What is it
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the medium and large caliber arteries.
It is characterized by the presence of fatty deposits (plaques or atheromas) in the inner walls of the arteries which, with the passage of time, increase in volume, reducing their elasticity and hindering blood flow.
How widespread is it
Atherosclerosis is the most common vascular disease in the world, especially in industrialized countries, where it is a health problem of primary importance.
In general, it is more of interest to the elderly after the age of 65, but plaques begin to form already at a young age and the age at greatest risk is around 50 years.
Causes
The accumulation of fats in the arterial walls is the main cause of atherosclerosis and is typically cholesterol and triglyceride plaques.
There are factors that can favor the onset of atherosclerosis such as sedentary lifestyle and excess fat in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) which can be caused by a hereditary defect (familial hypercholesterolemia) of fat disposal, or by a diet too rich in fats of animal origin.
The following table shows the reference values for cholesterol (which in any case must always be interpreted for the individual patient in the light of any other risk factors) and triglycerides, expressed in mg per dL of plasma:
| Desirable values | Moderate risk values | High risk values | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | < 200 | 200-239 | > 240 |
| LDL cholesterol | < 130 | 139-159 | > 160 |
| HDL cholesterol | Men > 39
Women > 45 |
Men 35- 39
Women 40-45 |
Men < 35
Women < 40 |
| Triglycerides | < 200 | 200-400 | > 400 |
Other risk factors are: smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Atherosclerosis may not give symptoms for a long time.
Suddenly, however, when the affected artery is completely or almost completely obstructed by plaques, it can manifest itself in the form of: cardiac infarction (coronary arteries), angina pectoris (partially obstructed coronary arteries), or cerebral stroke (clogged cerebral arteries).
Diagnosis often occurs randomly, precisely during an acute manifestation (heart attack and stroke).
The electrocardiogram and blood tests are sufficient to make the diagnosis, to deepen there are then instrumental examinations that measure arterial flow.
Complications
The main and most dangerous consequences of atherosclerosis are heart attack and stroke.
The presence of plaques caused by hypercholesterolemia increases cardiovascular risk, i.e. the probability of developing a thrombus inside a blood vessel with consequent obstruction of the same.
Care
Drugs to combat the formation and development of plaques are different and are called lipid-lowering agents.
Currently the most used class of drugs is that of statins that act by lowering blood levels, both cholesterol and triglycerides. These medications should always be prescribed by a doctor.
Lifestyles and nutrition can also help reduce cardiovascular risk.
The diet must be low in animal fats (red meats, butter, lard, cold cuts and sausages) and rich in vegetables, cereals and fruit. Weight must be kept under constant control.
Regular exercise, adopting a controlled diet, and abstaining from smoking are also fundamental rules for the prevention of complications of atherosclerosis.
When to consult your doctor
Even in full well-being, if in the family there have been, or there are, relatives with cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, stroke, angina pectoris or heart attack, it is good that the direct relatives (children) of the person already affected, consult the doctor to keep under control the values of fats in the blood, weight and blood pressure, especially when you arrive around 50 years.
In case of familial hypercholesterolemia it is good to keep under control from a young age, possibly before complications arrive.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.