ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
I. Definition / Background
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening,
hardening and loss of elasticity of the
walls of arteries. This process gradually
restricts the blood flow to one's organs
and tissues and can lead to severe
health risks brought on by
atherosclerosis, which is a specific form
of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup
of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and some
other substances in and on the artery
walls.
II. Causes
The damage may be caused by:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High triglycerides- a type of fat
(lipid) in your blood
Smoking and other sources of
tobacco
Insulin resistance obesity or
diabetes
Inflammation from diseases, such
as arthritis, lupus or infections, or
inflammation of unknown cause.
III. Signs & Symptoms
sudden weakness
facial or lower limbs numbness
confusion
difficulty understanding speech
and problems seeing.
IV. Treatment
There are various types of surgery:
Angioplasty and stent placement:
A catheter is first inserted into the
blocked/narrowed part of your
artery, followed by a second one
with a deflated balloon which is
passed through the catheter into
the narrowed area. The balloon is
then inflated, pushing the
deposits back against the arterial
walls, and then a mesh tube is
usually left behind to prevent the
artery from retightening.
Coronary artery bypass surgery:
This surgery creates a new
pathway for blood to flow to the
heart. Taking a healthy piece of
vein, the surgeon attaches it to
the coronary artery, just above
and below the blockage to allow
bypass.
Endarterectomy: This is the
general procedure for the surgical
removal of plaque from the artery
that has become narrowed, or
blocked.
Thrombolytic therapy: is a
treatment used to break up
masses of plaque inside the
arteries via intravenous clot-
dissolving medicine.
V. Prevention
Provide a proper diet
Make physical exercise
Managing stress
Using natural herbal remedies
for arteriosclerosis