Contents
What is stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries?
Stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries is a pathology of the functioning of blood vessels, in which atherosclerotic plaques form on their inner walls, narrowing the bloodstream. This process does not take place in a short time. A similar disease is the result of prolonged deposition of cholesterol, the formation of calcifications and the growth of connective tissue.
The mechanism of occurrence of stenosing atherosclerosis is that low-density fats accumulate in the blood. Sooner or later, they stick to the smallest irregularities inside the vessels and form plaques. It is the latter that clog the arteries, leaving less and less clearance for blood flow. The result of such a disease is a violation of blood supply, ischemia of tissues and organs.
Symptoms of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries
As mentioned above, stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries develops slowly. The symptoms of the disease appear at the same pace.
The first “bells” look like this:
Mood swings appear, the general emotional background becomes unstable;
The degree of concentration of attention decreases, absent-mindedness appears more and more often;
There are headaches associated with dizziness, up to fainting;
Forgetfulness occurs, mnemonic functions begin to suffer;
Sleep is disturbed, insomnia appears, or vice versa, constant drowsiness;
Decreased performance level.
If you experience at least one of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The initial stage of the disease allows the use of effective methods of treatment.
At later stages, the symptoms of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries are even more serious:
At the first stage, there is a weakness in the reaction of pupils to a light stimulus, a pathological manifestation of reflexes;
The second stage is characterized by significant impairment of memory and attention functions. Decreased performance and ability to learn. At this stage, microstrokes occur, causing dizziness and fainting. Often such conditions lead to complete or partial paralysis;
In the third stage of the development of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries, an irreversible impairment of cognitive processes occurs due to extensive ischemia of brain regions.
The stage of the disease can only be determined by a specialist, so seeking medical help should not be postponed!
Causes of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries
There are several causes of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries.
The main factor, and the most common one, is the atherosclerotic process associated with the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. As a result, the lumen of the vessel is narrowed or completely clogged. This results in strokes, blood clots and other serious complications.
The provoking factors in the development of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries include:
genetic predisposition;
Hypertension;
Diabetes;
Obesity of varying severity;
The presence of bad habits, especially smoking;
Gender characteristics (according to statistics, men are 4 times more susceptible to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis than women);
Irrational nutrition;
stress;
Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
With rare exceptions, a person is able to eliminate these factors, because disease prevention is the key to a healthy and long life!
Diagnosis of stenosing atherosclerosis of arteries
Diagnostic measures may include a number of procedures:
History collection;
Discussing the lifestyle and habits of the patient;
Visual inspection;
General analysis of blood and urine to identify a possible inflammatory process in the body;
Biochemical and immunological blood test;
Lipidogram to determine the level of fat in the body;
ECG and ultrasound of the heart;
Dopplerography of blood vessels;
MRI;
Kinetocardiography;
Angiography to assess blood flow in the vessels;
Genetic analysis;
Consultation of specialists depending on the identified area of atherosclerosis.
Of course, the whole complex of diagnostic measures may not be needed. The examination is based on an individual plan and depends on the stage of development of the disease.
Treatment of stenosing atherosclerosis of arteries
In the treatment of stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries, both drug and non-drug methods are used.
Usually the doctor prescribes a complex treatment, including both directions.
Non-drug treatment
Non-drug treatment involves:
Bringing body weight back to normal;
Compliance with the diet, the inclusion of fish, fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet, the exclusion of fatty, salty and spicy foods. The Mediterranean diet is especially recommended, which reduces the risk of complications by 50%;
Regular moderate physical activity;
Rejection of bad habits;
Avoidance of stressful situations.
Medication
Medical treatment includes the use of drugs such as:
Statins – reduce the process of cholesterol synthesis in the body and increase the rate of excretion of fats and fat-like substances;
Inhibitors – absorb cholesterol and prevent it from being absorbed into the blood;
Sequestrants – “capture” cholesterol and remove it from the body;
Fibrates – reduce the number of cells of fat-like substances and increase the density of lipoproteins, the function of which is to protect the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol;
Ezetimibe-SZ and Kumaba – inhibits the activity of a specific carrier protein, without which dietary cholesterol cannot be absorbed;
Anticoagulants – required to prevent blood clots from forming;
Omega 3.
Surgery
In complicated forms and in the absence of the effect of drug treatment, surgical intervention is performed:
Balloon angioplasty, in which a balloon is inserted into the affected vessel and inflated to increase the lumen of the vessel;
Stenting, when a special frame is inserted into the cavity of the vessel, slowing down the development of atherosclerosis;
Shunting, to create an alternative blood path to the area of the organ affected by ischemia;
Open surgery, during which the complete removal of the affected area of the vessel is carried out.
Extracorporeal methods of treatment involve changing the composition of the patient’s blood with the help of specialized devices outside the human body.
A reasonable approach to lifestyle and timely seeking medical help will help defeat stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries!