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 AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries" happens to everyone as we age. However, for some the process is more rapid than for others, and these people should discuss treatment options with their health care providers. Atherosclerosis is an aging process, which occurs with the constant passage of blood through the arteries. Fatty material containing cholesterol or calcium is deposited on the innermost layer of the artery. The result is a narrowing of the diameter of the blood vessel, similar to rust accumulating on the inside of a water pipe. If a blood clot gets stuck in the narrowed artery, the clot could block blood flow to an entire portion of the body. Atherosclerosis can also cause weakening of the artery wall, which then begins to bulge. This bulge is called an aneurysm and can cause problems. If it ruptures, blood can leak out. Or, it can lead to a blood clot that can cause further damage. The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected. Atherosclerosis in blood vessels in the neck can lead to temporary or permanent strokes. Disease of the arteries around the heart can lead to angina or chest pain, or even heart attack. Disease around the kidney can cause high blood pressure, and disease around the intestines can cause severe pain, weight loss, or even death of portions of the intestine. Blockage in the arteries supplying the legs can cause "claudication," which is signaled by discomfort after walking, such as tightness or aching in the calves, thighs, or buttocks. Your doctor can diagnose problems in arteries with a good physical exam, by feeling the pulses in your body, listening to the noise made in the artery with a stethoscope, and with special x-ray studies. Factors that are known to make atherosclerosis progress faster include a strong family history of vascular disease, high levels of fat in the blood (high cholesterol, high serum triglycerides), smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Treatment for atherosclerosis begins with preventive measures such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, weight loss, lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels with diet, and good control of diabetes and high blood pressure, by taking medications regularly. However, surgery may be needed on specific diseased arteries, to help prevent stroke or heart attack. Surgical approaches include repairing a blocked artery, bypassing it, or replacing it. If you are concerned about atherosclerosis, work with your doctor on ways to improve your lifestyle to help slow the progression of this normal aging process. |