Atherosclerosis

 

Atherosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of the arteries — the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or even death.

Causes

Atherosclerosis develops when cholesterol, fats, and other substances accumulate in the artery walls. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it usually begins in childhood and worsens with age. Factors such as poor diet, smoking, and high cholesterol levels accelerate its progression.

Symptoms

In early stages, atherosclerosis often shows no symptoms. As the arteries narrow, symptoms appear depending on the affected area:

• Heart (Coronary Arteries): Chest pain (angina), fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

• Legs (Peripheral Arteries): Pain, heaviness, or cramps while walking that improve with rest.

• Brain (Carotid Arteries): Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, memory problems, or blurred vision.

• Kidneys: High blood pressure or kidney failure.

• Intestines: Severe abdominal pain after eating, weight loss, or diarrhea.

Risk Factors

• Aging

• Family history of heart disease

• High cholesterol levels

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Lack of physical activity

• Unhealthy diet

• Obesity

• Smoking

Complications

Untreated atherosclerosis can lead to:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Kidney disease

• Organ damage

• Death

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to slow down or stop plaque buildup and prevent complications:

1. Lifestyle changes:

   • Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes of walking, 3 times per week).

   • Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

   • Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking.

2. Medications:

   • Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins).

   • Blood pressure or diabetes medications, as prescribed by a doctor.

3. Medical procedures:

   • In severe cases, surgery or stent placement may be required to restore blood flow.

Prevention

• Eat foods low in sodium and unhealthy fats.

• Exercise daily to improve circulation.

• Take prescribed medications as directed.

• Manage stress and get 7–8 hours of sleep per night.

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

• Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Tips for Patients

• Follow your treatment plan carefully.

• Do not skip or change medication doses without consulting your doctor.

• Ask your doctor about foods or supplements to avoid.

• Schedule regular checkups for cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.