What are the main arteries of the head? Atherosclerosis of extracranial segments of the main arteries of the head. Hemodynamic prerequisites for BCA atherosclerosis and risk factors

Atherosclerosis magician is pathological condition, at which on the walls main arteries heads are layered cholesterol plaques, blood supply and oxygen supply to the brain are disrupted. The disease affects men after the age of 45, women - 55 years.

Lifestyle, poor nutrition affect health status. Reception large quantity fat, the deposition of lipid plaques in the body are the main reasons that lead to stenosis of the brain, coronary arteries, cerebral vessels, lower limbs and neck. Arteriosclerosis for a long time is asymptomatic. When internal strength is exhausted, typical symptoms of MAG appear:

Sudden onset of attacks of dizziness, squeezing headache. The intensity of the pain syndrome depends on the duration of the process, the level, degree of occlusion, and localization of the plaque.
Patients suffer from tinnitus and dizziness.
Memory progressively declines. A characteristic sign of the disease is a violation of short-term memory: words during a conversation, recent events are forgotten. Long-term memory is not affected at first.
Behavioral reactions change: depressive mood, tearfulness, and unmotivated anxiety appear. Patients become suspicious, demanding, irritable, and quickly get upset.
Violated night sleep. Patients cannot fall asleep for a long time and wake up in the middle of the night. Throughout the day they feel constant fatigue and drowsiness.
There is a change in gait and unsteadiness.
Speech becomes unclear and unclear. Patients forget the names of words.
Patients complain about dark spots appearing before open and closed eyes.
Hand tremors appear.

On late stages atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the brain leads to disruption mental activity. A person is not oriented in his own personality, his place of residence. The stage of decompensation requires outside care for the patient. He can no longer perform basic actions.

Kinds

Arteriosclerosis is divided into stenotic and non-stenotic.

Non-stenotic atherosclerosis is the initial stage of atherosclerotic lesions of the main arteries of the head. This diagnosis almost never occurs because changes in the intima of the vessel are minimal, and the vessel is not yet stenotic. The cholesterol plaque covers the lumen by less than 50%. The prognosis is favorable, a positive effect is observed from conservative therapy.

Stenosing occurs frequently, represents terminal stage diseases. The lumen of the main arteries of the head is closed by 50% or more. Requires intensive drug treatment surgery. Stenosing atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head often causes complications, death. There is damage to the cerebral and extracranial parts of the mag.

Localization Features

Cholesterol plaques affect various areas of the circulatory system. When the blood flow of a large vessel is blocked, the blood supply to all internal organs is disrupted.

Depending on the location, lesions of the main arteries are distinguished between intracranial and extracranial (extracranial):

Atherosclerosis of the brain. The disease appears when lipid complexes are deposited on the inner walls of the cerebral arteries. The patient feels a constant, pronounced headache, dizziness, memory loss, bad dream, apathy, is in a depressed mood. Pathology is divided into local and diffuse. The first occurs with pathology of one or more segments of the brain, frontal and parietal regions. Diffuse atherosclerotic lesion- a life-threatening condition continuously leads to disability. With this pathology, replacement occurs brain cells connective tissue. A computed tomogram reveals necrotic foci and vascular aneurysms.
Atherosclerosis of the extracranial segments of the main arteries is characterized by similar symptoms, which develop faster than with other forms of the disease.
Intracranial - manifests itself in periods transient disorder blood supply to the brain. In medicine, the pathological condition is called transient ischemic attack. Symptoms are similar to a stroke, but disappear within 24 hours. In such cases, consultation with a doctor is required.
Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries appears with simultaneous damage to paired large vessels of the head. The clinic is similar to other forms. When several large vessels are involved in the pathological process, the risk of ischemic stroke and death increases.
Atherosclerotic damage to the brachiocephalic arteries is accompanied by impaired blood supply to the cells of the brain and neck.
Cholesterol is also deposited on the blood vessels of the heart. Coronary leads to coronary heart disease, heart attack, cardiosclerosis, different forms angina pectoris, cardiac rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias, blockades). Complete blockage threatens heart failure. Against the background of coronary sclerosis occurs arterial hypertension, which often causes strokes.
The abdominal aorta suffers from the deposition of cholesterol plaques. The disease manifests itself as pain in epigastric region, feeling of fullness, belching, nausea. It is difficult to distinguish from other gastrointestinal diseases and requires instrumental diagnosis
Deposition of lipid complexes occurs on renal vessels. Signs of the disease include high blood pressure, dizziness, and changes in urine tests.
Atherosclerosis also affects the lower extremities. Patients feel pain increased fatigue when moving, swelling, coldness of the legs. A weak pulse is detected on the affected limb. Atherosclerosis of leg vessels - common reason thrombosis, embolism.

Testing methods for atherosclerosis include:

collection of anamnesis of the disease. Find out the causes, concomitant diseases, bad habits, timing;
measurement of blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate;
general clinical tests (blood, urine, glucose);
biochemical blood tests ( lipid spectrum, renal, liver complex) shows the level of cholesterol, its fractions, helps determine concomitant diseases;
ultrasonography assesses the condition of the carotid and vertebral arteries. The doctor determines the diameter of the vessels and the degree of their narrowing;
magnetic resonance and CT scan belongs to the most precise methods research. They help to recognize the structure arterial vessels head, neck, limbs. The resulting images show images in all projections, which makes it possible to identify the localization and extent of the pathology;
Angiography allows you to study the blood supply in the vascular system.

After the necessary diagnostic studies the doctor determines the treatment tactics. With conservative therapy, he prescribes medications for the disease (statins, anticoagulants). If the case requires surgical intervention, he advises the patient about the upcoming operation.

Possible complications and life prognosis

Poor circulation is dangerous to health. The brain doesn't receive required amount oxygen with the blood, oxygen starvation occurs, and ischemic areas appear. Complications of the disease have the following manifestations:

Stenosis threatens the inability to perform mental activity.
Stroke. Complete blockage causes hemorrhage. A similar situation occurs with high blood pressure. Against the background of a hypertensive crisis, the vessels become stenotic (compressed), and the arterial lumen sharply decreases.
Atrophy of brain tissue leads to mental disorders, dementia.
Aneurysms of the cerebral arteries often occur, which leads to rupture of the vessel walls.

The prognosis of the disease depends on the stage of atherosclerosis, the degree of narrowing, localization, and quantitative damage. In the initial stages, with timely treatment, the progression of the disease can be prevented. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations, change your lifestyle, and follow diet therapy. More late stages, the presence of severe cognitive disorders leads to disability of the patient.

In atherosclerosis, the main arteries are the first to become involved in the pathological process. Atherosclerosis great vessels head threatens with stroke, dementia.

Atherosclerosis of the extracranial segments of the main arteries of the head is a common pathology that requires high-quality and timely treatment. Lack of therapy can lead to ischemic stroke. This form of the disease is chronic and manifests itself in damage to the vascular system of the brain through the formation of growths. As the disease progresses, the gaps narrow.

As a result of atherosclerotic damage to blood vessels, their internal walls become denser, which provokes a number of complications. The quality of life of patients deteriorates significantly, blood circulation is disrupted, and cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.

In the initial stages, the disease proceeds without visible symptoms, so it is very difficult to detect and diagnose the disease under such circumstances. When cholesterol plaques do not cover more than fifty percent of the lumen, this stage is characteristic of atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head of a non-stenotic type.

As the pathological process signs manifest themselves in the form of impairment of auditory and visual functions. People often complain of headaches, tinnitus, “spots” appearing before the eyes, and a feeling of numbness in the legs and arms. In most cases similar manifestations very weak, so people usually don’t pay attention to them. It is possible to detect pathology at this stage only during a random examination.

Clinical manifestations become clear already with the progression of stenotic atherosclerosis of the main arteries of the head.

The walls of the vascular lumens narrow by more than fifty percent. One of the main reasons for its occurrence is elderly age. At the same time, there are several risk factors that can lead to the development of pathology. This form becomes chronic. It is much more dangerous and causes serious complications.

Causes

Atherosclerosis of the great vessels of the brain occurs due to various reasons. To date, the etiology of the disease is still being studied. But any pathological processes associated with impaired breakdown and production of fats are the result of complications of lipid metabolism in the body. People who have problems with overweight.

Other factors contributing to the development of the disease include:

Bad habits. To reduce the risk of developing pathology, it is necessary to get rid of smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Systematic increase in blood pressure.
Presence of diabetes mellitus.
Poor nutrition.
Hereditary predisposition.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Problems with excess weight, varying degrees of obesity.
High cholesterol levels.
Endocrine diseases.

Damage to the main arteries of the head develops against the background of constant exposure stressful situations, age-related changes (according to statistics, males are more susceptible to pathology). It should also be taken into account that atherosclerosis of extracranial segments of the MAG is diagnosed more often than damage to intracranial vessels.

The walls of the main systems are thinner in structure, and their level of elasticity is slightly lower. This creates favorable conditions for the development of stenosis compared to the vascular systems of other organs.

Clinical manifestations of the disease

Memory impairment is the most characteristic symptom of the stenotic form of the pathology. A gradual deterioration of the condition is accompanied by headaches spreading to the neck area and dizziness, which is caused by insufficient oxygen and nutrients. Pain syndrome may intensify against the background of constant overwork and stress. After some time painful sensations worsen, and this condition becomes habitual for the patient. Other clinical manifestations include:

deterioration of visual and auditory functions (dots, spots before the eyes, tinnitus);
increased sweating;
problems sleeping, insomnia;
loss of coordination, lameness;
feeling constant fatigue, weakness and drowsiness.

Negative changes also occur on a psycho-emotional background. Irritability appears, it becomes difficult for a person to concentrate, and symptoms may appear. depressive disorders. The manifestation of signs of the disease depends on the degree of damage to the vascular system and disruption of the nutrition of brain cells.

It should also be taken into account that the gradual blockage of internal lumens practically does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, in the initial stages, a person is inclined to explain all symptoms by fatigue, the presence constant stress, busy work schedule. Typically, the signs become more pronounced in the afternoon, but their intensity decreases sharply after rest.

During the progression stage, symptoms intensify. They are also accompanied by speech impairment, tremors upper limbs. People experience some difficulty eating (difficulty swallowing), and the first signs of depression appear.

At the stage of decompensation, patients' memory deteriorates significantly and the ability to soberly assess what is happening around them is lost. During this period there is high risk development of serious complications (paralysis or stroke).

With transient ischemic attacks, a person feels as if the upper or lower limbs are not listening to him. The clinical manifestations of this condition directly depend on the area of the affected area.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis process begins with a study of the patient's medical history and an initial examination. To determine cholesterol levels, the doctor prescribes a biochemical blood test and evaluates the UAC and TAM indicators. To identify the lesion, a series of instrumental manipulations are performed.

To establish the stage of the disease, you will need an ultrasound examination of the extracranial and intracranial vessels of the brain. Systolic murmurs of stenotic arteries are recorded using duplex scanning.

In order to definitively confirm the diagnosis, an MRI may be needed, as well as angiography of the vascular system. Using this method, the condition of the seals on the walls is assessed.

Features and specifics of treatment

For the treatment of pathologies affecting the vascular system of the brain, it is used complex therapy. This process largely depends on the efforts of the patients themselves. Doctors strongly recommend radically changing your lifestyle: getting rid of bad habits, eating right (first of all, avoiding spicy, fried and fatty foods with high content cholesterol) and engage in moderate physical activity.

Drug therapy is usually based on the following drugs:

Antiplatelet agents, the action of which is aimed at thinning the blood.
Statinov. Prevents growth from increasing in size.
Fibratov. They help reduce triglyceride levels.
Nicotinic acid.
Vitamin complexes.
Hypotensive medicines. They normalize blood pressure, but only if taken daily. IN otherwise The patient is at risk of developing a hypertensive crisis.
Ezetimibov. They do not allow cholesterol to be actively absorbed in the intestines.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary. With help open surgery the growth is removed. This method is known as endarterectomy. To provide access to the affected area, the skin is cut, the blood flow is blocked and a dissection occurs vascular wall. Afterwards the growth is removed.

With help endoscopic method V large vessels an endoscope is inserted, and then the lumen is expanded with stents. In this way, normal blood circulation is restored.

Possible complications and prevention of the disease

Pathological changes in blood vessels lead to oxygen starvation, which provokes tissue atrophy. Against this background, mental and emotional disorders develop.

As the disease progresses, there is a systematic increase in blood flow pressure. The walls are greatly thinned, their former elasticity is lost. Lack of timely treatment leads to even greater growth of growths, which can ultimately provoke hypertensive crisis and then a stroke.

Prevention measures include regular examinations with a doctor and determination of cholesterol levels in the blood. You should also perform systematic, but moderate physical exercise, eat right and minimize exposure to stress factors.

Ultrasound examinations today are perhaps the most common among instrumental diagnostic procedures. Very often, the attending physicians write mysterious words in the referral.” Let's figure out what they mean.

Once upon a time, when the trees were big and the devices ultrasound diagnostics even more, for the study of blood vessels, only a mode was used that allows one to study blood flow. Thus, the studies were called, for example, the great arteries (vessels) of the head.

Since then, technology has not stood still and has developed rapidly, including in the field of medicine. Ultrasound machines currently operate in several modes, allowing detailed examination of various organs.

Duplex ultrasound scanning of the great vessels (arteries) of the head (USDS MAG) is currently prescribed to study the blood supply to the brain. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive method for assessing blood flow.

USDS MAG is used for:

transient ischemic attacks,
hypertension,
vascular malformations,
neurological reversible deficit,
suffered strokes,
cerebral atherosclerosis.

MAG ultrasound is also prescribed for spinal osteochondrosis, visual disturbances, dizziness and pulsating formation in the area.

Research methodology

No special preparation is required. Medicines should be taken as usual; before the examination, it is advisable to warn the doctor what exactly you are taking. The study must be carried out in a comfortable and calm environment for the patient and medical personnel environment.

Carrying out a MAG ultrasound examination

A common question from patients is why do you apply gel to my neck when it is prescribed.. Because the study is called ultrasound of the MAIN vessels (arteries) of the head, and they naturally pass. The vessels of the head, or rather the base of the brain (Circle of Willis), are studied during transcranial duplex scanning (TDS) - scanning of special acoustic windows in the temple area, above the eyes, foramen magnum, etc.

Most often, MAG ultrasound is performed with the patient lying on his back. The doctor uses a linear sensor onto which he applies an acoustic gel to improve sound transmission and facilitate glide over the patient's skin. By scanning in various planes, the condition of the main vessels is assessed: common (internal and external) carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, as well as jugular and vertebral veins.

What do the vessels show?

First, the B-mode examines the location of the vessels, the presence of hemodynamically significant deformations in their course, the structure of the vessel wall, the presence of ASP (atherosclerotic plaques) or blood clots in the lumen. The thickness of the IMT is determined, otherwise the intima-media complex, which corresponds to the inner and middle layers of the arteries, and the degree of differentiation of the IMT into layers or the absence thereof is described. If plaques are present, their height, extent, echo structure, surface contour, and indicator of narrowing of the vessel lumen are indicated.

When a blood clot is detected, describe the place of attachment of its base, size, echo structure, presence of signs of flotation, namely mobility free plot thrombus, which sharply increases the threat of fragmentation - thrombus separation, blockage of distal branches of blood vessels and ischemia of the organs supplied by them.

Next, using the color Doppler mode, the nature and direction of blood flow in the studied arteries and veins is assessed. Normally, blood moves through the carotid and vertebral arteries away from the heart ( chest) to the brain, along the jugular and vertebral veins - in the opposite direction.

Spectral Doppler also allows you to assess the nature and direction of blood flow (laminar, turbulent; anterograde, retrograde), and in addition, determine a number of its exact specifications: speed (maximum, average, minimum; time average, etc.), peripheral resistance indices (pulsative, resistive), pressure gradients, etc. This way, objective information about the blood flow in the vessel being studied is obtained.

Identified changes

A number of diseases affect the vascular wall, which makes it possible to identify both specific and nonspecific pathologies of the vessel wall using ultrasound.

Among these diseases, ultrasound-related signs include aneurysms, vascular thrombosis, arteriovenous malformation and stenotic atherosclerosis.

Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery

Dont Have characteristic features Ultrasound processes of non-stenotic atherosclerosis, as well as angiopathy and vasculitis processes.

Atherosclerosis

Non-stenotic atherosclerosis leads to disturbances in IMT (intima-media complex) large arteries, uniform change in echogenicity, vascular walls are pathologically uniformly (unevenly) thickened. At the same time, an increase in the general narrowing of the lumen in the vessel due to listed violations does not exceed 20%. The thickness of the vascular wall does not relate to pathology up to 0.7 mm in carotid arteries, up to 1.2 mm in the area of the brachiocephalic trunk and the mouth of the right subclavian artery.

Stenosing atherosclerosis causes atherosclerotic plaques, leading to an increase in the narrowing of the lumen of the vessel by approximately 20%. Each atherosclerotic plaque is assessed as a potential source of embolism. To do this, they study the structural features of plaques: length, echo density, the presence of hemorrhages and calcifications in the structure, surface ulcerations, and so on.

The ultrasound picture is not specific during vasculitis, as it depends on the development of the pathology: diffuse wall deviations, damage to differentiation into layers, heterogeneous echogenicity, etc.

Temporal arteritis

Homogeneous diffuse wall thickening appears during temporal arteritis in the area of the superficial temporal artery, while the branches often also exhibit low echogenicity. This leads to damage to the differentiation of the wall into layers; There may be small calcifications.

Diabetes

For diabetes characteristic feature is microcalcification of the walls of small arteries (the so-called Minkenberg calcific sclerosis).

Hypoplasia

Hypoplasia is the most common pathology vertebral artery. Reduction of arterial diameter to less than 2 mm with characteristic deviations in the flow curve. Ultrasound signs are revealed by the hemodynamic value and level of severity of hypoplasia. In this case, patients may be bothered by migraines and dizziness, which worsens when turning the head.

Arteriovenous malformation

Arteriovenous malformation refers to a differently diametrically pathological vascular network (usually an arteriovenous fistula). Blood is discharged into the veins directly from small arteries, bypassing the capillary bed. As a result, there is a threat of hypertrophy of the draining veins with manifestations of hyalinosis and calcification. Hemorrhages are also the result of thinning of the vascular wall. As a result, arteriovenous shunting develops, which entails “intracerebral theft” and damage to cerebral hemodynamics.

Various deviations are often observed at the vertebral arterial entry into the canal, where the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae are located. Often the vertebral artery enters the canal at the level of C4 (fourth cervical vertebra) – high occurrence. Often, hemodynamics do not change due to this deviation. With ultrasound, there are cases when the vertebral arteries pass completely outside this canal.

A little theory

The most commonly used is B-mode. It allows you to form an image on the device’s monitor, most often it is a picture in shades of gray. Ultrasound, penetrating into tissue, is reflected differently from different surfaces, goes back to the sensor, and through a series of transformations, a visualization of the organs being studied is formed on the screen.

Thanks to the Doppler effect, it was founded dopplerography(or ultrasound examination). This method takes as its basis the property of ultrasonic waves. The reflection of a wave from moving objects causes a shift - a changed frequency. This change in frequency depends on the speed of movement of the structures being studied. For example, movement is directed towards the sensor - an increase in frequency, directed from the sensor - a decrease.

On this moment There are two types of Doppler ultrasound (USD):

blind(included in functional diagnostics and does not apply to ultrasound),
B-mode(modern).

In the first case, the scanning depth is set blindly, without a “visible” image of the vessel on the screen, which leads to an increase in the number of diagnostic errors.

In Dopplerography, a spectral Doppler mode is distinguished, the direction and speed of blood flow in which is displayed graphically on the scanner screen. On the graph, the horizontal axis corresponds to the time value, and the vertical axis shows the speed. Above the level of the horizontal axis are signals towards the sensor, and signals below the axis are movement away from the sensor.

Displays in color the direction of blood flow. This method Doppler ultrasound contains visualization of blood flow in the heart (also used for blood flow in relatively large vessels). Color designations are accepted: red for the direction to the sensor, blue for the opposite flow.

Duplex and triplex

At ultrasound scanner Performs Doppler ultrasound in duplex or triplex. First, we find the vessel in B-mode, then to obtain information about the blood flow, we turn on the color Doppler mode, then in its lumen we set the area of the required scanning depth (control volume mode for data measurement) and obtain the flow spectrum. Duplex scanning is a combination of any two scanning modes (B + spectral or B + color Doppler), triplex – simultaneous use all three modes (B-mode + spectral + color).

As we see, ultrasound and Doppler Dopplerography of the main arteries (vessels) of the head are performed primarily to detect anomalies in circulatory system, measurements of its pathogenetics and hemodynamics. This helps in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, angiography and the involvement of a vascular surgeon when considering surgical treatment.

Atherosclerosis is a common disease that has several varieties. Among the variety of pathological processes, the stenotic form deserves special attention. Most often it occurs in men over 50 years of age. With age, many people experience atherosclerotic changes in their blood vessels. They are not only characterized by the appearance unpleasant symptoms, but also pose a serious threat to life. In this article we will look at the main localizations and symptoms of stenosing atherosclerosis, as well as methods of treating the disease proposed by doctors.

Description of the disease and mechanism of development

Stenosing atherosclerosis is a pathological process that spreads to the main arteries of the body. The mechanism of its occurrence is quite simple. Under the influence of certain factors, free fats (cholesterol) begin to be deposited in the walls of blood vessels and plaques begin to form. The disease goes through several stages of development, the final stage being the narrowing of the artery to a minimum (stenosis). As a result, tissues and organs dependent on the area of impaired blood supply experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients.

The problem of the proliferation of cholesterol plaques and connective tissue between them affects various main arteries. Taking into account the place of development of the pathological process, several types of the disease are distinguished. The most vulnerable are the peripheral arteries of the lower extremities, brain and coronary aortas hearts. Lack of timely treatment usually leads to irreversible consequences: myocardial infarction, stroke, thromboembolism with damage to internal organs.

Main reasons

The development of atherosclerotic lesions is due to the action of three factors:

When the body's system of synthesis and transport of cholesterol fails, excess of this substance begins to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Somatic diseases, unbalanced nutrition, and obesity can act as a trigger.
Hereditary predisposition. If close relatives have been diagnosed with stenosing atherosclerosis, the likelihood of this disease increases several times.
Decreased elasticity of vascular walls. Cholesterol plaques cannot form on a smooth and healthy surface. Damage to the vascular wall is caused by the following violations: diabetes, sedentary lifestyle life, smoking.

If one or more of the factors listed above is present, it is necessary to special attention refers to own health, undergo preventive examinations more often.

Manifestations of cerebral artery stenosis

They are large vessels extending from the aortic arch towards the brain. Their multiple interweavings form the Circle of Willis. It ensures complete blood supply to the brain.

When an obstacle in the form of an atherosclerotic plaque forms in one of the areas of the circle of Willis, they speak of the development of stenosis. This disease affects the functioning of the entire blood supply system to the brain. Lack of timely treatment can lead to hypoxia or stroke. Signs of the pathological process depend on the number of atherosclerotic plaques in the arterial bed.

At the very beginning, the disease is asymptomatic. If the lumen of the vessel is blocked by plaque by 50% or more, the patient may notice the appearance of uncharacteristic disorders. Among them are:

periodic dizziness due to decreased blood pressure;
emotional lability with a predominance of depressive mood;
absent-mindedness;
auditory-visual problems (tinnitus, hearing loss, appearance of spots before the eyes);
chronic fatigue syndrome;
numbness of fingers;
violation of thermoregulation.

At first, the listed symptoms have virtually no effect on the quality of life. Many patients simply ignore them. Progressive stenotic atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries forces you to seek help from a doctor.

Manifestations of cardiac vascular stenosis

Oxygen to the heart nutrients enter through the coronary arteries. Damage to these vessels by atherosclerosis poses a serious threat to main muscle body, affecting its rhythm and completeness of contractions. With this disease, patients usually complain of pain in the chest area. They first appear after physical activity or stress. Over time, discomfort does not leave a person even at rest. The duration of a painful attack is about 30 minutes.

Myocardial infarction is considered an acute manifestation of the pathological process. The disease is accompanied by severe pain in the heart area, which cannot be relieved with a Nitroglycerin tablet. Arterial pressure falls, resulting in severe dizziness, weakness. Atherosclerosis is stenosing, affecting can lead to serious complications. These include cardiac aneurysm, cardiogenic shock and rupture of the muscle itself. Doctors especially often diagnose sudden death syndrome.

Manifestations of stenosis of the arteries of the lower extremities

Through this, blood flows to the most extreme points of the body, located on the feet. Stenosing atherosclerosis of the lower extremities ranks third in frequency of occurrence. The clinical manifestations of this form of the disease are varied. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the development of the pathological process in stages:

On initial stage The patient is bothered by a feeling of chilliness, burning or tingling in the feet. The skin on the legs becomes noticeably pale.
The second stage is characterized by the appearance of one limb when walking or playing sports begins to get tired before the other. Gradually developing discomfort in the zone calf muscles, persistent cyanosis appears.
At the next stage, the intensity of intermittent claudication increases noticeably. It becomes difficult for the patient to walk the usual path without stopping. Patients often complain of pain in their toes that does not go away with rest. The skin on the foot takes on a marbled hue and may crack and become thinner.
At the fourth stage, the lameness becomes so pronounced that the person is forced to stop every 50 steps along the way. Possible appearance trophic ulcers, swelling. Severe pain in the legs interfere with night rest.

You cannot wait until the irreversible consequences of the disease in the form of gangrene appear. If you experience symptoms of circulatory problems in the legs (weakness, intermittent claudication), you should immediately consult a doctor. If a specialist confirms stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities, treatment will be prescribed immediately.

Diagnostic methods

In order to promptly identify the disease and begin its treatment, doctors recommend that all people over 40 years old undergo a preventive examination once a year. It is enough to take a blood test for the following indicators:

cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides;
fibrinogen;
glucose;
coagulability.

These parameters may indirectly indicate a violation of protein-lipid metabolism, which provokes the development of pathology.

Stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries of the brain, heart or lower extremities is easily diagnosed. For this purpose the patient is prescribed comprehensive examination, which includes the following procedures:

intravenous/arterial angiography of vessels using contrast;
rheovasography;
Doppler study;
triplex scanning.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor can confirm preliminary diagnosis. After this, the patient is prescribed treatment.

Principles of therapy

Treatment of stenosing atherosclerosis largely depends on at what stage of development of the disease the patient consulted a doctor. On initial stage besides drug therapy you need to try to change your lifestyle. It is important to give up bad habits and try to rest more. Otherwise, taking medications will only slow down the progression of the disease, but will not stop it completely.

IN mandatory the doctor prescribes a diet for the patient (table No. 10), rich in plant foods. It is usually recommended for patients with hypertension or heart failure. If you adhere to such a diet, you can not only reduce the amount of cholesterol consumed, but also remove its excess from the body. However, you cannot go on a diet to lose weight. Nutrition should be balanced and complete. Otherwise, therapy will not bring the desired result.

For patients diagnosed with stenosing atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, treatment must be supplemented with sports. Preference should be given Nordic walking or swimming. At the first signs of fatigue in your legs, you should immediately rest without overloading your body.

Use of medications

Treatment of atherosclerosis is impossible to imagine without the use of medications. Typically, patients with this diagnosis are prescribed the following groups of drugs:

Disaggregants. Prevents the formation of blood clots in the bloodstream.
Antispasmodics. Improves blood circulation throughout the body.
Medicines for normalization rheological properties blood. First, a drip administration of the drug is prescribed, then it is replaced with a tablet form.
Anticoagulants.

All medications are selected for each patient individually. The doctor must take into account the stage of the disease and its form.

Surgery

Atherosclerosis stenosing in advanced stage requires surgery. Surgical intervention allows you to restore normal vascular patency and remove cholesterol plaques. For this purpose, bypass surgery, stenting or angioplasty is performed. The listed manipulations are carried out both endoscopically and open method using general anesthesia.

Consequences of the disease

The consequences of this disease can be very serious and life-threatening. For example, stenosing atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries often provokes the development of stroke. Of course, not everyone has this complication. It all depends on the characteristics of the body, the predisposition to the occurrence of the disease. Research shows that approximately 70% of the population over 60 years of age complains of various manifestations atherosclerosis. This pathology is the main cause of brain failure syndrome.

Stenosing atherosclerosis also does not always have favorable prognosis. If the artery becomes completely blocked, the likelihood of developing ischemic gangrene increases. Pathology occurs especially often in people with diabetes mellitus, since this disease accelerates the process of stenosis.

Prevention measures

It is necessary to begin to engage in the prevention of stenosing atherosclerosis from early childhood. All people who adhere to an unhealthy lifestyle are at risk of developing the disease.

Prevention includes:

hygienic regime;
moderate exercise;
compliance with the work and rest regime.

Don't forget about proper nutrition. The diet should mainly consist of lean meat and seafood, as well as plant foods.

A healthy lifestyle means avoiding bad habits. However, it is better not to start smoking or drinking alcohol at all.

The listed recommendations must be followed both during therapy and before it. Such advice allows you to avoid complications of the disease. When the first symptoms appear indicating stenosing atherosclerosis, you should consult a doctor and have your blood vessels checked. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.