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Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the blood vessels where lipids and cellular debris are deposited on the inner walls of medium and large arteries. As a result, the artery walls become thicker than normal, lose their elasticity and may become obstructed.
About
The arteries play a vital function in the human body, supplying blood to the organs and tissues of the body. Atherosclerosis begins when the cells lining the arteries are damaged. Small deposits containing a mixture of cholesterol, fatty cells and tissue (called plaques), cling to the damaged walls of the arteries. This can cause the arteries to become hard and brittle and lose their elasticity. Eventually the plaque will become calcified in that area. In some cases a piece of the plaque may break off and enter the circulating bloodstream, causing an embolism. Eventually the artery will become completely blocked and the blood flow will be insufficient. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke in people aged over 65 years. Other risk factors for Atherosclerosis include being male and having a family history of the condition. Lack of physical exercise is also thought to play a role.
Cause
Atherosclerosis may be related to any of the following causes.
1) Hypertension.
2) Abnormal Cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol can increase plaque formation.
3) Smoking. Smoking causes the blood pressure to increase and irritates the walls of the arteries.
4) Diabetes. Insulin resistance interferes with the metabolism of lipids in the liver, causing a potential increase in plaque formation.
5) Obesity. Obesity usually results in insulin resistance, which can cause plaque formation.
6) Elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid (protein) in the blood. Elevated levels weaken the arterial wall and increase the risk of cell damage.
7) Infections. Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and other infections may cause inflammation of the blood vessels and lead to Atherosclerosis.
Health care
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat Atherosclerosis. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. Atherosclerosis is not usually noticed until symptoms of stroke or heart disease begin to appear. Therefore prevention of Atherosclerosis is best accomplished by addressing the underlying causes.
1) Always stay on the medications prescribed by your Doctor.
2) Keep within a healthy weight range.
3) Control any medical problems such as diabetes or hypertension.
4) Maintain a healthy diet.
5) Exercise for 30 minutes at least twice a week.
6) Quit smoking.
Vits/mins/herbs
- Vitamin C, taken in combination, may help to stabilise LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of plaque formation.,.
- Garlic is thought to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
- Folic Acid and vitamin B6 are used to treat elevated homocysteine levels.
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