Fats and cholesterol, carried in the bloodstream, build up within the arterial walls, forming hardened, calcified plaque. Arterial hardening, also called atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis, is a condition that predisposes individuals to serious medical conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
Cause
Over time, ingested fats, cholesterol, calcium, fibrin and cellular wastes build-up within the arteries and harden. The arterial passageway narrows, decreasing blood-flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Pieces of plaque can dislodge and cause a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism. Lack of oxygen supply to the tissues can cause heart attack or gangrene.
Risk Factors
Lifestyle choices and disease conditions predispose a person to arterial plaque formation and include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, a high saturated fat diet, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol level and type 2 diabetes, notes the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Signs and Symptoms
Arterial plaque develops insidiously; therefore, the health effects are not noticed until the blood supply is highly compromised and oxygen delivery is impeded. The condition typically goes unnoticed until a serious complication such as heart attack or stroke arises.
Diagnosis
The deposition of arterial plaque can be measured using the following diagnostic tools: CT scan, arteriography, carotid duplex, cardiac stress test, ultrasound, magnetic resonance arteriography, angiography or a Doppler study. A physician may also use a stethoscope to listen to the flow of blood in the arteries; blood flow impeded by plaque may sound like a whooshing or blowing sound, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Everyone gradually forms plaque within the arteries; however, with a healthy diet and lifestyle the accumulation of plaque can be minimized. Treatment for arterial plaque generally focuses on prevention of its development. Physicians recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise; the avoidance of a high fat diet and excessive alcohol consumption; and maintenance of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Medications are used such as antihypertensives to decrease blood pressure; anticoagulants, or blood thinners, to lessen clot formation; antihyperlipidemics to decrease cholesterol levels; and antiplatelet medications to prevent blood cells from sticking together. Surgical intervention to open up hardened arteries is recommended for severe cases.
