Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or atherosclerosis, is a serious condition that raises your risk of a heart attack and stroke. While your genes, age and nationality play a role in developing this disease, lifestyle changes can help you to prevent it or lessen its severity. This means learning all you can about what atherosclerotic disease is and what steps you need to take to lower your risk.
Identification
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is also called atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease. It refers to a condition where plaque builds up along your artery walls. The Stanford School of Medicine states that it is the leading cause of death in developed areas. As plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries, they become hard and narrow. This restricts the amount of blood that can get through the arteries. If severe enough, this reduction in blood flow can lead to a heart attack or stroke. While lifestyle choices play a large role in the severity of this condition, the Stanford School of Medicine suggest that more research is needed to understand the role that genetics plays in this condition.
Features
Atherosclerotic disease is caused by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, says the American Heart Association. High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking also play a role, as all three of these can cause physical damage to your arteries. The more damage there is to the arteries, the faster plaque can build up. The AHA says that this process begins in childhood and gets worse with age.
Another concern is that pieces of plaque can break off and form clots, which can block your arteries completely or partially. If either of the above reduces blood flow to the heart, your heart muscle may be starved for oxygen. This can cause cells in the heart to die, leading to a heart attack. If blood flow is reduced to the brain, you can have a stroke.
Considerations
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, atherosclerotic disease usually causes no symptoms, and there may be no warning signs until you have a heart attack or stroke. This is why heart disease is often called a "silent killer." The first step in identifying this condition is to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. If either is high, you and your doctor can talk about lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, along with medication, to help bring your levels down. Once your blood pressure reaches 120 to139 over 80 to 89, you are considered to have pre-high blood pressure or hypertension, which raises your risk. Once your total cholesterol level reaches over 200 mg/dL, you are more likely to develop atherosclerosis. During a routine physical, your doctor can listen to your heart to pick up any abnormal sounds or do scans to see if there are blockages in the arteries.
Significance
Managing atherosclerotic disease is important because "about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event," says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have a heart attack as a result of this condition, you may be susceptible to another one. Heart disease kills more women every year than all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Atherosclerosis is not just a concern for the elderly. Heart disease can be found in young adults and even children. Routine screening and making healthy choices can catch this condition and help you prevent having a heart attack or stroke.
Solution
Unless you have a severe blockage, the first step in treating atherosclerotic disease is making changes to your lifestyle. This means quitting smoking and losing weight, if necessary. You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on at least five days each week. Limiting your intake of cholesterol, triglycerides, fat and salt will be necessary. Managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes are also an essential part of your plan. Your doctor and physical therapist can help you to get started on a heart-healthy exercise program. A registered dietitian can show you how to improve your diet and lose weight safely while still consuming the foods you enjoy.
References
- Stanford School of Medicine: Introduction to ADVANCE
- American Heart Association: Atherosclerosis
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: February Is American Hearth Month
- American Heart Association: ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke and Heart Attack
