Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are sometimes said interchangeably but in actual fact, atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis. The latter term is used to describe the hardening of the arteries over time when healthy arteries are supposed to be flexible, elastic and strong. When the arteries become thick and stiff, there restrict the blood flow causing damage to the organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis has the same end result as other forms of the condition but this one is caused specifically by fats being built up along the walls of the arteries. The fat deposits along the walls are called plaques. When they build up a certain extent, they burst causing blot clots which in effect also cause problems with other arteries and leads to heart problems.
The usual beginning of this condition is when the lining of the arteries become damaged sometimes by free radicals. This injury attracts monocytes and platelets which form a clot to heal the damage but also cause plaque to form. Fat and cholesterol start to collect in those areas. Those at risk for this include those who smoke, those who have high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure. Diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also risk factors.
These conditions are often referred to as the silent killers because there are no symptoms of it until the person has experienced a severe heart attack or stroke. Elevated cholesterol levels and angina may be signs of this problem.
When performing a routine medical checkup, a doctor may notice a weakened pulse in the area after the narrowed part of the artery or decreased blood pressure in the affected area. There may also be a whooshing sound when the doctor listens to the patient with a stethoscope. An aneurism may be spotted in the abdomen or behind the knee. There also may be a slowness of healing for any wounds in the area.
Tests that may help to diagnose this condition include blood tests, a Doppler ultrasound, the ankle-brachial index, the electrocardiogram, angiogram, a computerized tomography or a magnetic resonance angiogram.
Once diagnosed with atherosclerosis, there are treatment routines to follow according to the patient and how severe the problem is. These may slow the progress or even reverse the effects. Cholesterol medications are given to reduce the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries to start the blood flowing properly again. Anti-platelet medications such as Aspirin may be given or anti-coagulants may also be given to keep the blood thin or stop from clumping. Medications to help regulate the blood pressure are also prescribed as well as others.
For those with advanced forms of this condition sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as angioplasty or endarterectomy are completed. Thrombolytic therapy and bypass surgeries are also performed on various patients suffering from severe atherosclerosis.
To prevent this from happening either the first time or anytime, there are ways that a person can alter their lifestyle. Managing stress levels, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking are four main components. Drinking less alcohol also is a method of prevention.
