Atherosclerosis - symptoms, causes and treatment of atherosclerosis. What causes of atherosclerosis are known to modern medicine?

What are the causes of atherosclerosis? Many people believe that only older people can get sick. But this is far from true. It is necessary to find out the causes of this disease.

What is atherosclerosis called?

The disease is systemic: blood vessels are affected human body, cerebral vascular disruption occurs. All body systems are affected, although the lesion may be located only in one or several parts. The ideal artery is smooth, shiny and even.

The appearance of plaques (growths) on blood vessels causes them to narrow and impede the flow of blood through them. Plaques can grow in “families” and later merge into one growth. You can understand the cause by understanding what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a complex symbiosis of fat molecules. The classes of compounds in the human body are fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and more.

Fats are lipids, and protein is protein. The intercellular fluid of the blood combines all molecules, including cholesterol. Molecules (fat) are in close connection with protein molecules. They form a protein-fat complex, referred to in science (medicine) as lipoproteins. These complexes (LC) are involved in the formation of plaques. They are also involved in reverse regeneration (disappearance of atherosclerotic plaques). LP as separate group heterogeneous. In medicine Special attention are given to five groups of lipoproteins, three of which are of greater interest:

• alpha lipoproteins;
• beta lipoproteins;
• pre-beta lipoproteins.

The first group helps eliminate atherosclerosis, but the next two, on the contrary, cause its development. The cause of the disease is a metabolic disorder.

Risk factors and causes of the disease

Factors are divided into the following groups:

• predisposing;
• provoking;
• contributing.

Predisposing to the development of the disease are those factors that we cannot influence. The following factors will predispose to the development of AS. Firstly, this is the genetics of the structure of an individual human body. Scientists have not yet fully studied this mechanism, but, according to statistics, people whose relatives suffered from hypertension or coronary artery disease are more likely to develop the disease. Secondly, the predisposing factor is the gender of the person. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women. A woman is protected from the occurrence of atherosclerosis up to hormonal changes in the body (menopause) by estrogens.

However, sometimes they talk about the development of atherosclerosis in girls who have a number of bad habits: smoking, alcohol. Taking contraceptives can also affect early atherosclerosis. The third factor is age indicator. The risk of getting the disease in men occurs after 35 years. Finally, the last reason predisposing to atherosclerosis is the psychological characteristics of a person. Mobile people are most often affected. Blood cholesterol levels can be adjusted by humans. Atherosclerotic plaques form in places where cholesterol accumulates, in damaged areas of the vessel.

Cholesterol is the main component of plaques. It does not dissolve in aquatic environment, therefore, subsequently the growths take on an increasingly solid state. It becomes more and more difficult for blood to move through the vessels. An incorrect current occurs, the consequences of which are the death of blood cells, gluing them to each other. The plaque is increasing. As a result, a person acquires chronic circulatory failure. Meanwhile, the process of death and gluing continues. Blood clots grow. As a result of the blood clot breaking off, an artery may become blocked, possibly leading to death. Hypertension, in other words, high blood pressure, is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.

With elevated blood pressure, blood moves faster through the circulatory system, as a result of which not only the condition worsens, but also the number of destroyed platelets increases.

Smoking contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Nicotine found in tobacco products leads to spasms in the blood vessels of the body. The movement of blood cells worsens, and aggregation increases.

This causes the development of atherosclerosis to progress. One cannot help but mention the weight of a person. Increasing body weight also increases the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. This is a powerful factor that affects the development of not only atherosclerosis, but also other diseases. Increased body weight puts stress on the body as a whole and affects all systems. Metabolism changes. People don't take this seriously, but... Not proper nutrition leads to obesity, and subsequently to atherosclerosis. Such a dangerous disease as diabetes mellitus contributes to the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Carbon metabolism is disrupted, and all blood vessels in the body are damaged.

Often, a person diagnosed with atherosclerosis does not even suspect that he has diabetes. However, these two diseases often accompany each other. A thorough examination of the human body is required to exclude or confirm the diagnosis. Provoking factors that influence atherogenesis are stressful situations and bad habits. This has already been discussed above. These two factors provoke the development of AS.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

The disease is of the following types:

• cerebral atherosclerosis;

Only a doctor should establish a diagnosis and the causes of atherosclerosis. If the stage of development of AS is initial, then it is recommended to change your lifestyle: giving up bad habits, following a special diet, bringing cholesterol to normal levels.

It is important to be examined by a doctor at least once every 5 years. If the patient high level risk, lifestyle changes and re-examination are recommended three months after the modification.

It is necessary to undergo examination at least once a year. If the risk remains high, medications are prescribed.

Diet

Diet adherence is recommended for every patient. The doctor takes into account cholesterol levels and other risk factors and prescribes an individual diet. Food should be different, nutrition should be balanced. Daily caloric intake must be maintained. The amount of fat consumed should not exceed 30% per day. It is recommended to replace animal fat with vegetable fat. Fruits and vegetables should be at least 400 g per day. It is beneficial to consume low-fat foods, such as poultry, grain baked goods, low-fat cottage cheese, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dairy products. It is recommended to limit your salt intake.

By strictly following a diet, they normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood, thereby eliminating the risk of atherosclerosis. The existing stage of the disease is reduced to normal levels. Every person must take care of themselves. We must not forget that life is given once and only a person can prolong it by taking responsibility for his health.

) is a disease of the arteries. A characteristic feature is the deposition of cholesterol inside the vessels.

As a result of such clogging, the walls become thicker, the lumen and elasticity decrease and the vessels become clogged.

The strain puts more strain on the heart because it requires more effort to pump blood around the body. The result of the disease is ischemic disease heart disease, necrosis, hypertension, stroke.

Unchangeable causes of vascular atherosclerosis

The unchangeable causes of atherosclerosis are those that cannot be controlled in any way. medical impact. These include the following:

1. Age. Once a person reaches a certain age, the chances of developing this disease become too great. Everyone who has crossed a certain level observes changes in the blood vessels. The risk of developing atherosclerosis increases between the ages of 45 and 50 years.
2. Floor. Men are more likely to get this disease than women. But when a person is over 50 years old, the percentage of the disease in relation to men and women becomes the same. This is due to the onset of menopause in women and the disappearance of the protective role of estrogen in men.
3. Genetic predisposition. People whose relatives suffer from atherosclerosis in any form are at particular risk.

Changeable causes?

Modifiable causes of atherosclerosis are those that can be influenced with medication or lifestyle changes. Variable factors include the following:

• Smoking, drinking large quantities of alcohol.
• Poor nutrition, hypertension.
• Obesity, diabetes.
• Dyslipidemia, physical inactivity.
• Infections.

The factors presented have the following effects on blood vessels:

1. Smoking and alcohol have a negative effect on blood vessels. These factors increase the risk of developing the disease several times. If the nutrition is incorrect, and the diet contains a large number of fatty foods, this can lead to the development of atherosclerosis.
2. Arterial hypertension is the main ally of the disease. With high blood pressure, the arterial walls are even more damaged. Dangerous pressure is more than 140/90 mm.
3. Obesity can cause atherosclerosis. Women with a waist larger than 88 cm and men with a waist larger than 102 cm are at risk.
4. Diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of developing the disease by 4-7 times. It is accompanied by metabolic disorders in the human body.
5. Dyslipidemia is a disease associated with impaired fat metabolism in the human body. With elevated cholesterol levels, this disease plays a major role, as it leads to problems with the heart and blood vessels.
6. A sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity will lead to metabolic disorders and an increased risk of developing diabetes and sclerosis.
7. Infections. Relatively recent studies have shown that main reason development of atherosclerosis – chlamydial infection and cytomegalovirus. Many patients have high levels of antibodies.

Nuances of development and its consequences

There are also situations when the disease is discovered only at autopsy, since during life the person had no complaints about the manifestation of such a disease. There are also the opposite cases - when the lumen of the artery narrows with a minor manifestation of the disease.

Also, sometimes the disease can affect all blood vessels. Manifestations of the disease depend on the affected vessel. If affected, a person may soon develop heart failure or coronary heart disease.

Surgical treatment may be required if atherosclerosis begins to spread rapidly. This method will be the most effective. The only drawback is the long recovery time.

In this material on our website (about cholesterol) you will learn about what it is - atherosclerosis? That is, what kind of disease is this, and what are its symptoms/signs? And also get acquainted with the causes of the disease and stages of development. Learn about diagnostic methods, modern treatment methods and competent prevention(in order to reduce the risk of developing the disease).

Atherosclerosis – what is it and how is it dangerous for human health?

Atherosclerosis (from the Greek words: “athera” / gruel + “sclerosis” / hardening) is a chronic disease of blood vessels (occurring due to lipid metabolism disorders). As a result, right inside their walls, layers of “conditionally bad” LDL cholesterol are “superimposed” on each other. Thus, forming atherosclerotic/cholesterol plaques. In addition, over time, the walls of the vessels thicken and harden (become inelastic), and also deform, narrowing the lumen as much as possible, up to complete blockage (i.e. obturation).

The gradual narrowing of the lumen inside the vessels is a rather dangerous development wide range serious illnesses (such as coronary heart disease, disorders cerebral circulation etc.). Complete blockage is fraught with heart attack, stroke or gangrene (of the extremities).

Unfortunately, due to the many negative factors that the modern world “gives” us (stress, lack of exercise, poor diet and other problems), even men and women aged 35-40 years can feel the symptoms of this disease (except for older people). At the same time, the first ones (i.e., men) are most at risk of developing, due to the lack of estrogens in their bodies. The so-called female sex hormones, which “by nature” cleanse the blood of excess “bad” cholesterol, and reliably protect against calcium imbalance (one of the key “building materials” of atheromatous plaques).

Symptoms (signs) of vascular atherosclerosis

It’s definitely worth noting 2 here important points. First: on initial stage development, as a rule, the symptoms of atherosclerosis are completely invisible (which, by the way, is the insidiousness of the disease). Second: the examples below may signal other diseases that only (!) your attending physician will accurately determine. Therefore, it is important not to “self-diagnose” yourself (based only on articles read on the Internet), and also not (!) to practice self-medication!

Problems with cerebral vessels

The main symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis (brain vessels), which can appear at virtually any age (but are most pronounced after 45 years):

• sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep (and equally after waking up) / frequent awakenings at night / occurrence of nightmares);
• headaches (“pressing”, “dull”, “aching” or in the form of “pins and needles”, especially immediately after physical or emotional stress / more often, “wandering”, that is, without clear localization);
• tinnitus (first appearing after overexertion, and then without any reason, combined with dizziness);
• fatigue and irritability (especially when performing everyday tasks that were previously easy);
• decreased memory and concentration (difficulty concentrating on new or routine tasks);
• some problems with the nervous system (anxiety, excessive excitability, apathy, suspicion, etc.);
• disturbances in vision, speech, breathing, or even eating (for example, a person began to choke frequently while eating);
• impaired coordination of movement (fear of open space / legs “give” when going outside);
• intolerance bright light and loud sounds.

Heart problems

Alarming symptoms of atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta include:

• “pressing”, “dull”, “aching” and “burning” pain in the area chest, in particular, extending under the shoulder blade, to the left forearm (further to the hands and fingers);
• frequent sensations of “compression” in the chest (as if something heavy had been placed on it);
• pain occurs when breathing (and not only when inhaling, but also when exhaling);
• increased systolic (i.e. “upper”) blood pressure;
• paroxysmal angina / dizziness / shortness of breath;
• some physical manifestations(premature gray hair, wen on the face, light stripes on the iris of the eyes, abnormal hair growth in the ears, etc.).

The most common symptoms of atherosclerosis abdominal region aorta of the heart:

• bowel dysfunction (expressed in alternating constipation and diarrhea)
• frequent bloating (abnormal gas formation, increased flatulence);
• sudden weight loss (in a relatively short period of time);
• aching/wandering pain in the navel area (especially occurring after eating and disappearing after 2 hours);
• problems with sexual life (mostly in men).

Problems with blood vessels of the lower extremities

Supposed symptoms of obliterating atherosclerosis (vessels of the lower extremities):

• frequent sensations of “chilliness” or “numbness” of the limbs (from “pins and needles” to complete loss of sensitivity);
• too pale (“marbled”) skin on the legs (when even the smallest blood vessels are clearly visible);
• loss of fat layer on the thighs, legs and feet (especially, in combination with hair loss, in the above areas of the body);
• “intermittent claudication” associated with paroxysmal pain in the thighs, buttocks and calves;
• redness of the fingers (formation of wounds - trophic ulcers).
• at the very last stage - rapidly rapid tissue necrosis (or gangrene), requiring (!) emergency medical care(to avoid limb amputation).

Causes of atherosclerosis

The main causes of the development of atherosclerosis depend on many factors, of which the most negative is a violation of lipid metabolism. Depending on the proper treatment and a firm decision by the person himself to change his lifestyle, the destructive process can slow down. That is why, modern doctors conditionally divide all the causes of this disease into 3 main groups:

• the first is irreparable (gender, age, family heredity);
• the second is correctable (bad habits, poor diet, physical inactivity, stress);
• and the third - partially removable (mostly, these are curable or already chronic diseases).

Floor

As practice has shown, in terms of the degree of risk of developing atherosclerosis, men are less “lucky” than women. Not only does the intensive development of this disease, as a rule, begin 10 years earlier in them (men - 45/50 years; women - 50/55 years), but also the incidence rates are 4 times higher. Unlike male and female sex hormones, estrogens are effective protection from changes in the level of lipid fractions. However, after menopause, women also become unprotected.

Age

It is a natural factor contributing to the development of vascular atherosclerosis. From birth, i.e. Even from infancy, the aging process of the body already begins. In adolescence (10-15 years), subject to an incorrect/inactive lifestyle (for example, sitting at the computer with “chips”), it gains momentum/accelerates. After 40-45 years it becomes noticeably noticeable: significant atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels occur. Of course, by applying drastic treatment measures, this process can be significantly slowed down.

Heredity

Some cardiologists believe that atherosclerosis is a familial/hereditary disease that can occur in family members at the same age for several generations (even three/four). According to research results, it can even manifest itself in different vascular areas. There is a hypothesis that the most important “impetus” for the development of the disease is nervous overstrain (frequent stress).

The risk of developing the disease increases if, for example, your father or brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55. And also, for example, if your mother or sister had a heart attack before the age of 65.

Bad habits

The most dangerous habit is smoking, due to the negative effects of both nicotine itself and other (no less harmful) elements on the walls of blood vessels. The situation is aggravated by counterfeit tobacco products (or without a filter) produced in “handicraft” conditions.

Smoking can damage blood vessels, i.e. “squeezing” them increases blood pressure, as well as the level of bad cholesterol in the blood plasma. It also prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the body's tissues.

As for alcoholic beverages, (!) their normalized amount (according to most scientists) is considered an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis. However, it should be borne in mind that this “business” (pleasant, but dangerous) can lead to psychological dependence(alcoholism) or cirrhosis of the liver.

Sedentary lifestyle

Physical inactivity (mainly a “sedentary” lifestyle) seriously disrupts the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and creates problems in blood circulation. Which ultimately leads not only to the development of atherosclerosis, but also obesity, diabetes, and other (no less dangerous) diseases.

“Office” professions (sitting at a desk all day), and then evening leisure exclusively on the sofa or in front of the computer - this treacherous enemies, which slowly but surely “ruin” our body. Creating the illusion of comfort.

Stress (emotional stress)

Stressful situations at work (change of profession, dismissal), at home (divorce, conflicts in the family), financial problems, feelings of anxiety - these are serious reasons, increasing the risks of developing atherosclerosis (and a number of cardiovascular diseases).

It is definitely worth noting that long stay under stress (or deep depression) can increase risks by more than 2-3 times (and depending on gender or age - even more). The most serious “shocks” are frequent attacks of anger.

Know how to relax and unwind! If this doesn’t work, then consult a psychologist. As the Eastern sages said: “If you do not find time for rest and relaxation, then soon you will have to look for it for treatment.”

Postmenopause

As a result of endocrine changes, along with dangerous risks of developing diseases such as osteoporosis, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and other diseases, the risks of atherosclerosis increase. The lack of estrogen leads to excessive deposition of “bad” cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques. At this stage of life, the following are strongly recommended: a set of physical exercises and a proper diet (to increase the level of “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood serum).

Poor nutrition

Fried / spicy food. Products with high content animal fats (saturated and trans fats), sodium (salt) and sugar. Light snacks on the run with “fast foods” and “hot dogs”. The most important are the latter, since due to repeated heat treatment of the oil (for “savings” unscrupulous sellers) carcinogens are formed that provoke the development of a wide range of cancer diseases.

Diseases and other disorders

• hypertonic disease ( arterial hypertension at and above 140/90 mm Hg. Art. or 130/80 mm Hg. Art. with diabetes or chronic kidney disease);
• obesity - a violation of the ratio of body weight and height (especially abdominal intra-abdominal obesity - around the waist);
• diabetes mellitus (increases risks up to 7 times compared to other options);
• dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia/hyperlipoproteinemia);
• hypothyroidism ( low level concentrations of thyroid hormones);
• homocysteinuria (hereditary metabolic defects);
• hyperfibrinogenemia (high level of fibrinogen in the blood plasma / “thick blood”);
• infections (intoxication) – especially cytomegalovirus and chlamydial.
• metabolic disorders.

Other risk factors for atherosclerosis

• Increased content C-reactive protein(CRP, English C-Reactives Protein - CRP), itself, is a sign of inflammation in the body.
• High levels of triglycerides in the blood can also increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, especially in women.
• Violations lipid profile. In particular, high levels of LDL/LDL cholesterol (relatively “bad” cholesterol) and low HDL level/ HDL cholesterol (conditionally “good” cholesterol).
• Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, lasting up to 10 seconds. Accompanied by loud snoring and frequent awakenings. This disease can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and even heart attack or stroke.

Stages of development of atherosclerosis

Modern medicine distinguishes three main/sequential stages in the development of this disease.

Stage one: formation of lipid spots/streaks

The main feature of the initial stage of development of the disease is that the symptoms of atherosclerosis, as such, do not manifest themselves in humans. Due to the absence of any specific disorders, problems in blood circulation through the arteries are almost impossible to update.

At this stage the following events occur. Molecules of lipoprotein complexes begin to penetrate into damaged structures arterial walls (separate sections of the bloodstream, especially at the branches), forming a thin fatty layer. Visually (i.e. under a microscope), these changes can be observed in the form of elongated yellowish stripes.

At first, the protective enzymes of the artery walls try to restore their integrity and dissolve LDL/VLDL cholesterol, proteins and other elements of the lipoprotein complex, but over time the “safety mechanism” is depleted and begins next stage(which will be discussed below). Accelerate the process: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.

Stage two: liposclerosis (layering and inflammation of lipid strips)

This stage is characterized by inflammation of lipid strips, due to the fact that the body begins to actively fight the problem. A focus is forming chronic inflammation, as a result of which the lipid/fat layer decomposes, and new connective tissue begins to grow in its place.

This is how atherosclerotic plaques are formed, still weak and liquid (easily dissolved), but already quite dangerous. Over time, this combination of fats, tissue fibers and calcium begins to increase in size, forming specific elevations above the walls of the arteries. Location of the lesion: under the endothelium (between the inner and outer walls of the vessels).

Accordingly, those areas of the walls of blood vessels (where cholesterol plaques are located / “attached”) quickly lose their elasticity and can crack, and this is fraught with the formation of blood clots. In addition, some fragments may come off from the still young and therefore loose surface of the plaques, posing a threat to vessels with small lumens (clogging them).

Stage three: atherocalcinosis (serious complications)

This is the final stage in the development of atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the manifestation of a wide range of complications associated with the formation/growth and deformation of fibrous plaques. It is during this period of time that clearly defined (local) symptoms of the disease begin to appear, usually associated with disruption of normal blood supply.

The most dangerous complications of atherosclerosis are the rupture of fibrous (advanced atherosclerotic) plaques, accompanied by a large release of blood, and the formation of blood clots that clog the lumens of blood vessels. In acute forms of blockage (occlusion), the risk of stroke increases significantly. When large arteries, especially those supplying the limbs, are blocked, necrosis (death) of tissue or gangrene occurs.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

Diagnosis of a wide range of diseases associated with the development of atherosclerosis includes:

• a detailed questioning of the patient (history collection) to identify important symptoms of the disease (progressing in the heart, brain or limbs), as well as previously previous diseases(heart attacks, strokes, kidney pathologies);
• initial examination of the patient: from appearance (for “aging”, changes in skin color, hair loss, etc.) to palpation of the arteries, listening to systolic murmurs or other special functional tests;
• taking tests for cholesterol content in venous blood (high and low density lipoproteins, triglycerides) to determine the atherogenicity coefficient (index) (and lipid balance in general;
• X-ray (and, if necessary, angiographic) examination of internal organs and vessels in the chest area;
• ultrasound (ultrasound) examination (to detect a decrease in the speed of the main blood flow and the presence of cholesterol plaques);
• other methods and methods determined by the attending physicians (depending on the specifics of the disease).

Modern methods of treating atherosclerosis

Modern medical practice involves two main methods of treating atherosclerosis: drug therapy(in 80% of cases) and surgical intervention (in 20% of cases). How to treat atherosclerosis?

Drug treatment

In most cases, to eliminate the main cause of the disease, doctors prescribe special drugs(drugs for vascular atherosclerosis), including 4 main groups: statins, fibrates, nicotinic acid and bile acid sequestrants.

This method of treating atherosclerosis is practiced in conjunction with an (individually selected) diet and a set of physical exercises. For diseases of the extremities, the use of physiotherapy is permissible. So, about the drugs...

Bile acid sequestrants– are polymeric insoluble compounds (ion exchange resins), the main task of which is to “bind” bad cholesterol, as well as bile acids synthesized from it in the liver. As a result, the level of cholesterol in the body's cells quickly decreases.

Please note: with long-term / “protracted” treatment with these drugs, problems with the intestines may occur (the first alarming symptoms: diarrhea and flatulence). It is for this reason that “fat sequestrants” are usually prescribed at the initial stage of development of atherosclerosis or for short-term prophylaxis.

For the treatment of atherosclerosis, they are used to most effectively reduce cholesterol levels in the blood serum, blocking its synthesis in the liver. Due to the identification of many side effects, these days, in addition to statin drugs, experienced doctors usually prescribe other drugs that support normal work heart, liver and intestines. For insurance.

They are relatively new and (as practice has shown) quite effective drugs against atherosclerosis. Usually prescribed in combination with statins. Since the mechanism of action of these drugs is not aimed (!) at reducing cholesterol, but (by destroying their structure). Not suitable for patients suffering from liver disease (or predisposed to it).

Medicines - derivatives nicotinic acid () . Having a lot of advantages, one of which is excellent vasodilator effect, are an important component in the program complex treatment atherosclerosis. Despite many advantages, they are strictly contraindicated for patients suffering from diabetes, gallbladder diseases and liver failure.

Surgical operations

In case of high risks of developing atherosclerosis (vascular occlusion cholesterol plaque or a blood clot), modern medicine recommends emergency surgery. At the moment, in the treatment of atherosclerosis, modern medicine has the following types of operations:

Open type(surgical removal of atherosclerotic plaques or straightening of tortuosity - endarterectomy).

Bypass surgery(invasive method). IN in this case surgeons suture the affected area of ​​the vessel to a healthy one (or “bypass” it using an implant) in order to form a new blood line. As a result, there is a gradual restoration of blood supply to tissues.

Prosthetics. Using innovative materials (the latest advances in medicine), the affected vessel (after resection/removal) is completely replaced with a graft.

Balloon angioplasty and artery stenting. When the lumen of a narrowed vessel is expanded using a balloon, after which (if necessary) stents are installed (special metal inserts to hold the lumen in the arteries/vessels). In practice, it looks like this: a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery, and under the control of a mini-camera, it is “guided” (through the bloodstream) to the affected area. Next, surgeons perform the actions described above.

Another effective method of treating atherosclerosis, as well as a number of others serious illnesses(especially deadly ones) is a prayer to God. Followed by - in the right way life: both for the body/organism and for the soul. Faith is a powerful force! Not all of us are descended from apes; most educated people are descendants of Adam, created by God.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

Preventive measures to prevent atherosclerosis include complete cessation of bad habits (especially smoking), normalization emotional background(exclusion of stress spots). As well as proper nutrition, systematic physical exercise(according to the age category / general health of the person) and smooth weight loss.

Smart nutrition

To prevent atherosclerosis, you should completely eliminate foods high in trans fats, salt and sugar from your diet. Replace semi-finished and fried foods with cereal foods, vegetables, berries and fruits. Everyone should consume vegetable oils (the most useful are olive and flaxseed oils containing omega-3 complex). Eat fish dishes at least 2 times a week.

Weight loss

According to reputable doctors, for a metabolic shift for the better (with a subsequent increase in the level of good HDL cholesterol, which “washes out” LDL bad cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels - the culprit in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques), it is enough to reduce weight by even 6-7%. The best means for losing body weight are a low-calorie diet and a set of physical exercises.

Health-improving set of exercises

An active lifestyle should begin with minimal exercise recommended by treating specialists. Depending on age and general condition health. The best place to start is daily walks in the fresh air. Perfect option(what you need to strive for) is 30/45 minute workouts 3-4 times a week. This is especially true for women after the active phase of menopause and men suffering from abdominal obesity.

Video about atherosclerosis

Nowadays, one of the most common, as well as insidious diseases is atherosclerosis. The insidiousness of this pathology lies in the fact that it affects arteries throughout the body, although varying degrees. If a patient has been diagnosed, for example, with atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, it cannot be said with complete confidence that the heart, brain or kidneys were not simultaneously damaged. Thus, atherosclerosis is systemic disease, which attacks the entire body and develops slowly but non-stop. Every person who cares about their health and wants to live a long and happy life should know the symptoms of atherosclerosis. Only by being informed is it possible to identify the first manifestations of the disease and begin treatment on time.

General information about atherosclerosis

Before naming and analyzing the main symptoms of atherosclerosis, you should first understand what this disease is and how dangerous it is for humans. First of all, it should be noted that the term “atherosclerosis” comes from the merger of the Greek words athere, which translates as “porridge” and sclerosis - compaction. This very accurately characterizes the main manifestation of the disease - the appearance of deposits called atherosclerotic plaques on the inner wall of the blood vessel. Their structure is made up of dense connective tissue, which is filled in the center with a lipid mushy mass. They are the main reason due to which the narrowing of the lumens of blood vessels occurs and the deformation of some of their areas, which, in turn, leads to disruption of blood circulation in the internal organs of the human body.

Atherosclerosis mainly affects medium and large arteries, as well as the aorta. Symptoms of atherosclerosis in their nature and intensity differ significantly from each other depending on the affected organs. Therefore, determine the type of disease and diagnose accurate diagnosis Only a doctor can. It is very important to promptly identify atherosclerosis in a patient. Symptoms and treatment depend on the type of this disease. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish it from the so-called Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis, which is essentially a different form of sclerotic lesion of the arteries, characterized by the fact that calcium salts are deposited in the middle tunic of various arteries, there are no plaques at all (diffuse lesions) and an aneurysm develops not of occlusion, but vessels.

Reasons for the development of atherosclerosis

The results of a huge number of studies allow medical specialists to say with complete confidence that the development of atherosclerosis is facilitated by a number of reasons, also called risk factors. The entire set of reasons for the formation of this pathology is usually divided into two large groups - changeable and unchangeable.

As for the unchangeable factors in the occurrence of the disease, they are usually viewed as something inevitable and not amenable to correction. These include:

1. Gender. Scientists have proven that in men this disease manifests itself approximately 10 years earlier than in women. In addition, under the age of 50, men suffer from atherosclerosis 4 times more often. However, when the age of both sexes exceeds 50 years, the risk of the occurrence and development of this pathology for both becomes equal. This fact is quite easy to explain: the main reason is that women who turn 50 change hormonal background(estrogens levels decrease), as a result of which their body is no longer able to defend itself.
2. Age characteristics. It is reliably known that over time the risk of atherosclerosis increases. Aging of the body inevitably leads to a number of changes occurring in the blood vessels.
3. Genetic predisposition. Those people whose relatives have suffered from this disease in the past are more predisposed than others to the formation of this pathology.

As for the modifiable causes of atherosclerosis, it should be noted that these are factors that can be treated or adjusted by changing the habitual rhythm of a person’s life. Variable factors include:

Atherosclerosis of the aorta: features and symptoms

Before considering the features of a disease such as aortic atherosclerosis, the symptoms and manifestations of this pathology, it is necessary to clearly understand what the aorta is. In simple words we can say that this is the most large vessel of the human body, which is located in the chest and abdomen. The aorta originates in the left ventricle of the heart. It has many branches that nourish organs located in the thoracic and abdominal parts of the body. As a rule, the disease does not affect the entire aorta, but only some of its sections. Based on this, we can conclude that the symptoms of aortic atherosclerosis vary from case to case.

When the aorta is affected by atherosclerosis, connective tissue rapidly grows along the walls of large and medium-sized arteries, the vessels become overfilled with fats and their walls become denser and thicker. As a result, the vessels lose flexibility and elasticity, vascular lumens decrease and there is a predisposition to the appearance of thrombotic compounds.

Speaking about the symptoms of atherosclerosis, there are 2 main periods in the development of this pathology: preclinical and clinical. During the first time, changes occurring in the body can only be detected through laboratory research, and during the second, the symptoms of the disease are clearly expressed and their identification does not require a comprehensive medical examination.

If the disease attacked chest part, then the person will experience the following symptoms:

Heartache;

Often the pain radiates to the ribs, spine, arms or neck;

The pain lasts a long time and can last for days;

Blood pressure increases;

Patients experience constant weakness and dizziness;

When the neck rotates sharply, convulsions occur;

Fainting.

If atherosclerosis affects the abdominal region, other symptoms are observed. These include:

Aching pain in the stomach area;

Bloating;

Weight loss that occurs as a result of malfunctions of the organs that are involved in the digestion process.

Atherosclerosis of the heart

One of the most common diseases today is atherosclerosis of the heart. The symptoms of this disease do not always make themselves felt at the initial stage of development of the pathology, or they are often confused with manifestations of diseases such as angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. Commonly encountered symptoms are:

Burning either pressing pain in the chest area, which often radiates to left shoulder and back;

Dizziness;

Severe shortness of breath, due to which the patient often feels that he does not have enough air. In a lying position, the condition worsens to the point that the person simply suffocates and cannot breathe;

Nausea;

If you notice these symptoms, you should consult a doctor, as statistics show that approximately 50% of patients have experienced some of the above symptoms but did not pay proper attention to them before they have a heart attack.

Atherosclerosis of the brain: symptoms and main characteristics

Atherosclerosis of the brain is a very serious pathology characterized by stenosis of the cerebral arteries, which occurs due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on their intima. Doctors tirelessly remind people that no one is immune from the occurrence of such a disease as cerebral atherosclerosis. Symptoms of the disease largely depend on how much damage has been done to the cells.

The development of pathology is associated with a deterioration in the activity of the central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of various mental disorders and stroke. In addition, the possibility of bleeding is quite high. At the initial stage of development, it is very difficult to detect cerebral atherosclerosis in humans. Its symptoms are practically not felt by the patient. Often, tinnitus and slight dizziness are mistaken by patients for simple malaise caused by stress or fatigue. Although atherosclerotic plaques begin to be deposited already at the age of thirty, pronounced signs of the disease appear only after 50 years.

A huge number of people know first-hand what cerebral atherosclerosis is. The symptoms that accompany it force a person to completely change his usual way of life, since he is no longer able to fully understand and be responsible for his actions. Thus, it should be noted that the disorders caused by this disease are expressed:

Fatigue very quickly;

Decreased motor activity and performance;

Problems with concentration and switching from one activity to another;

In headache and dizziness;

Sensation of pressure in the skull.

Except above listed violations, it is also necessary to note neurosis-like, or, as they are also called, depressive symptoms:

- bad mood and increased tearfulness;

Complete lack of desire to work, study, have fun.

Psychopathic-like manifestations are expressed in:

Hot temper, excessive nervousness, anger, hysterical reactions;

Sloppiness, stinginess, grumpiness.

Life is not at all easy for patients who have been diagnosed with cerebral atherosclerosis. Symptoms of the disease are depressive and anxious-delusional in nature. Patients change before our eyes, becoming overly suspicious, preoccupied and sometimes even angry. During the period of dementia or dementia, the patient does not remember information coming from outside and cannot adequately assess the situation.

Atherosclerosis of the lower extremities (obliterating atherosclerosis): symptoms of the disease

Doctors are sounding the alarm and say that, unfortunately, they now have much more work to do than in the old days. Every day the number of people suffering from such chronic diseases as, for example, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities is growing. You need to know the symptoms of this disease so as not to waste precious time and begin treatment immediately. This pathology is also called obliterating atherosclerosis, which occurs when the walls of blood vessels thicken due to the deposition of lipids and cholesterol on them. As a result, plaques are formed, which over time cause a narrowing of the lumens of blood vessels until they completely block. Next, ulcers appear on the walls of the vessels, blood clots form, and scar tissue rapidly grows.

Most people have average age group there is atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities. Symptoms at the initial stage of the disease practically do not appear. They become noticeable only after some time. This is the main problem. Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities begin to appear when walking, when pain appears in the legs, mainly in the calf muscles. However, pain can also be felt in the thigh muscles and in the area hip joint. In addition, the patient is anemic and complains of cold feet. Other symptoms of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities include:

Difference in skin temperature of the legs (the limb affected by the disease is cooler than the healthy one);

Pallor of the skin;

Fatigue when walking.

All these manifestations indicate that a person may be developing atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. The symptoms of this pathology are quite unpleasant and it is unlikely that anyone would not want to get rid of them. Therefore, as soon as they start to bother discomfort in your legs, you should make an appointment with a vascular surgeon without delay. You should not diagnose yourself, much less self-medicate. This is fraught with consequences. Only a doctor can provide complete and reliable information regarding what atherosclerosis of the lower extremities is. Symptoms and treatment are individual for each patient, so in order not to harm your health, it is better to trust a specialist. Besides this, there is no time to waste. The more the disease progresses, the more difficult it will be to cure. If obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities is not treated in time and its symptoms are ignored, gangrene may subsequently develop and the person risks being left without legs.

Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries

Atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries also creates many problems. The symptoms of this disease, like other types of atherosclerosis, practically do not appear at all at the initial stage of development. This in most cases leads to various complications and affects the treatment process. However, if you pay more attention to your health, then it is quite possible to identify certain signs of illness in time. The reason for urgent appeal See a doctor and conduct a full diagnosis if the following signs appear:

Weakness throughout the body;

Speech impairment;

State of numbness;

Inability to control the movements of one of the limbs;

Itching and tingling in any of the limbs or half of the body;

Partial or total loss vision of one eye.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

Millions of people suffer from a pathology such as vascular atherosclerosis. Symptoms, treatment, prevention of the disease - these are all things that should never be neglected. It is noteworthy that there are a huge number of factors that directly indicate the development of pathology. However, at the initial stage of the formation of the disease, it is very difficult to notice any changes occurring in the body. Since it is not easy to identify atherosclerosis, its diagnosis occurs in several stages. First of all, the doctor conducts a survey of the patient in order to clarify the main complaints and identify potential risk factors ( overweight body, absence or presence of bad habits, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). Next, a direct examination of the patient is carried out, during which special attention is paid to determining the presence of changes in the color of the skin of the hands and feet. The vessels are palpated and the sounds of their operation are listened to.

Depending on the results it gave medical examination, the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo a number of diagnostic tests:

Treatment of atherosclerosis

The best “cure” in the fight against atherosclerosis is a radical change in your usual lifestyle. It is necessary to completely give up bad habits, eat healthy food and exercise. However, if this does not help or the disease has already developed, then you will have to resort to medications, and in more cases difficult cases even to surgery.

As a rule, some medications help slow the development of pathological disorders caused by atherosclerosis, while others are aimed at eliminating the consequences of the disease. For example:

1. Medicines that help lower cholesterol levels. By reducing low-density lipoprotein levels, there is a significant increase in the likelihood that the accumulation of fat in the arteries will slow down, stop, or decrease.
2. Antiplatelet drugs. Medicines of this pharmacological group, for example, Aspirin, prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. Beta blockers. These drugs help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. They do not allow the disease to progress.
5. Calcium channel blockers. They lower blood pressure.
6. Diuretics. Drugs in this group also lower blood pressure.
7. Other medicines.

Vascular atherosclerosis, the symptoms of which cannot be eliminated with drugs, requires more aggressive treatment. In this case, surgical intervention cannot be avoided: angioplasty, endarterectomy, thrombolytic therapy or bypass surgery.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

According to statistics, atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes leading to death in the case of heart disease or vascular disease. To minimize the risk of the occurrence and development of the disease, doctors recommend familiarizing yourself with a set of measures to prevent atherosclerosis:

Give up all bad habits;

Maintain normal body weight;

Avoid stressful situations;

Do not eat fatty foods;

Regularly undergo medical examination, especially for people suffering from diabetes and hypertension;

Exercise.

Dietary nutrition for atherosclerosis

In case of atherosclerosis, special attention should be paid to the quality of food consumed. You should eat four times throughout the day, but the portions should be small. You will have to give up all kinds of sweets and forget about the habit of eating too much at night. In addition, one cannot help but note the fact that, according to some sources, when suffering from atherosclerosis, it is important not only to follow a low-lipid diet, but also not to abuse it, and it is better not to eat red meat at all.

Moreover, it is recommended to exclude beef, pork and lamb from the diet and replace them with fruits, vegetables and herbs. You can safely eat various cereal porridges, eat boiled fish, chicken and turkey meat, use olive or corn oil. Nuts and various berries, for example, hawthorn, are very good for health.

Atherosclerosis is a fairly common chronic disease characterized by its own progression. Atherosclerosis, the symptoms of which appear against the background of damage to medium and large arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol in them (which determines the cause of this disease), becomes the cause of circulatory disorders and a number of serious risks provoked by this disorder.

general description

With atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic plaques form on the walls of blood vessels (they are based on fatty deposits in combination with growing connective tissue). Because of these plaques, narrowing of blood vessels occurs and their subsequent deformation. These changes, in turn, lead to disruption of blood circulation, as well as damage to internal organs. Large arteries are mainly affected.

Let's take a closer look at the picture of this disease. First of all, we note that the occurrence and subsequent formation of atherosclerosis depends on the following factors:

• the state in which the vascular walls are located;
• relevance of genetic hereditary factor;
• disorders in fat (lipid) metabolism.

Cholesterol, which was initially noted, belongs to fats; with its help, a number of various functions in our body. In other words, it can be considered as a building material used in cell walls. In addition, cholesterol is a component of vitamins and hormones, which ensure adequate functioning of the body. Approximately 70% of the total amount of cholesterol is synthesized in the liver, while the remaining part enters the body through food.

Note that cholesterol in the body is not in a free state; it is included in specific complex compounds of fats and protein - lipoproteins. Lipoproteins, in turn, enable its transfer from the liver to tissues through the bloodstream. If cholesterol in the body is in excess, then from the tissues it is sent to the liver, and this is where the excess amount is utilized. Disruption of the functioning of this mechanism leads to the development of the disease we are considering, that is, atherosclerosis.

In the development of atherosclerosis, the main role is played by low-density lipoproteins, abbreviated as LDL. At their expense, cholesterol is transported from the liver to the cells, and a strictly defined amount of it is subject to such transportation, in otherwise exceeding the level determines a serious risk for the possible development of atherosclerosis against this background.

As for the reverse transport of cholesterol from tissues to the liver, it is ensured by high-density lipoproteins, which in abbreviated form defines them as HDL, a separate class of anti-atherogenic lipoproteins. They ensure cleansing of the surface layer of cells from excess cholesterol. The risk of developing atherosclerosis occurs when reduced level HDL cholesterol and with elevated LDL levels.

Let's dwell on age characteristics atherosclerosis. Thus, it can be noted that the initial type of changes within the walls of arteries (their medium and large caliber) are noted already in at a young age. Subsequently, they evolve, during which they transform into fibroadenomatous plaques, which, in turn, often develop after the age of 40 years. This atherosclerotic vascular lesion is relevant in approximately 17% of cases in patients under 20 years of age, in 60% in patients under 40 years of age, in 85% in patients aged 50 years and older.

In the future, the picture of the disease looks like this. The arterial wall undergoes penetration into its base by fibrin, cholesterol and a number of substances, due to the influence of which an atherosclerotic plaque is formed. Being in excess amounts, cholesterol, when exerted accordingly, causes the plaque to increase in size, which creates an obstacle to adequate blood flow through the vessels in the area of ​​the formed narrowing. Against this background, blood flow decreases and inflammation develops. Blood clots also form; they can subsequently break off, thereby posing a significant danger to the vessels that are vital in our body. This is due to the possibility of their blockage, which, in turn, will deprive the organs of the blood supply they require.

Causes of atherosclerosis

The causes of atherosclerosis can be very different, they are also equated with risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, which indicates that compliance with these factors increases the risk of possible development of atherosclerosis in patients. In general, such risk factors can be divided into two main groups depending on the nature of the patient’s exposure to them. Thus, the causes of the development of atherosclerosis can be modifiable and unmodifiable (modifiable and non-modifiable).

Unchangeable (non-modifiable) reasons as can be determined from their name, it is impossible to change with one or another measures of influence (including medical ones). The following can be identified as such factors:

• Floor. This factor is considered as an independent risk factor in considering the picture of the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in men develops approximately 10 years earlier, which is known based on certain statistical data on this matter when compared with female morbidity. In addition, before reaching the age of 50, the risk of developing this disease in men is four times higher than in women. Upon reaching the threshold of 50 years of age, the incidence in both sexes is equalized. This feature is explained by the fact that in the female body from this period specific hormonal changes, and the protective function provided by estrogen disappears (here, as you can understand, we are talking about menopause and a gradual decrease in the intensity of the release of these estrogen hormones).
• Age. As the reader may have already noticed, with age the risk of developing the disease we are considering increases. Accordingly, than older man, the greater the risk. And, of course, it is also impossible to influence this factor, which is why it is considered in this particular group. It should be noted that in general, atherosclerosis as a disease is often compared with the aging of the body, that is, as one of the manifestations of this process. This is explained by the fact that atherosclerotic changes after moving beyond a specific age period are determined in absolutely all patients. And, as already noted, from the age of 45-50 the risk of such changes especially increases.
• Genetic predisposition. This risk factor is also unchanged when considering atherosclerosis. Thus, those patients whose immediate relatives are diagnosed with one or another form of it are especially susceptible to this disease. It is generally accepted that genetic predisposition(aka heredity) also acts as a factor that determines the relative acceleration of the development of atherosclerosis (before reaching the age of 50). Meanwhile, in people whose age exceeds 50 years, the heredity factor in practice determines a slight influence on the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, a clear statement regarding the early development of this disease, if it is present in relatives, cannot be given.

Changeable (modifiable) reasons, in turn, are characterized by the fact that the patient can influence them. This may include lifestyle adjustments, treatment, etc. Let us highlight separately the options that are relevant for the disease in question:

• Arterial hypertension. This reason (factor) is independent in considering the development of atherosclerosis. The peculiarity of the effects of hypertension is that against its background there is an increase in the intensity of saturation of arterial walls with fats, which, in turn, is considered as the initial stage in the development of the main manifestation of atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque. At the same time, atherosclerosis, due to which the elasticity of the arteries is subject to change, is a factor that increases the risk of developing hypertension in a patient.
• Smoking. This factor is a serious aid for the development of many diseases, and atherosclerosis is no exception. With long-term smoking, the risk of developing the hypertension discussed above, as a predisposing factor in the development of atherosclerosis, increases, which already makes it possible to trace the chain of changes that are relevant in this case. In addition, smoking also contributes to development of ischemic heart disease(coronary heart disease) and hyperlipidemia, which also accelerates the development of atherosclerosis in smokers. The basis of the influence is based on the negative impact that the components of tobacco smoke have directly on the blood vessels.
• Obesity. Another, no less significant factor contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. Again, obesity predisposes not only to the development of atherosclerosis itself, but also one of the factors we have already listed, arterial hypertension, which in any case, as one can understand, connects this factor with the disease we are considering. Additionally, we note that obesity is one of the main factors in the development of diabetes mellitus, which also plays an important role in considering the modifiable factors that interest us.
• Diabetes. The relevance of this factor for patients significantly increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis (about 5-7 times). It is explained this way high risk the relevance of metabolic disorders (in particular, this applies to fats), which provokes the development of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.
• Hyperlipidemia (dyslipidemia). This factor implies a violation in the metabolism of fats, which determines its no less significant role in terms of considering the factors that provoke atherosclerosis. It should be noted that all of the above factors are directly related to dyslipidemia, that is, with each of them, the problem of impaired fat metabolism is relevant. The main role in the development of atherosclerosis (as well as other types of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system) is given to the following forms of fat metabolism disorders: increased levels of cholesterol, increased levels of triglycerides and increased levels of lipoproteins in the blood.
• Nutritional features. The development of atherosclerosis is particularly influenced by the presence of a significant amount of animal fats in diet products.
• Physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle). This factor also plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, including the development of the previously listed conditions (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, obesity). Due to reduced physical activity, as you might guess, the metabolic processes of carbohydrates and fats are disrupted, which, accordingly, increases the risk of developing the listed disorders and atherosclerosis in particular.
• Infections. The infectious nature of the development of atherosclerosis began to be considered relatively recently. Based on the ongoing research, it was found that cytomegalovirus and chlamydial infections can be considered as two options representing this point in its connection with atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis: stages

As we have already highlighted, the pathological process relevant for atherosclerosis is concentrated within the walls of the arteries. This, in turn, leads to the gradual destruction of the affected wall. In accordance with the degree of damage and its characteristics, 3 stages of atherosclerosis are determined, successive in their manifestation, and we will consider them below.

• Stage I. As part of its manifestation lipid stains form. This implies the impregnation of arterial walls with fat molecules; the localization of impregnation is noted only within limited areas of the walls. These areas appear as yellowish stripes concentrated along the entire length of the affected artery. The features of this stage are characterized by the fact that the symptoms of atherosclerosis as such do not manifest themselves, and in general there are no specific disorders that could be used to determine the relevance of the circulation disorder in the blood arteries. Acceleration of the formation of lipid spots can occur due to the influence of the modifiable factors discussed above in the form of obesity, arterial hypertension and diabetes.
• Stage II. This stage is also defined as the stage of liposclerosis, characterized by the development of atherosclerosis to a stage in which inflammation of lipid spots occurs, which leads to the accumulation of immune system cells in their cavities. In particular, they are making attempts to cleanse the arterial wall of fats that have managed to be deposited on it (in some cases these can be microbes). Against the background of a prolonged inflammatory process, the fats deposited on the arterial wall begin to decompose, and at the same time the germination of connective tissues occurs in it. It leads to formation of fibrous plaque, which defines this stage. The surface of such a plaque is in a slightly elevated position relative to the inner surface of the affected vessel, thereby narrowing its lumen and disrupting blood circulation.
• Stage III. This stage is the final stage in the development of atherosclerosis; it is characterized by development of a number of complications, directly related to the development of fibrous plaque. In addition, it is from this stage of the disease that its symptoms begin to appear. This stage is defined as the stage of atherocalcinosis. The progression of plaque deformation at this stage is determined by the compaction that is relevant to it, as well as the deposition of calcium salts in it. The nature of the manifestation of an atherosclerotic plaque can determine both its stability and gradual growth, due to which it will continue to deform the lumen of the artery and narrow it. Against the background of this last option, the development of a progressive form of chronic disturbance in the blood supply of the organ that is fed by the artery that has undergone such damage will be provoked. This also causes a significant risk of occlusion formation ( acute form blockage), in which the lumen of the vessel is blocked either by a thrombus or an element of plaque disintegration, as a result of which the blood supplying organ or limb undergoes another type of damage against this background - in the form of the formation of an area of ​​necrosis (infarction) or gangrene.

Atherosclerosis: symptoms

The aorta (abdominal and thoracic sections), mesenteric, coronary and renal arteries, as well as arteries of the brain and lower extremities are predominantly affected by atherosclerosis.

As part of the development of the disease, its asymptomatic (or preclinical) period and the clinical period are distinguished. The asymptomatic period is accompanied by an increased level of beta lipoproteins in the blood or an increased level of cholesterol in it, while symptoms, as can be understood from the definition of this period, are absent.

Regarding the period clinical manifestations, then they are relevant when the arterial lumen is narrowed by 50% or more. This, in turn, determines the relevance of the three main stages of the period: the ischemic stage, the thromonecrotic stage and the fibrotic stage.

Ischemic stage characterized by the fact that it disrupts the blood supply to a certain organ. As an example, we can highlight the picture of the course of this stage, in which myocardial ischemia against the background of atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels manifests itself in the form of angina pectoris. Thrombonecrotic stage characterized by the addition of thrombosis of arteries that have undergone changes. Atherosclerosis coronary arteries in this case, it may in its own course reach complications in the form of myocardial infarction. And finally fibrous stage, which is characterized by growth connective tissue, occurring in organs that are ineffectively supplied with blood. Again, when considering atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries at this stage, one can distinguish the transition to the development of such a pathology as atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis.

As for the specific manifestations of atherosclerosis, its symptoms are determined based on what type of arteries is affected. Below we will look at the main options for the course of this disease.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta: symptoms

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is the most common manifestation of atherosclerosis; accordingly, it is detected in most patients. Atherosclerosis can affect its various parts, on the basis of which, in turn, the symptoms of the disease and its prognosis are determined.

As you probably know, the aorta is the largest vessel in our body. It starts from the heart (left ventricle), then branches, thereby forming many small vessels that spread to the tissues and organs of our body. The aorta consists of two main sections, which are located in anatomically different areas. These sections are the abdominal and thoracic aorta.

The thoracic aorta in the aorta is the initial section; it provides blood supply to the upper part of our body, respectively, these are the organs of the chest itself, the neck, head and upper limbs. As for the abdominal aorta, it is the final section; blood supply is provided for the organs abdominal cavity. In turn, its final section is divided into two main branches, which are the left and right iliac arteries, through which blood flows to the lower extremities and pelvic organs.

In atherosclerosis of the aorta, the lesion that is relevant for this disease covers either the entire aorta along its length, or its individual areas. Symptoms in this case are also determined depending on where exactly the pathological process is localized and how pronounced the changes that arose in the walls of the aorta under its influence became.

As the most dangerous complication, provoked by atherosclerosis of the aorta, an aortic aneurysm appears. With an aortic aneurysm, a certain section of the artery expands, which is accompanied by thinning of the vessel wall and increased risk rupture of the artery, which in turn can lead to life-threatening bleeding.

Atherosclerosis thoracic aorta: symptoms

There are no symptoms for a long time. Often, atherosclerosis of this department develops along with such forms of the disease as atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart (i.e., coronary arteries), as well as atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.

The manifestation of symptoms is observed mainly at the age of 60-70 years, which is explained by the significant damage to the aortic walls by this time. Patients have complaints about burning pain in the chest area, systolic blood pressure increases, swallowing becomes difficult, and dizziness is common.

Less specific manifestations of symptoms may include early aging, which is also combined with the early appearance of gray hair. At the same time, an abundance of hair growth is noted in the area of ​​the ears, a characteristic light stripe appears along the outer edge of the iris, and wen appears on the skin of the face.

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta: symptoms

This form of the disease is diagnosed in almost half of the cases of all possible variants of its manifestation. Similar to the previous form, long time he may not show himself at all.

Atherosclerosis of the area under consideration acts as the cause of the development in patients of such a pathology as abdominal ischemic disease. It, similar to IHD (coronary artery disease), is characterized by the fact that it leads to disruption of blood supply against the background of vascular damage by atherosclerosis, which is particularly important for those organs that these vessels nourish.

Symptoms accompanying damage to the abdominal aorta may manifest themselves in the following:

• Stomach ache. Such pain occurs after eating, the nature of the manifestation is paroxysmal, aching. As a rule, they are not too intense and do not have a clear localization. Such pain disappears on its own after a few hours.
• Digestive disorders. In particular, complaints of bloating, constipation and diarrhea (alternating conditions) and decreased appetite are relevant.
• Weight loss. This symptom is progressive, caused by a stable form of digestive disorders.
• Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure), renal failure. High blood pressure is caused by the blood supply to the kidneys being disrupted. Concerning renal failure, then it develops due to the fact that their normal tissues gradually begin to be replaced by connective tissues. This, in turn, determines their gradual necrosis against the background of insufficient blood supply.
• Thrombosis of visceral arteries. This complication is deadly if there is atherosclerosis of the part of the aorta in question; moreover, it requires immediate specialized medical care. When the vessels that provide blood supply to the intestines become necrosis, the intestinal loops become necrosis, which leads to massive inflammation of organs concentrated in the abdominal cavity and peritoneum (which determines peritonitis). Symptoms of this condition include severe pain that does not disappear when taking antispasmodics and painkillers. In addition, the pain is soon accompanied by a sudden deterioration in general well-being.

Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels: symptoms

This form of atherosclerosis is no less common; in this case, the intracranial and extracranial vessels supplying the brain are affected. The severity of symptoms is determined based on the degree of damage to these vessels. Due to atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, activity is gradually inhibited nervous system, may develop mental disorders or stroke.

The first manifestations of symptoms of this form of atherosclerosis are diagnosed at 60-65 years of age in patients, and their interpretation in most cases is reduced only to the manifestations of signs of aging of the body. Meanwhile, such a belief is only partly correct. Aging itself is irreversible physiological process, while atherosclerosis acts as a specific type of disease, the course of which, until it reaches certain limits, determines the possibility of cure, as well as the implementation of certain preventive measures against it.

Now let's move on to the symptoms. As initial manifestations atherosclerosis of this form is characterized by episodic attacks of “ischemic attack”, during which relatively stable neurological symptoms appear. This particularly includes sensitivity disorders, which can manifest themselves either in a decrease in sensitivity on one side of the body, or in complete loss. There are also movement disorders in the form of paresis (partial loss of muscle strength) and paralysis. In addition, hearing, vision and speech impairments may occur. The listed symptoms, meanwhile, appear within a short period of time, after which they disappear.

With a severe form of cerebral atherosclerosis, a stroke often develops, in which necrosis of a certain area of ​​cerebral tissue occurs. This condition is characterized by a persistent manifestation of the symptoms we have already discussed (loss of sensitivity, paralysis, loss of speech); it is treatable to a small extent.

Other manifestations of the symptoms of atherosclerosis of this form include a disorder of higher nervous activity in one form or another (in particular, this applies to intellectual abilities and memory), changes in character (pictiness, capriciousness, etc.), sleep disturbances, development of depressive states.

Lack of adequate treatment can lead to dementia ( senile dementia). It, in turn, is a severe and, unfortunately, irreversible manifestation of a decrease in the higher functions inherent in the brain.

Stroke is the greatest danger of this disease. This condition is essentially a condition similar to myocardial infarction, a condition in which tissue necrosis occurs. This condition is accompanied by increased mortality, as well as frequent disability of patients.

It should be noted that in some cases, symptoms indicating atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries can be quite difficult to differentiate, for example, from the symptoms manifested in hypertensive encephalopathy or from actual disorders cerebral blood supply due to the development of degenerative spinal diseases (for example, osteochondrosis). In reality, it often happens that patients in the group old age many of the diseases with which atherosclerosis could be confused are relevant, therefore the diagnosis of this disease determines the need for integrated approach to this process.

Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities: symptoms

Similar to the forms we discussed earlier, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities (atherosclerosis obliterans) does not manifest itself for a long time, and this lasts until blood circulation through the vessels is seriously impaired due to the disease we are considering.

As a classic, one might say, symptom, in this case we consider pain that occurs in the muscles of the lower extremities when walking. This symptom has a definition corresponding to its manifestation - “intermittent claudication” (which is explained by periodic stops while walking due to emerging pain to reduce their intensity). Pain occurs in this case due to the fact that there is a lack of oxygen in the functioning muscles, which, in turn, occurs due to the specifics of atherosclerosis itself.

What is noteworthy is that arterial insufficiency that occurs with this form of atherosclerosis negatively affects not only the functions inherent in the legs, but it also acts as the cause of the development of trophic disorders, in which the nutrition of the lower extremities in particular is subject to disruption. Trophic disorders can manifest themselves in hair loss and skin changes (thinning, pallor). Nails are subject to deformation and become brittle. At severe cases atherosclerosis of the legs is accompanied not only by muscle atrophy, but also by the formation of trophic ulcers in combination with gangrene.

Arterial insufficiency of the legs manifests itself in accordance with the disorders that determine its main four stages.

• Stage I . In this case, pain in the legs appears only in combination with significant physical activity (for example, this can be walking over long distances (one kilometer or more)).
• Stage II . In this case, the maximum distance for pain to occur is reduced, amounting to no more than 200 meters, after overcoming which, accordingly, pain appears.
• Stage III . Here pain occurs when walking within a distance of no more than 25 meters, or even at rest.
• IV stage . At this stage, patients develop trophic ulcers and gangrene of the lower extremities develops.

Another sign corresponding to the manifestations of atherosclerosis is the disappearance of the pulse noted in the area of ​​the arteries of the lower extremities (this may be the area on the back of the inner ankle, the area of ​​the popliteal fossa or the thigh area).

Thrombosis of the iliac arteries and the terminal part of the abdominal aorta provokes the development of Leriche syndrome.

Leriche syndrome is accompanied by impaired blood circulation, which is relevant for the arteries of the lower extremities, as well as for organs concentrated in the pelvic area. Quite often this syndrome develops against the background of atherosclerosis of the aorta. The manifestations of this pathology are similar to those that occur with atherosclerosis of the vessels of the legs.

In addition, impotence may develop, which, as is understandable, is relevant for men. Obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities can act as a serious type of trophic disorder directly affecting the limbs (legs), which can also lead to the development of gangrene, and, ultimately, to the loss of one of them. Accordingly, any warning sign may be a reason to contact a specialist.

Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart: symptoms

This form of the disease acts as the main cause of the development of coronary heart disease in patients, which, in turn, develops against the background of impaired blood supply to the heart muscle. Myocardial infarction and angina pectoris are pathologies that directly depend on the degree of development of atherosclerosis affecting the arteries of the heart. Thus, with partial blockage, coronary disease develops (of varying severity of its own manifestation), and with complete blockage, myocardial infarction develops.

Dwelling on the features of the pathology that interests us, which is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart, we will highlight the features of the blood supply to the heart. It is provided in particular by two coronary arteries that follow from the aorta. With any disturbance that occurs during blood circulation through the coronary (coronary) arteries, the work of the heart muscle is accordingly disrupted. This, in turn, can trigger a heart attack.

Most often, blood circulation is disrupted due to atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. In this case, this pathology is accompanied by the formation process dense plaques, due to which deformation and destruction of the artery wall gradually occurs while its lumen narrows (a typical picture of the course of atherosclerosis). Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries correspond to those symptoms that appear with coronary artery disease, but in any case the main cause is atherosclerosis.

The main manifestations of symptoms, accordingly, in this case are the development of angina pectoris and ischemic heart disease; cardiosclerosis and myocardial infarction act as complications of atherosclerosis of the heart vessels. An attack of angina pectoris, which manifests itself in this form of atherosclerosis, is characterized by the following manifestations of symptoms:

• the appearance of burning, pressing pain in the chest area; spreading of such pain to the left shoulder and to the back; occurrence - when stressful situations arise or when physical activity;
• shortness of breath (a feeling of lack of air appears, which is usually accompanied by the above-mentioned attack of pain; in some cases, there is a need to take a sitting position, because the patient simply begins to choke while lying down);
• as a possible option to supplement the picture of an attack, the appearance of symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Treatment of an angina attack is ensured by the patient taking nitroglycerin; moreover, it is this drug that is the main one in considering the emergency relief of an attack.

In case of complications such as myocardial infarction Patients experience intense pain, reminiscent of those that occur with angina pectoris. The difference is that the use of nitroglycerin does not determine the corresponding effect. As additional manifestations of symptoms, severe shortness of breath is noted, the patient may lose consciousness. The manifestation of heart failure is characterized by its own severity.

If a complication such as cardiosclerosis, then heart failure manifests itself gradually, which is accompanied by a decrease physical activity in combination with shortness of breath and the occurrence of swelling.

Determination of specific signs corresponding to atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries can only be done using special diagnostic techniques.

Atherosclerosis of mesenteric vessels: symptoms

This form of atherosclerosis manifests itself predominantly in the upper abdomen. The time of onset of symptoms, which primarily consists of the appearance of pain, mainly occurs in the late hours, in particular after dinner. The duration of pain can range from several minutes to up to an hour. As accompanying symptoms, bloating and belching may also occur, and constipation may occur. Pain in atherosclerosis, when compared with pain syndrome, accompanying peptic ulcer disease, does not last so long in manifestation.

The main symptoms accompanying atherosclerosis in this form include the following manifestations:

• bloating;
• moderate manifestation of pain, determined by palpating the abdominal area;
• mild muscle tension in the anterior abdominal wall;
• weakening of peristalsis or its complete absence.

The listed manifestations are defined as such a condition as “angina pectoris”. It develops due to a discrepancy between the volume of blood required to provide blood supply to the organs of the digestive system and the actual volume, which, as can be understood, is insufficient for this.

As one of the complications of this form of atherosclerosis, thrombosis developing in the mesenteric vessels can be noted. As a rule, it appears suddenly, accompanied by the following accompanying symptoms:

• constant pain of a wandering or diffuse nature that occurs in the abdomen;
• pain in the navel area;
• nausea, repeated vomiting (with an admixture of bile; blood may also be present, which is noted in this case in the stool);
• constipation, flatulence (gas).

Often, thrombosis of mesenteric vessels results in the development of intestinal gangrene, which, in turn, is accompanied by severe symptoms of peritonitis.

Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: symptoms

This form of atherosclerosis becomes the cause of the development of a persistent form of ischemia, which, in turn, acts as a factor provoking the development of a consistently high form of arterial hypertension.

Some cases of atherosclerosis of the renal arteries are accompanied by the absence of symptoms. Meanwhile, more often the picture of the disease manifests itself in the form of the development of atherosclerotic plaques with simultaneous narrowing of the lumen of the renal artery, against which a secondary form of arterial hypertension develops.

If only one of the renal arteries is affected, we can talk about the slow progression of this disease; the leading manifestation of symptoms in this case is high blood pressure. If the spread of the process affects both arteries at once, then this, in turn, causes the development of the disease of a type in which arterial hypertension is malignant, characterized by rapid progression and a serious deterioration in the general condition of the patient.

Associated symptoms may include abdominal pain and pain in the lumbar region. The duration of pain manifests itself in different ways, in some cases it is about several hours, in others - about several days. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.

Diagnosis

The primary diagnosis of atherosclerosis is carried out by a therapist as part of a standard annual examination of the patient in this area. To do this, blood pressure is measured, risk factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis are identified, and body mass index is measured.

As a clarifying measure, the following research methods can be used:

• ECG (echocardiography) in combination with ultrasound of the aorta and heart, as well as with special stress tests;
• Invasive research methods (coronary angiography, angiography, intravascular ultrasound);
• Duplex scanning, triplex scanning (blood flow is examined using ultrasound visualization of blood vessels);
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which visualizes atherosclerotic plaques and artery walls.

Treatment

Treatment of atherosclerosis is based on a number of the following principles:

• impact on infectious pathogens;
• implementation of measures replacement therapy(relevant for women during menopause);
• enhancing the removal of cholesterol and its metabolites from the body;
• limiting the intake of cholesterol into the body, reducing the synthesis of cholesterol by cells.

Against this background, the lifestyle is subject to adjustments; an additional diet is prescribed, in which, as you can understand, foods containing cholesterol are subject to maximum exclusion.

Concerning drug treatment, then it is based on taking the following types of drugs:

• nicotinic acid in combination with its derivatives (providing the possibility of reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, as well as increasing the content of high-density lipoproteins);
• fibrates (drugs of this group reduce the synthesis of the body’s own fats);
• statins (provide the ability to lower cholesterol most in an efficient manner due to the impact on the processes of their production by the body itself);
• sequestrants (ensure the binding and removal of bile acids from the intestines while reducing cholesterol and fats in cells).

Atherosclerosis may require in some cases and surgical treatment, which is important in case of a serious threat or in the development of an acute form of blockage of an artery by a blood clot or plaque. For this purpose, an endarterectomy can be performed ( open surgery on the artery) or endovascular surgery (dilatation of the artery, installation of a stent in the area of ​​narrowing, which provides an obstacle to subsequent blockage). A severe form of atherosclerosis with damage to the vessels of the heart, against the background of which myocardial infarction can develop, requires coronary artery bypass grafting.

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