Atherosclerosis, (Vascular Thickening) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease due to the thickening of arterial wall.
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body.
Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood.
Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries.
This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke or even death.
Causes of atherosclerosis
1. Smoking
2. High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood
3. High blood pressure
4. High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes
Plaque may begin to build up where the arteries are damaged.
Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries.
Eventually an area of plaque can rupture (break open).
When this happens, blood cell fragments called platelets stick to the site of the injury.
They may clump together to form blood clots.
Clots narrow the arteries even more limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Depending on which arteries are affected, blood clots can worsen angina (chest pain) or cause a heart attack or stroke.
Treatments for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures or surgery.
The goals of treatment include:
a. Relieving symptoms
b. Reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaque
c. Lowering the risk of blood clots forming
d. Widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteries
Treatment is by:
1.Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercise, no smoking and alcohol or stress
2.Lowering lipids such as statiins and fibrates
3.Blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin
Surgeries and procedures for atherosclerosis are
1.Angioplasty, Stent placement,
2.Coronary Artery Bypass surgery,
3.Carotid artery surgery and Atherectomy

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Atherosclerosis
Chapter 2 Interesting Facts about Atherosclerosis
Chapter 3 Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Chapter 4 Hypertension
Chapter 5 Coronary Heart Disease
Chapter 6 Diabetes
Chapter 7 High Cholesterol
Epilogue

Ode To Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries
Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body
Plaque forms blood clots which can block blood flow
A heart attack or stroke may occur where the blood clot goes

Risk factors are from an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity,
Other factors are smoking, high cholesterol and obesity
High blood pressure, diabetes and older age all affect the heart
High C reactive protein, triglycerides, stress also play a part

There may be sudden chest pain, headache and problems breathing
There is also dizziness, trouble walking or speaking
There may be sudden weakness, numbness of the limbs or confusion
There may also be blurred vision and loss of balance or coordination

Treatment is by relieving symptoms and stop blot clots forming
If the arteries are already blocked, to bypass or do arterial widening
Making lifestyle changes often can help prevent or treat atherosclerosis
Taking medications to thin blood will prevent blood arterial thrombosis

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee