Atherosclerosis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a disease where the large and medium- sized arteries get hardened and blocked up. This happens because a hard, sticky substance called a atherosclerotic plaque forms on the arteries.
Source: www.hearthealth.natureflower.com
Cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup of cholesterol is called plaque. Over time, the plaque can build up so much that the arteries become narrower. This is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. It can slow down or block the flow of blood to your heart.
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Atherosclerosis, often described as a hardening of the arteries, occurs when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, the walls of arteries thicken, and deposits of fat and plaque build up, causing narrowing (or even blockage) of the arteries. coronary artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis. In coronary artery disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become severely narrowed, decreasing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart -- especially during times of increased activity. ...
Source: www.webmd.com
Atherosclerosis is a condition where a waxy substance forms inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart. This substance, called plaque, is made of cholesterol, fatty compounds, calcium, and fibrin (a blood-clotting material). Scientists think atherosclerosis begins when the very inner lining of the artery (the endothelium) is damaged. High blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, fat, and triglycerides in the blood, and smoking are believed to lead to the development of plaque. ...
Source: texasheart.org
It is a disease cause by the accumulation of plaque that thickens and hardens in the vessel wall of large and small arteries.
Source: www.vascularconcepts.net
Is atherosclerosis treatable?
Yes, the atherosclerotic process can be slowed, stabilized and actually reversed to some degree through aggressive lifestyle modifications and/or through medication therapies under the guidance of your physician. Our aim is to identify those individuals with coronary atherosclerosis early,
before a heart attack , so that they may become active participants in halting the progression of this disease process. By identifying atherosclerosis early, we hope to prevent the onset of symptoms and/or a sudden coronary event.
Source: www.columbusmedical.org
Is atherosclerosis dangerous?
Yes! As the disease progresses, it can completely clog arteries, cutting off blood flow. This is especially dangerous in arteries near the brain, the heart or other vital organs. Completely or nearly blocked blood flow to the heart can lead to a heart attack and kill muscle cells in the heart. The result is permanent heart damage. Plaque may also break loose suddenly and travel through the bloodstream to your brain or heart, causing a stroke or a heart attack .
Source: www.prevention.com
What is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)?
Atherosclerosis is the gradual build-up of deposits under the inner lining of the artery walls. It is a slow, progressive disease which may start early in life. Page updated on Tuesday, 13 March 2007
Source: www.nhf.org.nz
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is caused by a combination of many genetic and environmental factors that determine abnormalities in the lipid components of the blood and the internal structure of the arteries. The risk factors involved in the onset of atherosclerosis include hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids, or fat-carrying proteins commonly known as cholesterol, in the blood), which is the principal cause; high blood pressure; smoking; diabetes; sedentary lifestyle; stress and obesity.
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Scientists think the disease starts when the very inner lining of the artery (the endothelium) is damaged. High blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and smoking are believed to lead to the
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How can atherosclerosis be prevented?
Atherosclerosis can be prevented by following a healthy, low-fat diet, keeping hypertension and weight under control, managing diabetes, fighting stress and depression, taking up regular physical activity, and finding out if other family members have cardiovascular diseases.
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Why is atherosclerosis bad for you?
A plaque may partially or totally block the blood flow through an artery. If an artery is blocked in the heart, a heart attack may result. If blockage occurs in the brain, a stroke may result. Atherosclerosis in other arteries may lead to blood clots that can also travel to the heart or brain.
Source: www.hearthealth.natureflower.com
Is ED like atherosclerosis?
It has been claimed by some that ED could be considered to be atherosclerosis of the penis. Atherosclerosis is the "furring up" of arteries and small blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow. Doppler flow studies show that this can occur in the penis and in the blood vessels that supply it.
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Which arteries are affected by atherosclerosis?
Any large artery but most commonly the coronary arteries in the heart, the carotid arteries to the brain, and the aorta or femoral arteries to the legs.
Source: www.wavascularcentre.com.au
Who treats intracranial atherosclerosis?
Prevention and medical management are usually handled by physicians such as neurologists (specialists in conditions affecting the nervous system), internists, or cardiologists (specialists in cardiovascular diseases). If angioplasty (with or without stenting) is indicated, several types of physicians may be able to provide this treatment. ...
Source: www.strokeregistry.org
How is intracranial atherosclerosis diagnosed?
A stenosis in an artery in the head is usually discovered when it becomes severe enough to cause symptoms, or when there is more than one stenosis and another stenosis causes symptoms. Tests that are sometimes used to identify these stenoses include special forms of computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans called CT and MR angiography. Whereas these tests focus on the blood vessels, most of these stenoses are identified by an angiogram. ...
Source: www.strokeregistry.org
What are the risk factors of atherosclerosis?
The traditional risk factors which include, age (over 60), family member with early (before 60) heart disease, high cholesterol, stress, a known cholesterol or lipid disorder, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking are often treated erratically. Newer diagnostic tests measure a variety of risk factors that are reversible and treatable. ...
Source: newportlongevity.net
The traditional risk factors which include, age (over 60), family member with early (before 60) heart disease, high cholesterol, stress, a known cholesterol or lipid disorder, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking are often treated erratically. Newer diagnostic tests measure a variety of risk factors that are reversible and treatable. ...
Source: newportlongevity.net
How does atherosclerosis develop?
The process begins like a cancer growing on the wall of the artery and progresses over the lifetime of the individual. Small, tumor-like structures called plaque begin growing in childhood and eventually grow together, forming thick scars and accumulating calcium. Atherosclerotic plaque growth gradually narrows the opening of the artery, diminishing blood flow when the vessel is narrowed by more than 50%. Once symptoms such as chest pain develop, there is a 90% chance that complications will occur. ...
Source: newportlongevity.net
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
Atherosclerosis is easy to diagnose after an event such as stroke, heart attack, or an aneurysm occurs, but by that time, permanent damage is likely. Fortunately, technologically advanced CT scans can define the location and level of narrowing in the coronary arteries as well as differentiate between stable (calcified) plaque and unstable (soft) plaque. Dangerous soft plaque is detected without invasive procedures and can often be reversed by aggressive management and treatment of risk factors.
Source: newportlongevity.net
What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a general term meaning the arterial walls are thickened and stiff. Arteriosclerosis can occur as a part of the aging process and can refer to many various vascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is a more specific term describing plaque deposits within the artery wall that leads to blockages of arteries. The word "atherosclerosis" comes from the Greek words "athero" (gruel or paste) and "sclerosis" (hardness).
Source: www.vdf.org
Does everyone suffer from atherosclerosis as they age?
The prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis increases with age, and is about 50% in the 50 year old population. An Electron Beam CT scan can both detect and measure the extent of coronary calcification, and can identify those people at greatest risk of a heart attack. However, it should be noted that there are many people between 50 and 70
who have no coronary calcium whatsoever, which means that they have a very low risk
of having obstructive Coronary Artery Disease or heart attacks.
Source: www.heartscan.com.my
What is atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease?
Atherosclerosis is the name for the cholesterol plaque buildup inside your coronary arteries. The presence of atherosclerosis in your coronary arteries means the presence of Coronary Artery Disease. The greater the amount of plaque build up, the higher would be the risk of a heart attack because most heart attacks are due to plaque rupture or ulceration. When atherosclerosis advances to a stage where the blockage prevents normal blood flow to the heart muscle, it is called
obstructive Coronary Artery Disease .
Source: www.heartscan.com.my
What causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)?
It is unknown exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it. Some scientists think that certain risk factors may be associated with atherosclerosis, including: elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, type 1 diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Source: heartrecoverytoolkit.com
It is unknown exactly how atherosclerosis begins or what causes it. Some scientists think that certain risk factors may be associated with atherosclerosis, including: elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, type 1 diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. < For more information on atherosclerosis
Source: www.georgetownhospitalsystem.org
What are the major risk factors for atherosclerosis?
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, alcohol, stress, age, gender, family history.
Source: www.hearthealth.natureflower.com
Is atherosclerosis the same as Coronary Artery Disease?
When we talk about either atherosclerosis or Coronary Artery Disease, we're speaking of the same disease process - the accumulation of plaque within the coronary arteries. Many cardiologists however make the distinction that Coronary Artery Disease occurs when atherosclerosis has advanced so far that it has affected coronary blood flow and/or the function of your heart.
Source: www.heartcheckamerica.com
How does ultrasound diagnose atherosclerosis?
The Ultrasonographer looks at the wall for reflective patches of fibrosed or calcified artery, determines whether there is blood flow in each section, and measures the speed of flow which increases as the artery narrows. Varicose veins
Source: www.wavascularcentre.com.au
Which arteries are most at risk for atherosclerosis?
Although atherosclerosis can affect medium and large arteries anywhere in your body, those going to your brain (carotid), heart (coronary) and legs (femoral or iliac) are most at risk.
Source: www.prevention.com
How quickly does atherosclerosis occur?
While atherosclerosis typically progresses gradually—sometimes even starting in childhood—you are most at risk when arterial blockage builds up quickly, completely closing off an entire artery. This can happen if plaque ruptures and a clot forms.
Source: www.prevention.com
