Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities – causes, symptoms, treatment [EXPLAINED]

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Atherosclerosis is a civilization disease that kills more and more people in the world. It is a systemic disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaque leading to a narrowing of the lumen of the arteries. The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on its location. It may appear in the form of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and symptoms of narrowing of the renal arteries, visceral arteries, and arteries of the lower extremities.

Atherosclerosis – what is it?

atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) it is a chronic inflammatory process involving the aorta and medium-sized arteries (carotid, iliac, renal, coronary). This disease consists in the accumulation of initially only macrophages, low-density lipoproteins and extracellular cholesterol clusters in the space between the endothelium and the muscular layer of the vessel. Thus formed and visible to the naked eye on the inner surface of the vessel, “Fat bands” they are the earliest form of atherosclerotic lesions.

With time, the elements that make up the fatty bands are joined by fibrous elements of connective tissue, which, overgrowing and surrounding the primary inflammatory focus, separate them from the rest of the vessel. This is how it arises atherosclerotic plaquewhich causes a blood vessel to narrow. The blood flow is then restricted. The deposition of atherosclerotic plaque occurs as a result of the inflammatory process taking place in the vessels. Over time, these changes gradually calcify (colloquially: arterial calcification, calcification of the veins, calcification of the aorta), which is referred to as atherosclerotic hardening of the arteries. This leads to a reduction in the flexibility of the arteries and narrowing of their lumen, which impedes blood flow, which in turn results in ischemia of various internal organs.

Clinical symptoms that may trigger the atherosclerotic process are stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease and types of atherosclerosis such as: lower limb atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis of the veins, aortic atherosclerosis (atherosclerosis), and cerebral atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities – characteristics

Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities (obliterating arteriosclerosis of the lower limbs or adhesions hardening of the arteries) is a condition that affects mainly the blood vessels of the feet and lower legs, but can also affect large femoral vessels (all arteries in the lower limb can be affected). This disease is a rare condition and begins with damage to the endothelium, the cells of which store large amounts of cholesterol. Over time, arteries become clogged and less flexible as fat deposits make them harden. Ignoring this disease can lead to unpleasant complications in the area of ​​the lower limbs (kkd):

1. swelling of the legs and feet
2. circulatory disorders,
3. fatigue,
4. night muscle cramps,
5. tingling.

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Risk factors of lower limb atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a problem that especially affects older people. Usually men become ill after the age of 45, while women after the age of 55. In women, this process begins later than in men, because it is influenced by the menopause, and more precisely, estrogen deficiency.. The main risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis are genetic factors and environmental factors, on which each of us has a great influence. Many studies show that hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides), uncontrolled hypertension, overweight and obesity, eating large amounts of animal fats, trans fats (hydrogenated vegetable fats), diet rich in simple carbohydrates, excessive stress, diabetes, polycythemia vera, smoking and some infections can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.

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In most cases, it is observed in patients coexistence of several risk factors, e.g. incorrect diet + smoking. This causes up to several times the risk of atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerosis of the lower limbs occurs especially in people who are addicted to smoking. It is estimated that in smokers the first symptoms of atherosclerosis of the legs may appear up to 10 years earlier than in other people.

Very often, atherosclerosis occurs with diabetes. Therefore, it is important that diabetics are screened for atherosclerotic lesions. Then it is easier to control changes taking place in the blood vessels, which can affect the ease of deposition of deposits and the formation of blockages in veins and arteries.

Atherosclerotic changes are usually localized in the brain, heart, kidneys and lower extremities, but they are felt only when they disturb their blood supply. Previously, when atherosclerotic changes occur in the vessels, the symptoms of atherosclerosis may not be noticeable.

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Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities – symptoms

Lower limb atherosclerosis is most common in women and may be associated with other cardiovascular diseases, such as carotid artery disease. The first symptoms of the disease are manifested by disturbances in the sensation of the lower extremities. In addition, there is a feeling of numbness, stinging, tingling around the feet and a feeling of cold (regardless of whether you are in a warm or cold room).

In the later stages of the disease, it occurs severe painwhich usually occurs with movement and clears with adequate rest. Atherosclerosis symptoms in the advanced stage of the disease are, above all, constant pain, occurring regardless of exercise or rest. The only way to ease it is to lower your legs down. Most often it is pain in the calves and entire lower legs, although there may be pain in the hip area, for example. This symptom is called intermittent claudication.

Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities can also manifest as:

1. pallor,
2. cold,
3. limb cramps,
4. hardening of the arteries and limiting the blood supply to the lower limbs at the same time,
5. reddening,
6. intense burning of the legs (due to the low amount of oxygen in the muscle tissues),
7. there is also swelling due to too little oxygen in the muscle tissues; the patient feels swollen legs and has problems wearing the current shoes.

In addition, necrosis appears, gradually affecting the entire foot, for example, and may lead to systemic infection (sepsis) and subsequent amputation.

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Diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities

If you suspect a disease of the legs, such as arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities, you should immediately see a doctor for appropriate tests and diagnosis. The studies that should be conducted are:

1. blood count,
2. urea concentration
3. CRP concentration,
4. the concentration of cholesterol and its fractions,
5. creatinine concentration.

In addition, diagnostic imaging tests should be performed that will enable the accurate detection of atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities:

1. Ultrasound examination with Doppler assessment of blood flow in the arteries of the lower extremities – it allows to check atherosclerotic changes in the arteries, namely the thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound enables the assessment of blood flow disorders,
2. computer tomography of the arteries – allows you to visualize strictures, obstructions and plan possible surgical treatment,
3. Magnetic resonance imaging of the arteries – shows similar imaging properties to tomography, requires the administration of a contrast agent, but different than in the case of tomography.

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Treatment of atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities is based on non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical and / or surgical treatment. In non-pharmacological therapy, the main goal is to eliminate disease risk factors, mainly to quit smoking, to optimize the treatment of comorbidities, e.g. diabetes, and to introduce moderate physical activity.

Atherosclerosis – a diet without fat is the basis of treatment! This password should be remembered by all patients. In order to be able to talk about the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions, the patient should take care to eliminate trans fats, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. A diet in atherosclerosis should be rich in products rich in unsaturated fatty acids, products with antioxidant properties and fiber.

Pharmacological treatment of atherosclerosis – it consists in:

1. expansion of the lumen of narrowed vessels,
2. improving the metabolism of fats in the body,
3. preventing the formation of blood clots.

For this purpose, the following drugs are used for atherosclerosis:

1. antiplatelet drugs: acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel,
2. antihypertensive drugs – for optimal blood pressure control,
3. aggregation inhibitors: naphthidrofuryl, buflomedil,
4. inhibitor fosfodiesterazy: cilostazol, pentoksyfilina,
5. lipid-lowering drugs.

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How To Treat Atherosclerosis With Treatments And Surgery?

Surgical treatment of lower limb atherosclerosis consists of stent implantation (cleaning the veins and cleaning the veins in the legs (in the case of atherosclerosis) and balloon angioplasty. Surgical treatment involves the removal of atherosclerotic plaques, implantation of by-passes from the patient’s own veins or artificial materials.

Natural treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower limbs

In addition to the above-mentioned methods of treatment, it is important to change the current lifestyle in order to reduce the changes caused by atherosclerosis in the body. Natural treatment is based on the following methods:

1. Introduce to your life physical activity – even a small dose of exercise improves blood circulation and supplies the tissues with the right amount of oxygen. It can be, for example, aerobics, the intensity of which depends on us. It makes the heart work faster, thus providing oxygen to the body. Walking or swimming every day (at least half an hour a day) also works well.
2. Drink tea with garlic and lemon – the tea prepared in this way reduces cholesterol in the blood and reduces inflammation in the circulatory system. To prepare this mixture, you will need: a clove of garlic, 200 ml of water, a bit of ginger, one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. 
3. Tea with garlic is often used to lower bad cholesterol in the blood, but it also has a positive effect on our arteries. It will improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in them. How to prepare it?

A healthy diet is essential! Make a few changes in your diet, give up animal fats and sweets. Replace unhealthy products with the following:

1. Garlic,
2. an avocado,
3. oat,
4. green apples,
5. olive oil,
6. fruit,
7. fish,
8. tomatoes,
9. spinach.

Atherosclerosis – herbal treatment

Herbs for atherosclerosis of the lower extremities are intended, among others. reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Consuming garlic, linseed (linseed, linseed oil), red rice extract, milk thistle and black cumin helps reduce bad cholesterol. People struggling with atherosclerosis can consume herbs that will improve the overall work of the cardiovascular system, for example: ginkgo, horse chestnut fruit, mistletoe herb, arnica herb and hawthorn inflorescence. You can buy hawthorn flower at Medonet Market at a favorable price.

It is also worth taking care of proper supplementation to support nutrient deficiencies, which will also be helpful in removing toxins from the body.

Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities – prevention

The preventive proceedings include, among others:

1. avoid wind, damp and too tight shoes,
2. avoid factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis,
3. quit smoking cigarettes,
4. stress less,
5. avoid long-term walking and standing, and thus fatigue of the limbs.

If we want to prevent atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, we should also not forget about a proper diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Eating husked sunflower seeds will help minimize the risk of disease – it is available on Medonet Market.

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How to improve blood circulation in the legs?

Many people who struggle with atherosclerosis wonder how to improve blood circulation in the legs? Well, it is very important to take care of physical activity appropriate to your health condition and age. Gentle jogging, walking and squats are recommended – these exercises should be performed daily for about 30 minutes. They will strengthen the structure of blood cells, help lower the level of blood pressure and triglycerides. An appropriate diet also plays an important role in improving blood circulation in the legs. It should be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and seafood (it should be eaten at least twice a week). It is also important to eat citrus, which is rich in vitamin C, which is involved in many biochemical changes (e.g. sealing blood vessels and blood clotting). Advantageously, it also influences the so-called home hydrotherapy, i.e. alternating warm and cold water on the legs. This technique allows blood vessels to widen and constrict, allowing blood to circulate faster in the bloodstream.

The risk of atherosclerosis is reduced by a well-balanced diet. A way to supplement it may be a supplement to support the cardiovascular system Folian 400 mcg with folic acid.

Complications of lower limb atherosclerosis

The effects of atherosclerosis, if left untreated or poorly treated, can be very dangerous to the patient’s life and health. Chronic limb ischemia, acute limb ischemia, and even limb necrosis may result, requiring amputation. Moreover, any type of atherosclerotic lesion can lead to myocardial infarction and stroke. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention and hospitalization.

The effects of atherosclerosis depend on the location of atherosclerotic lesions:

1. changes in the arch of the main artery lead to impaired blood supply to the upper limbs and lead to Takayashu disease,
2. changes in the thoracic and abdominal aorta: they usually involve the renal, mesenteric arteries and aortic bifurcation and lead to secondary hypertension, gastrointestinal or lower limb ischemia.

Lower extremity atherosclerosis and Buerger’s disease

The symptoms and effects of atherosclerosis are similar to those of Buerger’s disease, i.e. thrombo-obliterating inflammation of peripheral arteries and veins. The difference, however, is that in Buerger’s disease, in addition to endothelial lesions, there is also an inflammatory-thrombotic process involving the veins. The consequence of this is obstruction of blood flow and hypoxia.

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