Atherosclerosis

Description

Atherosclerosis is an accumulation of material (plaque) inside blood vessels that leads to the narrowing of blood vessels. The consequence of this narrowing is reduced blood supply to vital organs. If blood flow is considerably decreased or completely blocked, organs, that are supplied with blood, may be seriously damaged (heart attack, stroke, etc.). There are many risk factors for developing of atherosclerosis. They include diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, inactivity, genetic risk factor or obesity.

Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms until blood vessels are significantly narrowed. When this narrowing becomes sufficient reason for the appearance of the symptoms, they depend on the localization of narrowed vessel and level of narrowing. Symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of vision, numbness, weakness, the problem with moving/speech, abdominal pain, pain in leg and change of skin color.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Analysis of cholesterol in the blood and other analysis are usually done in patients with the risk factor. Depending on the symptoms, additional blood analysis, and imaging procedures might be performed.

Tests

Carotid ultrasound, complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, lipid status, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and vascular ultrasound.

Additional analyses

Analysis of cholesterol (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol), endurance test, CT scan of the heart.

Specialists

Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, General Practice, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery

Therapy

There is no remedy for atherosclerosis, but it has been shown that the therapy slows down, and perhaps stops progressing of disease. Also, practice has shown that the change of lifestyle, such as quit smoking, exercising and healthy habits in alimentation, can be efficient. Persons, who always have a high level of cholesterol in the blood, should use medicines for a decrease of cholesterol level. If symptoms of stroke or heart attack are developed, it should urgently look for medical assistance.