1. It's a Heartbreaker
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of the arteries become clogged with plaque, which leads to coronary artery disease. High blood pressure increases the risk as it puts additional stress on the walls of the arteries. These narrowing arteries restrict blood flow and oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body.
2. Pain in the Heart
When the flow of blood in the arteries becomes too restricted, pain is felt. Sometimes a patient may first feel chest pain when they're exerting themselves, and it goes away when they rest. A heart attack can occur if a piece of the plaque that's clogging the arteries breaks off, and lodges in one of the arteries to the heart. Sometimes the first symptom is chest pain or a full-blown heart attack. However, if the artery is going to the brain, you may feel dizzy or confused, or display other stroke symptoms. If it's going to your leg, you may feel numbness or pain. If you are feeling any odd symptoms, even sporadically, see your doctor as soon as possible.
3. Testing, Testing
Diagnostic tests are used to determine the level of the thickness in the walls of the arteries and if any blockages are present. An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart and can tell if you've had or are currently having a heart attack. Exercise stress tests are usually done on a treadmill in conjunction with an EKG to measure your heart while under physical exertion. An echocardiogram is a two-dimensional ultrasound used to check the size of the chambers of the heart, if the walls of the arteries are thickening and to observe how the blood is flowing within the heart.
4. Saved by a Balloon
Surgical procedures can be done to open clogged arteries. An angiogram is an X-ray that's taken to see how badly the arteries are blocked. A catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel, either in the groin or arm, and is threaded into the coronary artery. Dye is then injected, and an X-ray taken. Sometimes an angioplasty is done at the same time, where a balloon is inserted to widen the artery. A stent may also be inserted along with an angioplasty, which is a small mesh tube designed to keep the artery open.
5. Fend Off An Attack
Some risk factors of atherosclerosis aren't within your control, such as genetics, age and diabetes. But even if you have some of these risk factors, you aren't destined to develop atherosclerosis. With proper lifestyle changes, atherosclerosis can be managed or prevented. Smoking is a big risk factor for atherosclerosis, so take steps to quit, permanently. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Even if you've already had a heart attack, this will help you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control and minimize further build up of plaque in the arteries.
