Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which plaque, small deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium accumulate on the artery walls causing restriction of blood flow in the heart as well as throughout the body. If left untreated, the plaques may rupture leading to blood clots and other serious conditions. Fortunately, there are several existing treatments for arteriosclerosis.
Medication
There several drugs that can help slow the progression of arteriosclerosis, while some also help in reversing the damage already incurred. Aspirin medications prevent blood platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots in arteries containing plaque buildup. Cholesterol lowering medications aimed at lowering LDL--bad--cholesterol levels have also been shown to reduce the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, according to MayoClinic.com. Medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics help lower blood pressure, which lowers the risk of developing arteriosclerosis.
Angioplasty
An angioplasty is a surgical procedure used to widen narrowed blood vessels clogged by plaque. It is usually performed on peripheral arteries, which are found outside the heart, to restore blood flow to the blocked arteries and ultimately the heart tissue. This can reduce the risk of a heart attack and prevent cardiac tissue from dying. During the procedure, a catheter with a small, deflated balloon attached to the end, is inserted into the damaged artery. Usually the balloon catheter is covered by a stent, a mesh tube that attaches to the inner wall of the artery. When the balloon is properly positioned, it is expanded to open the artery and increase blood flow. The stent provides a structural framework to prevent the artery wall from narrowing again. Serious complications are unusual, but bruising and bleeding may occur with an increased chance of a blot clot in the stented area.
Endarterectomy
An endarterectomy is the surgical removal of plaque from arteries. In this procedure, a small incision is made to grant access to the artery. Then, a shunt is placed above and below the blocked area to temporarily reroute blood flow while the surgeon removes the plaque. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. Endarterectomy risks are very low, and surgery is usually successful, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bypass Surgery
As the name suggests, bypass surgery is a procedure in which the region of the blocked artery is bypassed, allowing the blood to flow around the plaque to increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart. A surgeon may use a synthetic tube for the bypass or take a healthy vessel from another part of the body to circumvent the blocked artery. Several plaques may need to be bypassed, creating the need for a multiple-bypass surgery.
