Arteriosclerosis is characterized by thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular risk factor and is a form of arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis is a form of sclerosis that occurs in the arteries. In other words, it means that it is characterized by hardening, thickening, and loss of elasticity of the artery walls.

Arteriosclerosis is often defined as a natural phenomenon associated with age with normal thickening of the wall of the arteries.

Nevertheless, many studies have also shown that this hardening of the wall can be accelerated by certain cardiovascular disorders. The gradual deposition of lipids at the level of the wall of the arteries can in particular be the cause of this thickening and hardening. In this case, we speak more often ofatherosclerosis with reference to atheroma, which designates the fatty plaque formed.

Although arteriosclerosis is defined by some researchers as a normal phenomenon related to aging, this sclerosis in the arteries could be favored by many factors including:

• genetic factors ;
• metabolic disorders ;
• bad eating habits ;
• a lack of physical activity ;
• certain stressors.

Due to its many causes, arteriosclerosis can affect many people. Among the populations most at risk, we can distinguish in particular:

• old people ;
• people with little or no physical activity ;
• overweight people ;
• people with dyslipidemia such as hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia;
• people with diabetes ;
• hypertensive people, that is to say with arterial hypertension;
• smokers.

Arteriosclerosis can remain asymptomatic for several years. However, in the most serious cases, it can blocking arteries essential for the proper functioning of the body such as the coronary arteries and the carotid arteries. Causing poor oxygenation, the obstruction of these arteries can lead to:

• un myocardial infarction ;
• un stroke ;
• a arteritis obliterans of the lower limbs (PADI).

Arteriosclerosis can remain invisible or manifest itself through different symptoms. These depend on the arteries affected by sclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis can in particular cause:

• localized pain, especially when moving or in the chest with the occurrence of angina, or angina pectoris;
• cardiac arrhythmia, which may be associated with high blood pressure;
• a motor and / or sensory deficit in the upper and lower limbs;
• intermittent claudication;
• vision disturbances;
• shortness of breath;
• dizziness.

Prevention of arteriosclerosis consists of limiting risk factors such as poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. For this, it is recommended to:

• adopt a healthy and balanced diet by limiting the consumption of processed products and excess fats, sugars and alcohol;
• engage in regular physical activity.

To prevent the occurrence of arteriosclerosis, it is also advisable to maintain regular medical monitoring. This must in particular include a lipid balance to analyze the blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Weight and blood pressure monitoring is also recommended to limit the risk of complications.

Treatment of arteriosclerosis depends on its origin, course and severity.

Drug treatment may in particular be considered in the event of arteriosclerosis. In particular, doctors can prescribe:

• antihypertensive drugs;
• statins;
• antiplatelet drugs.

Surgical treatment can be started if arteriosclerosis is life threatening. The aim of the surgery is to restore blood circulation when the coronary or carotid arteries are blocked. Depending on the case, the operation can for example be:

• angioplasty to widen the diameter of the coronary arteries;
• endarterectomy to remove atheromatous plaque formed in the carotid arteries;
• coronary bypass surgery to bypass blocked arteries