectoris, as well as myocardial infarction caused by complete blockage of the lumen of the coronary arteries.
Atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels can be destroyed and spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once in smaller arteries, they cannot pass through them, clog the lumen and cause the death of tissues that were fed from this vessel. This can also result in the formation of a blood clot in a damaged vessel.
Another extremely dangerous consequence of atherosclerosis is aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is a kind of protrusion of the wall of a vessel, which can rupture at any time even from slight physical exertion, since the wall in such a place is very thin.
In the later stages of development of atherosclerosis of the aorta, foci of intestinal necrosis may appear in the abdominal region.
Pathology of the renal arteries can lead to the development of acute or chronic renal failure.
Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities without treatment ends in gangrene and amputation of the limb.

Treatment

In the treatment of vascular atherosclerosis, it is important not only to prescribe medications, but also to change the patient’s lifestyle. First of all, it is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition and reduce the intake of cholesterol into the body. In addition, an important factor for successful treatment is giving up bad habits, adequate physical activity and reducing stress.

Treatment of atherosclerosis should be aimed not only at dissolving atherosclerotic plaques, but also include therapy for concomitant diseases that are a risk factor: hypertension, diabetes, thyroid diseases and others. Without this, taking medications will not bring the desired result, the risk of complications will increase and surgical intervention may be required.

Drugs prescribed for systemic atherosclerosis:

Statins - drugs in this group act on the liver, which produces cholesterol in the body itself. This reduces its content in the blood. However, at the same time as prescribing these medications, it is worth taking care of the heart and some other organs, on which they also have an adverse effect.
Bile acid sequestrants - These inhibit the body's synthesis of bile acids, so it must use cholesterol to keep the digestive system functioning properly. Thus, the “extra” cholesterol goes to work, and its level in the blood decreases. Drugs in this group can both prevent vascular atherosclerosis at an early stage of development and ensure its prevention.
Fibrates – reduce the production of fats in the body.
Nicotinic acid derivatives - these drugs do not directly affect cholesterol reduction, but have a vasodilating effect, allowing blood to move better through the affected vessels. In some cases, the use of these drugs is contraindicated, and they are replaced by other vasodilators and antispasmodics.

For the brain, kidneys, and lower extremities, other groups of drugs can be used, depending on the affected organ. In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures are also of great importance, especially if the arteries of the lower extremities are affected.

In advanced cases, with rapid progression of the disease, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Methods of surgical treatment:

Shunting - used to create blood paths to bypass the affected area;
Prosthetics – allows you to completely or partially replace the affected vessel and improve blood flow;
Angioplasty - this method is considered minimally invasive because it does not require abdominal surgery. A special catheter is inserted into the artery, which is advanced to the site of the pathological focus, and the necessary manipulations are performed there.

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is quite complex, diagnosis can be difficult, since there are no specific symptoms, so if any complaints arise, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Prevention

It is important to know not only how to treat vascular atherosclerosis, but also what measures should be taken to prevent it.

First of all, this is the normalization of nutrition. You should switch to low-fat, low-cholesterol foods. It is useful to include flaxseed and olive oil in your diet, as they dissolve cholesterol compounds. You need to eat more foods containing fiber.

If you are overweight, you should bring it back to normal if possible. You need to understand that with atherosclerosis, such weight is a risk factor for complications, as well as a kind of indicator of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.

It is necessary to give the body adequate physical activity; prefer walking in the fresh air to public transport. This lifestyle helps both fight atherosclerosis and generally strengthens the cardiovascular system.

Content

The development of vascular atherosclerosis occurs in adulthood, and the manifestation of the disease occurs in large arteries and vessels. The chemical composition of the blood is disrupted, and the presence of an increased concentration of lipids slows down the flow of biological fluid and reduces the permeability of the vascular walls. Progressive atherosclerosis of the arteries is a chronic diagnosis, so the patient’s task is to prolong the period of remission.

What is vascular atherosclerosis

This chronic disease belongs to the category of cardiovascular pathologies and is prone to periodic relapses in a weakened body. Since protein-lipid metabolism is disrupted in the walls of blood vessels, doctors start talking about such unpleasant concepts as “bad cholesterol” and “atherosclerotic plaques.” This disease more often develops in the body of women, but men, under the influence of provoking factors, also fall into the risk group. More often this is atherosclerosis of the aortic arch, which leads to the development of incurable cardiac ischemia.

Symptoms

Clinical signs of a characteristic disease do not appear immediately; at first, atherosclerosis is an asymptomatic diagnosis. Further symptoms depend on the part of the cardiovascular system that receives an insufficient amount of oxygenated blood with valuable nutrients. It is important to determine the organ supplied with blood – the focus of the pathology. The result is impaired activity of the myocardium, brain, and other complications that are not always related to human viability.

Atherosclerosis of heart vessels

If a characteristic illness occurs, the patient’s general well-being gradually worsens, and signs of atherosclerosis make her bedridden and force her to once again issue a sick leave certificate. It is recommended to pay attention to the following symptoms of the disease, which can be temporarily eliminated primarily with medication, alternative methods:

acute chest pain localized in the myocardium;
increased pressure on the sternum;
signs of angina pectoris;
pain when taking a deep breath;
renal failure;
risk of heart attack;
decrease and surges in blood pressure;
pathological increase in heart rate.

Vessels of the lower extremities

The upper and lower extremities are equally involved in the pathological process against the background of abnormal narrowing of the lumen of the vascular walls of large and medium-sized arteries. Such internal sections are remote from the myocardium, but the severity of the symptoms negatively affects the general condition of the patient and limits his mobility. Signs of obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities are as follows:

pain in the legs during long walks;
numbness of the lower extremities;
temperature difference between the body and legs, noticeable upon palpation;
long-term healing of open wounds;
increased swelling of the lower extremities;
disturbance of the pulse of the arteries of the legs;
limited mobility.

Brain vessels

Large arteries are involved in the pathological process, in the structure of which the presence of atherosclerotic plaques is observed. As a result of disrupted blood flow, the usual origin of nerve impulses in the cerebral cortex is disrupted, oxygen starvation progresses, and the number of painful migraine attacks, dizziness and confusion increases. In modern cardiology, the symptoms of such a dangerous disease are as follows:

frequent dizziness and nausea;
circles before the eyes;
discomfort in a stuffy room;
decreased memory, physical and mental abilities;
sleep phase disturbance;
emotional instability;
impaired metabolic processes;
signs of mental disorder.

Causes

Before treating atherosclerosis, it is necessary to study the etiology of the pathological process. It all starts with the formation of blood clots that narrow the lumen of blood vessels, resulting in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that block the vessels. The cause of the pathology is the accumulation of fats and changes in the chemical composition of the blood. The main causes of such pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors are presented below:

the presence of bad habits;
one of the stages of obesity;
diabetes;
dyslipidemia;
poor nutrition;
physical inactivity;
genetic factor;
energy overvoltage;
arterial hypertension;
age-related changes in the body;
sedentary lifestyle;
past infectious diseases with complications;
intoxication and infection;
pathologies of the endocrine system;
prolonged exposure to stress.

Stages

Having determined what can cause atherosclerosis, an individual consultation with a cardiologist is necessary. Before conducting clinical examinations and laboratory tests, it is recommended to study the existing stages of the characteristic illness, the high probability and severity of an acute attack. In modern cardiology, the following stages of atherosclerosis are distinguished:

First stage. Decrease in the speed of systemic blood flow, growth of fat spots, absence of painful symptoms.
Second stage. Liposclerosis is accompanied by the growth and spread of adipose tissue, a high probability of blood clots and systemic circulation disorders.
Third stage. Atherocalcinosis is accompanied by thickening of atherosclerotic plaques, calcium deposition, vascular deformation and narrowing of the lumen with the risk of blockage.

Diagnostics

In modern cardiology, it is impossible to determine coronary atherosclerosis by collecting anamnesis data; in addition to examining the patient and studying his medical history, it is necessary to undergo tests, visit a number of highly specialized specialists, and undergo a comprehensive examination. The specifics and features of diagnostics include the following areas:

blood chemistry;
duplex scanning of brachiocephalic arteries and limbs;
X-ray contrast angiography;
ECG, stress ECG, EchoCG;
Ultrasound, CT and MRI;
Doppler ultrasound of cerebral vessels;
radiography.

Treatment

If a characteristic disease manifests itself, it is necessary to begin treatment of atherosclerosis in a timely manner. Intensive care can be provided through conservative methods and physiotherapeutic procedures. The main goal is to identify the pathogenic factor and eliminate it from the life of the clinical patient, normalize systemic blood flow, and lower the level of bad cholesterol using prescribed medications. Traditional treatment is allowed, but all the nuances must be further discussed with the attending physician. If there is no effect, surgery is recommended.

Medication

The first step is to control your daily diet, exclude fatty and fried foods, limit the consumption of salt, spices, animal fats, and fast food. The diet should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of plant fiber. This will help control weight, treat obesity and remove belly fat, and avoid another attack. As for taking medications, they are determined by a knowledgeable cardiologist strictly according to medical indications. These are the following pharmacological groups:

Nicotinic acid and preparations containing it to provide antiatherogenic properties, eliminate bad cholesterol and triglycerides;
Bile acid sequestrants to reduce lipid concentrations in cells. These are the drugs Kolestyramine, Colestipol, Colesevelam.
Beta blockers to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and reduce the severity of a pain attack. These are Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Betaloc.
Diuretics with a diuretic effect for high-quality blood cleansing of cholesterol. These are Hypothiazide, Diacarb, Indapamide.
Calcium channel blockers, represented by medications such as Anipamil, Finoptin, Gallopamil.
Fibrates for the synthesis of own fats. These are Clofibrate, Bezafibrate, Fenofibrate, Bezafibrate, Gemfibrozil.
Statins to accelerate the breakdown and elimination of fats. These are Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin.

Surgical

If conservative methods turn out to be ineffective in practice, the patient is prescribed surgery to eliminate all manifestations of atherosclerosis, ensuring high-quality cleaning of blood vessels and a long period of remission. Since this disease poses a threat to the patient’s life, the doctor suggests one of the following surgical interventions in a hospital setting:

Thrombolytic therapy. The pathogenic clot dissolves, while the systemic blood flow is normalized and the vessels are cleaned.
Angioplasty. The vascular lumen expands due to the injection of oxygen using a special medical cylinder.
Shunting. Creation of new blood flow using vessels, bypassing the potential lesion site.
Endarterectomy. High-quality cleaning of vascular walls with special instruments, stable positive dynamics are noted.

After the operation, the patient’s sensations are not the most pleasant, so a long period of rehabilitation is required. To bring the general condition back to normal, the patient needs to take a course of medication, eliminate exposure to pathogenic factors, give up bad habits and normalize the daily diet. This will be facilitated by plant fiber, vitamins, proteins, and the exclusion of sugar and harmful lipids from the daily diet. For atherosclerosis, alternative medicine methods can be used, and then pathogenic factors can be easily eliminated.

Folk remedies

For atherosclerosis, doctors recommend using rosehip decoction, which has a stable diuretic effect. The medicine productively cleans clogged blood vessels, removes harmful cholesterol, lipids, and toxic substances. To prepare a healing decoction, 1 tbsp. l. steam dry herbs 1 tbsp. boiling water, infuse and strain, take orally after meals twice a day - morning and evening. Other folk recipes for atherosclerosis are presented below, useful for problematic vessels:

Grind the roots of elecampane, add 300 ml of water to the finished mixture in a volume of up to 1 tsp, add oregano, shepherd’s purse, and blackberries. Boil, boil for 5-7 minutes. Take the prepared composition throughout the day in equal portions.
Pour 50 g of Japanese sophora into 500 g of vodka and leave in a dark place for 30 days. Take 1 tsp orally. Three times a day, preferably before meals, take a sufficient amount of liquid.
Place 50 g of cloves in a glass container, pour in 500 ml of vodka, and leave the composition for 2-3 weeks. Take 1 tsp. infusion three times a day, while making sure that there are no chronic stomach diseases.

Onion juice with honey for atherosclerosis

This is an effective remedy against atherosclerosis, which can be prepared at home. You need to combine 300 g of grated garlic (onion) with the juice of three lemons. Stir, place in a glass container, leave in the refrigerator overnight. 1 tsp. dilute the composition in a glass of warm water and take orally.

Complications

If the disease atherosclerosis occurs in a complicated form, complications cannot be ruled out even after long-term treatment. The consequences of the operation are especially dangerous, so you need to carefully prepare for surgery, undergo diagnostics and pass all the necessary tests. Among the potential complications of atherosclerosis, it is necessary to highlight the following dangerous pathologies:

heart failure;
acute blockage of blood vessels;
infarction of internal organs;
sudden death;
rupture of an arterial aneurysm.

Prevention

To avoid atherosclerosis, productive cleaning of blood vessels requires the use of alternative medicine methods for reliable prevention. In addition, it is recommended to change your usual lifestyle, adhere to the basic rules of proper nutrition, play sports and take walks in the fresh air. If you are prone to atherosclerosis, it would not be superfluous to take a multivitamin complex to strengthen the vascular walls; you should drink enough water to normalize the body’s water metabolism.

Discuss

What is vascular atherosclerosis - causes and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Atherosclerosis is an insidious chronic inflammatory process that mainly affects large and medium-sized arteries in response to the accumulation of cholesterol in these vessels.

Abnormal changes often begin in childhood and progress over many years without any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to adhere to a proper diet and lifestyle from an early age, since with their help the development of atherosclerosis can be controlled.

The disease can underlie many diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diseases of peripheral vessels, for example: stenosis of the carotid artery, vertebral arteries, renal and chronic ischemia of the lower extremities.

Many people have signs of the disease but do not know what it is. Atherosclerosis is a process of inflammation; This is a response to damage to the inner layer of the vessel walls, resulting in the formation of a fatty layer consisting of inflammatory cells.

A necessary condition for the normal functioning of the organs and tissues of the body is the correct amount of oxygen and nutrients. Restriction of blood flow leads to dangerous consequences.

If the flow in the coronary arteries is reduced after a heart attack, the blood flow in the carotid artery is reduced, which causes an ischemic stroke in the arteries of the lower extremities, leading to their necrosis.

The cause of arterial stenosis and occlusion is atherosclerosis, a disease caused by the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of arteries and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which cause narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, which leads to occlusion.

Depending on the location of plaque formation, there are four main types of atherosclerosis:

Arteries;

Peripheral;

Coronal;

Cerebral.

Causes

The true causes of the disease are still unknown to medicine. It has been established that for the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, the occurrence of certain factors is necessary, such as genetic (out of control), environment, area of residence (some ethnic groups are more or less susceptible to the disease) and lifestyle (what we eat, habits).

A variety of these factors contribute to different clinical atherosclerosis.

Risk factors for development

The main risk factors for developing atherosclerosis include:

1. Unchangeable factors:

2. Modifiable factors, which mainly include various concomitant diseases:

excessive consumption of animal fats and high levels of total cholesterol;
hypertension;
bleeding disorders;
stress;
impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus;
low physical activity;
obesity;
smoking.

Atherosclerosis appears in the brain, heart, kidneys and lower extremities, but symptoms are only visible when plaque builds up and interferes with blood flow.

Risk factors lead to vascular damage and, consequently, to increased penetration of cholesterol molecules into the arterial walls. Their restoration involves special cells that interact with each other in a special way.

Subsequently, scar tissue forms at the site of injury, compressing the arteries and reducing blood flow. With atherosclerosis, continuous inflammation of cells occurs, which over time destroys all layers of the artery walls.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis can be seen in the photo, and treatment should begin immediately. The disease develops unnoticed and secretly. However, there are certain signs that indicate an illness.

The following symptoms are reasons to consult a doctor:

pain as if the chest is compressed, can spread to the arms, neck, jaw;
cardiac arrhythmia;
breathing problems (angina);
dizziness, severe and frequent headaches;
loss of consciousness;
vision problems;
renal failure;
feeling of freezing feet.

Lower extremity symptoms (chronic ischemia)

As a result of atherosclerosis in the vessels of the lower extremities, a narrowing of the flow into the femoral artery often occurs, which can lead to ischemia of the thigh, leg and foot. A decrease in the functions of the main artery, which supplies blood to the lower extremities, leads to cell hypoxia and the development of collateral circulation, that is, it creates additional clogging of blood vessels.

This condition causes oxygen-free muscles to begin producing so-called anaerobic energy, which leads to excessive production of lactic acid, which is the main symptom of ischemia - painful sensations in the limbs.

Then numbness of the limbs appears, especially in a lying position, at night. Other symptoms are:

pale skin;
atrophy of muscles and hair on the leg and lower leg;
keratosis;
ulcers;
necrosis.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries

Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries causes deterioration of blood supply to the brain and oxygen starvation of nerve cells, disrupting their functioning. Symptoms depend on the degree of stenosis. A slight narrowing may be asymptomatic.

If there is a significant decrease in blood flow, the following occurs:

numbness of the body;
slurred speech;
loss of vision and hearing;
deterioration of movement coordination;
muscle weakness, paresis.

Complete closure of the carotid artery can lead to a stroke.

Symptoms of vertebral artery stenosis

Impaired blood flow through the vertebral arteries can often cause dizziness, double vision, and loss of vision. In more serious cases, it can lead to respiratory problems and coma.

Symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia

This disease is caused by atherosclerosis of the arteries that supply blood to the intestines. Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain that occurs after eating;

Weight loss;

Dyspepsia - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Progressive vascular disease, regardless of the causes of atherosclerosis, leads to narrowing of the lumen and disruption of blood flow, which contributes to ischemia of the organ or tissue. Signs of the disease also depend on the location, size and severity of the changes.

The location of atherosclerotic vascular lesions ultimately affects the consequences of the disease:

change in the aortic arch - impedes blood flow to the upper extremities, leading to Takayashi's disease;
changes in the thoracic and abdominal aorta, including the renal arteries, mesenteric and bifurcation arteries, lead to secondary hypertension, ischemia of the digestive tract or lower extremities (Leriche syndrome);
narrowing of a stenotic vessel in the internal carotid or cerebral artery, causing disruption of blood circulation in the brain, which can lead to areas of brain inflammation or disorders of the central nervous system.

It is impossible to diagnose the disease using one test. Most often, it is recognized by characteristic symptoms and the presence of a risk factor.

Varicose veins can be detected using ultrasound, which shows thickening and narrowing of blood vessels, but only when the disease has already progressed. It is also effective to perform a Doppler ultrasound, which checks for areas where blood flow is disrupted. The coronary arteries can be assessed using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or classical angiography.

A blood test to determine the level of lipids and cholesterol, especially “bad” cholesterol (it should not exceed 5.2 mmol/l), will be useful. With atherosclerosis, there is an increased level of total cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.

To answer the question of how to treat atherosclerosis, you should know what kind of disease it is. Atherosclerosis cannot be cured completely. Since it is a disease of the whole body, its therapy should be comprehensive and long-term, aimed at reducing symptoms and progression.

Most often, pharmacological therapy is combined with physiotherapy. The goal of treatment is to ensure sufficient blood supply by activating and improving the circulation of blood along the walls of the arteries.

When treating arterial diseases, it is recommended to use drugs that regulate blood cholesterol levels. Sterols and stanols reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Statins are medications that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and delay the progression of the disease.

Another group of drugs that are used to treat atherosclerosis are anticoagulants (for example, acetylsalicylic acid), which prevent platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. In small doses, these medications are recommended for the prevention of strokes, myocardial infarction and diseases of the lower extremities. Their use is stopped several days before planned surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding.

In the treatment of patients with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, drugs that inhibit blood clotting, such as heparin, are sometimes used.

Invasive methods

Sometimes it happens that surgery is necessary to improve or restore the patency of the artery. It usually involves removing clots and atherosclerotic plaques from the cavity.

A less invasive method is through the skin. The most commonly used method of intravascular dilatation of narrowed arteries is balloon angioplasty. This procedure involves inserting a catheter into an artery. Under pressure, the blood clot and atherosclerotic plaques in the arterial wall dissolve, while at the same time the artery walls stretch. After this, the catheter is removed.

Another approach is to insert a permanent stent, whose task is to support the arterial wall from the inside.

How to treat the mild stage of the disease? The most important step is to reduce your blood cholesterol levels to less than 4.0 mmol/L. This is facilitated by the exclusion of fatty foods and simple sugars, the inclusion of foods rich in plant sterols, allicin, flavonoids, fiber and omega-3. As the disease progresses, surgery is often required.

As part of the treatment with folk remedies, hawthorn flowers, rue leaves, mistletoe, onions, garlic, buckthorn bark, and violets are used. The herbs can be brewed separately or added to tea.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

When preventing atherosclerosis, it is important to exclude risk factors for this disease. Regular moderate exercise is also important.

Long walks, swimming, cycling develop collateral circulation in the limbs and increase the permeability of blood vessels.

Healing diet

To a large extent, the diet is based on the principles of proper nutrition, which includes fish and vegetable oils - rapeseed, sunflower, soy, olives; You should also include vegetables and fruits, various herbs (basil, oregano, dill).

If you have an abnormal lipid profile, you should limit fat, especially the so-called “bad” fat, which consists of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Avoid:

For a patient with atherosclerosis, proper treatment of concomitant diseases is important, including:

diabetes;
hypertension;
dyslipidemia (abnormal blood cholesterol levels);
cardiac ischemia;
obesity.

In addition, patients with atherosclerosis should avoid burns, frostbite, cuts and other injuries.

Learn more about which products will help in the fight against atherosclerosis:

Development forecast

Atherosclerosis is a disease that progresses throughout life. If you limit risk factors as much as possible, you can delay its development. This is possible with appropriate treatment and compliance with medical recommendations.