The term “atherosclerosis” comes from the Greek words athero (meaning glue or paste) and sclerosis (hardness). It involves
deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances in the lining of an artery; this build up is called
plaque. This is to be distinguished from arteriosclerosis, which is a general term for thickening and hardening of the arteries. Some hardening of the
arteries normally occur, as people grow older. With the development of plaque and arteriosclerosis, these may partially or totally block the blood flow through an artery.
Two things that can happen where these plaques occur are:
- There may be bleeding into the plaque causing acute occlusion of the artery.
- Or the plaque may rupture and a blood clot or thrombosis forms on the plaque surface. If either of these occur and blocks the entire artery
depending which artery is effected, it may result in a heart attack, stroke or decrease blood flow to the legs.
Atherosclerosis affects mainly large and medium size arteries. The type of artery in where the plaque develops varies with each person.
Atherosclerosis is a slow progressive disease that starts in childhood, in some people this disease progresses rapidly and they
will present with present with symptoms in their third decade. In others it does not become threatening until they are in their fifties or sixties.
Atherosclerosis is a complicated process. Exactly how atherosis begins or what causes it is not known, but many theories have
been proposed. Scientist feel that atherosclerosis begins because the inner most layer of the artery has become damaged, this layer is called the endothelium.
Three possible causes of the damage are:
- Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- High Blood Pressure
- Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke worsens and speeds the growth of atherosclerosis in heart arteries and in the aorta and arteries in the legs. Because of
this damage over time fats and cholesterol and calcium are deposited into the artery wall. These substances stimulate the injured artery to produce
other substances that result in further accumulation in the wall of the artery. At the same time fats builds within and around these cells. Obviously these
symptoms produced by atherosclerosis depend upon the particular artery affected. For instance a diseased carotid artery leading to the brain can cause temporary
or permanent stroke.
A coronary artery that fails to send enough blood to
the heart muscle causes chest pain (angina pectoris). As the blockage increases
it can lead to heart attack (myocardial infarction). A blocked renal artery,
leading to the kidney can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Atherosclerosis
in the mesenteric artery leading to the bowel can cause abdominal pain, weight
loss, or bowel death. Blockage in the artery supplying the legs with blood
can cause muscle discomfort after walking (claudication) this discomfort
can be tightness or aching in the calves, thighs or buttocks usually relieved
by rest. As the blockage in the leg increases, it may cause pain at rest
or can lead to ulcers or even gangrene.
Currently there are no medicines available that cure the
disease. However there are many medicines that can be used to control the
risk factors for atherosclerosis. These include medicines used to control
diabetes and hypertension. Medicines that may help to stop smoking and medicines
to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have atherosclerosis
you can take steps to improve it. If you smoke, stop, get regular exercise,
lose weight and keep a close check on blood cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. If you suffer from diabetes and or high blood pressure, pay strict
attention to your treatment programs and take your medications regularly.
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