Symptoms,Causes And Treatment Of Atherosclerosis According To The Understanding Of The Doctor

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing and thickening of arteries due to plaque buildup on artery walls. Plaque buildup occurs when the cell layer on the inner wall of the artery (endothelium) which is in charge of keeping the smooth flow of blood damaged.

The plaque that causes atherosclerosis consisting of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and fibrin (a substance in the blood). The plaque can be carried by the bloodstream to cause a blockage, or forming a blood clot on the surface of the plaque. This causes the circulation of blood and oxygen from the arteries to the body organs is hampered.

Although classed as a disorder of the heart, atherosclerosis can actually occur in the arteries in any part of the body, like the brain, kidneys, or legs, as well as can trigger health problems in these parts.

The occurrence of atherosclerosis can be started since childhood and continue to grow slowly. Symptoms harm appeared when the age of the patients reach 50 or 60 years. Nevertheless, this disease can be avoided and coped with lifestyle changes,

The Symptoms Of Atherosclerosis

The symptoms of atherosclerosis will be felt when the artery is very narrowed and hinder the circulation of blood towards the tissue or organs of the body. The symptoms appear depending on the location of the occurrence of ateriosklerosis, in which:

• Atherosclerosis of the hands and legs; causing pain when walking (claudication).
• Atherosclerosis in the kidneys; causes renal failure and high blood pressure.
• Atherosclerosis of the heart; causes of chest pain (angina).
•  Aerosklerosis on the brain; resulting in hands and feet weak or stiff, difficulty talking, facial muscle weakness, or loss of vision temporarily in one eye.

The Cause Of Atherosclerosis

The exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, but the disease begins when damage occurs or injury to the inner lining of arteries (endothelium). Such damage can be caused by:

• The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and high blood pressure.
• Diabetes or insulin resistant.
• Diseases that cause inflammation, such as arthritis, infection, or lupus.
•  The habit of smoking.
• Obesity.

In addition to the above causes, a person who has a family member with a history of atherosclerosis is also thought high-risk for suffering from the same disease.

Analysis of Atherosclerosis

prognosis can be preceded by a physical examination. The occurrence of circulatory disorders can be characterized by a pulse that is weak, low blood pressure in the limbs are impaired, as well as wound healing. The results of the physical examination that need to be strengthened with some further inspection that includes:

1. A blood test, to see cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
2.  Comparison of the blood pressure of the legs and arms, in order to check the blockage of the arteries in the hands and feet.
3. An electrocardiogram (ECG), to check the activity of the heart that can show evidence of previous heart attack.
4. Doppler ULTRASOUND, to see the presence of clogging of the arteries with sound waves.
5. pressure take a look at or examination of the treadmill, to check the electrical activity of the heart and blood pressure when performing physical activities.
6. Scanning, including magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and CT scan to check the condition of the arteries.
7.  Angiogram and catheterization of the heart, namely the examination of the condition of the coronary arteries with injected contrast agent (dye) to the arteries so it can be seen through the photos R

The Treatment Of Atherosclerosis

Handlers atherosclerosis can be done through three things, namely lifestyle changes, medicines, as well as operating procedures.

Lifestyle changes day-to-day is the main thing that needs to be done. The patient is recommended for more frequent exercise in order to improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, as well as reduce the consumption of foods with levels of fat and high cholesterol.

In addition to lifestyle changes, medication is also important to prevent atherosclerosis worse. Among them are:

1. The drug for prevention of blood clots that inhibits the arteries. Drugs that may be administered are antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, such as aspirin.
2. Blood pressure-lowering drugs. Drugs that may be given is a beta blocker (beta blockers), calcium channel inhibitors (calcium channel blockers), and diuretics to increase the rate of urine
3. Drugs lowering the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), such as for example statins and acid fibrates.
4.  The drug inhibiting the enzyme angiostensin (ACE inhibitors). This drug can relieve the development of atherosclerosis by lowering blood pressure and prevent narrowing of the arteries.
5. Other medications to control medical conditions that cause the occurrence of atherosclerosis, for example the diabetes drug.

In the case of atherosclerosis is severe, surgery procedures need to be implemented. Among them are:

1.  Surgery skip, to overcome the blockage or narrowing of the arteries. This operation is carried out with the how to bypass blocked blood vessels using blood vessels from other parts of the body or hose made from synthetic materials to keep blood flowing.
2. Fibrinolytic therapy to cope with the clogging of arteries due to blood clots.
3. The mounting tube (stent) and angioplasty. The purpose of the procedure is the same with the operation of the skip, which is to overcome the narrowing or blockage of the arteries. In this procedure, doctors will attach the two pieces of the catheter and the tube is small so that the artery remains open.
4.  Endarterektomi to dispose of fat deposits on artery walls that narrows.
5. Arterektomi to dispose of the plaque and artery.

Complications Of Atherosclerosis

Complications that can occur due to atherosclerosis is:

1. Ischemic attack momentarily (mild stroke/TIA) and stroke, when atherosclerosis occurs in arteries that are close to the organs of the brain.
2. Gangrene (dead tissue), when atherosclerosis occurs on the hands and feet resulting in impaired blood circulation.
3. Chronic kidney disease when atherosclerosis occurs in the arteries leading to the kidneys.
4.  An aneurysm or widening of the blood vessels in the walls of the arteries.
5. Heart attack, heart failure, and angina, when atherosclerosis occurs in the arteries of the heart.

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