The Disease of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a type of a generalized cardiovascular disease called arteriosclerosis that affects primarily the coronary arteries in the heart. It can also play a major role in the carotid arteries and arteries of the lower extremities. The term originates from the Greek terms athero (meaning paste) and sclerosis, or hardness. If atherosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, it can cause a heart attack. If it occurs in the carotid arteries, it can lead to a stroke. If atherosclerosis is present in the arteries of the lower extremities, it can cause peripheral artery disease (PAD) or claudication (cramping and/or muscle pain).
The Origination of Atherosclerosis
Although the body requires cholesterol to build cells, regulate fluids and produce hormones, it's capable of making all that it needs. Any extra cholesterol in the blood is usually consumed through the diet in the form of foods rich in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fats. Atherosclerosis begins fairly early in life, with indicators occurring as early as a person's 20s. Depending on her diet, lifestyle and exercise habits, atherosclerosis continues at various rates until it peaks in middle age.
What Determines Atherosclerosis Rates
Everyone, regardless of how well they eat or how much they exercise, begins to develop atherosclerosis at an early age. Whether or not that trend continues depends on a number of risk factors: high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking. All have been shown to increase the rate of atherosclerosis in men and women of all ages.
Acclerating Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis begins as a subtle accumulation of cholesterol on the inside of the arterial linings. Over time, it becomes thicker and hardens to the point where it can completely occlude blood flow to that region. Before that, hardened plaque can crack and hemorrhage, causing blood clotting that further narrows the internal diameter of the artery. Occasionally, hardened plaque can break off and cause a thrombosis that completely occludes blood flow to the affected area.
Treatments for Atherosclerosis
Although there is still some disagreement whether or not you can reverse atherosclerosis, you can arrest its development by eating a diet that's high in fresh fruit, vegetables, fiber, lean meats and low or non-fat dairy products. Other factors such as quitting smoking, getting daily exercise and taking prescribed medications can slow the atherosclerotic pace. Work with a family physician by getting a complete annual physical examination at least once a year that includes a health history questionnaire and a blood lipid profile.
