Healthy brain vessels - prevention of atherosclerosis. Medicines to improve cerebral circulation. Fight against old age

Atherosclerosis – dangerous disease, affecting blood vessels from the inside due to plaque cholesterol plaques. In turn, the plaques increase in size, blocking the lumen of the blood vessels. If the pathology is not treated, you can get complications in the form of irreversible processes such as strokes, heart attacks and much more.

How to recognize atherosclerosis

It is difficult to recognize atherosclerosis, but it is possible. Nowadays, there are many laboratories where it is possible to undergo an examination of the body without a doctor’s referral. Initially you need to do general analysis blood from a finger, as well as biochemical analysis blood with an expanded formula. Next, with the results, you need to visit a specialist to exclude or confirm the diagnosis.

Depending on the location of the pathology in the body, several types of atherosclerosis can be named:

coronary atherosclerosis. With this type of damage, damage occurs to the walls of the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle;
cerebral atherosclerosis. The intima of the walls of cerebral vessels is damaged
obliterating atherosclerosis. The walls of blood vessels supplying the area are damaged lower limbs;
atherosclerosis of the renal arteries;
atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries;

Using junk food You should be aware that trans fats in food can have negative effects on the body. For example, by consuming foods in excess that provoke the release of lipids in the body, as a bonus we get the deposition of these lipids (cholesterol) on the inner wall of blood vessels. Gradual thickening of such a layer, the lumen of the vessel becomes less passable. Accordingly, the nutrition of all organs deteriorates.

Smoking and smoking also contribute to thickening of the lipid layer in blood vessels. sedentary lifestyle life, so it is important to expose yourself daily physical exercise and lead healthy image life.

Surprisingly, stress is also a trigger for the development of atherosclerosis. Prolonged experiences disrupt the proper release of enzymes and promote vasospasm, which in itself impairs blood flow to the brain.

Daily short bursts of adrenaline in the body reduce cholesterol levels.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this pathology are varied and vague. They can often be confused with another disease or not noticed at all. The most common include:

headache;
noise or ringing in the ears;
flickering of flies before the eyes;
dizziness;
apathy and lethargy;
depression;
hypertension;
memory impairment.

Such symptoms can occur in a person of any age and size.

Do not miss the moment of the onset of atherosclerosis. If you experience at least two of the symptoms listed, see your doctor for a cholesterol test.

Which doctor should I contact for help?

First things first initial stage it is necessary to visit a therapist, cardiologist, and undergo the appropriate tests, based on which an appointment is made to visit an angiologist - a doctor specializing in blood vessels. He is the one who treats cerebral atherosclerosis.

Risk factors

Many factors can lead to cerebral atherosclerosis. They are divided into modifiable - those that a person can influence, and non-modifiable.

By knowing the risk factors that can be influenced, you protect your body from severe consequences diseases.

Stages of cerebral atherosclerosis

The disease progresses unnoticed by humans, creating a great threat for patients and a difficult task for doctors. Knowing all the stages of atherosclerosis, you can already think about your health at the initial stage and visit the necessary specialists.

initial stage

It flows almost without a trace. The patient may feel heaviness in the temples, headache, dizziness, decreased memory and attention, weakness and a feeling of extreme fatigue at the end of the day. By morning, as a rule, the condition improves, which misleads doctors. At this stage, the cholesterol layer is present in the vessels, but practically does not interfere with normal blood circulation.

Progressive stage

This stage is hard to miss. The patient may behave aggressively. He appears depressed depressive state, there is hand tremors. The lumen of the vessel can be filled with cholesterol by 1/3 or a little more. The test results are beyond normal limits. The condition does not improve after rest.

Stage of decompensation

A dangerous stage at which memory lapses, speech impediments, motor spasms, hypertensive crises, severe headaches. Since at this stage the lumen of the vessel is blocked by more than 2/3, a stroke may occur, resulting in paralysis of the body or death. This is why it is important to track the disease early.

Laboratory methods are very common and accessible. These include identifying biological materials(blood, urine) the following indicators:

HDL and LDL cholesterol;
C-reactive protein;
triglycerides;
atherogenic index;
creatinine;
rate and rate of kidney filtration.

TO instrumental methods relate:

Magnetic resonance imaging;
Vascular ultrasound;
angiography.

To more accurately identify the localization of atherosclerosis, ultrasound of cerebral vessels with Doppler ultrasonography of blood flow is used. MRI is also recommended to be performed using an X-ray contrast agent. Such methods will help to easily identify atherosclerosis in the brain at an early stage.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment tactics may vary. On early stages Sometimes it is enough to use drug therapy and folk remedies; in later cases, only surgical intervention will help.

Drug treatment

Let's look at several categories medicines for the treatment of atherosclerosis:

1) Statins. Doctors prescribe them very often, as they have proven effective in reducing cholesterol. Their mechanism of action is to reduce total cholesterol in the blood by about 40%, which prevents the formation of new plaques. Doctors often prescribe statins for prevention for people suffering from hypertension or having undergone heart surgery.

Many doctors argue that all people over 40 years of age should take statins in a prophylactic dosage.

2) Fibrates. These medications are necessary to reduce triglyceride levels in the body. Thereby harmful substances leave the body through gastrointestinal tract, mixing with bile.
3) Sequestrants. Work on the principle of binding and removal from the body fatty acids. Currently, they are used less frequently than statins, because they are inferior in effectiveness.
4) Antiplatelet agents. A common group of medications that reduce blood sticking into clots, which prevents excess cholesterol from attaching to it.

Surgical intervention

This type of treatment is used for serious irreversible vascular damage, and has several varieties. The choice of treatment is chosen by the doctor, depending on the location of the pathology, the patient’s age and severity.

Carotid method. They are used for mild symptoms, but in this case the vessel can be closed by more than 2/3. The doctor makes a 10cm wide incision on the vessel itself and cuts out a plaque from it. The vessel is then washed and stitched.

Eversion method. Similar to the previous one. The only difference is that after the cut the vessel is everted and then stitched.

Stenting. Frequently used method. Allows patients to return to everyday life within a week after surgery. Through large vessel a mechanism with a stent is introduced, which is installed as an expander at the site of narrowing of the vessel. The method is considered expensive, so this operation is not available to everyone.

Prosthetics. An exceptional method when there is no other choice for the doctor. It is used in case of severe bending or twisting of the vessel, part of which is removed during the operation, and a prosthetic part is sewn in its place. Then the vessel is washed, sutured, and drainage is installed to drain excess fluid.

Traditional methods

basis traditional treatment atherosclerosis is the use of infusions, decoctions of herbs and fruits, such as:

Melissa;
clover;
plantain;
Rowan;
rose hip;
elecampane;
fennel;
garlic.

Medicinal herbs can be used in collections or separately.

The pharmacy assortment includes food and biological active additives, containing complexes of herbs that successfully fight atherosclerosis in the early stages.

Possible complications

If you neglect the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, you may encounter dangerous consequences. As the blood supply deteriorates and less and less oxygen enters the brain, sluggish irreversible processes begin in the brain, leading to partial memory loss, impaired speech and coordination, and psycho-emotional disorders.

The most dangerous complication is stroke. It arises due to high pressure on the walls of blood vessels that rupture due to stress. Often this complication ends fatal, therefore, it is important not to delay visiting a doctor if you suspect atherosclerosis.

To detect signs of a stroke, you need to know that the patient will not be able to raise both arms equally, his smile will be asymmetrical, and he will not be able to stick out his tongue. These simple recommendations will help identify a stroke early stage and call emergency help.

Diet for atherosclerosis

Without proper nutrition It is impossible to completely recover from this pathology. Let's consider a list of products that are strictly prohibited to take when faced with atherosclerosis, as well as a list healthy food for daily use.

When following a diet, it is important to remember that meals should be balanced, with the presence of proteins in the diet. Divide your day into 4-5 meal breaks.

You should not overeat, the size of the food should be approximately the size of your fist or 1/3 of the plate.

pay attention to drinking regime. You need to drink at least 1 liter of water daily.

Sample menu for the day

Knowing the list of allowed products, you can combine dishes according to at will. Let's consider sample menu for one day, on the basis of which it is recommended to draw up a daily meal schedule:

Breakfast:

200 g cottage cheese;
weak tea with lemon;
biscuits from rye bread.

Lunch:

1 banana;
low fat yogurt.

Dinner:

beet soup;
cucumber and tomato salad with flaxseed oil dressing;
buckwheat with cabbage;
1 piece of rye bread;
Rosehip decoction.

Afternoon snack:

1 glass of low-fat kefir.

Dinner:

stewed fish with vegetables;
lentils;
1 piece of rye bread;
Sea buckthorn jelly.

To prevent cholesterol deposits in blood vessels, it is recommended to expose yourself to physical activity every day. If it is not possible to visit Gym, just walking is enough. Nordic walking is very popular and effective in the fight against any cardiovascular pathologies. You can also combine business with pleasure by visiting swimming pools and saunas, so you will improve blood flow and elasticity of blood vessels.

Since the appearance of cholesterol plaques can be a consequence of stress, learn to relax. Do auto-training, relaxation, attend yoga classes. Proper breathing will help you cope with stressful situations and control your emotions.

Stop smoking and alcohol. These bad habits help to develop a dangerous disease twice as quickly.

If your medical history includes diabetes and hypertension, especially think about your lifestyle, since the risk factor is very high for the progression of such a pathology.

Life forecasts

If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, the prognosis for life is quite high. You can live your whole life without dangerous complications by following the principles of proper nutrition and exposing yourself to physical activity. The survival rate decreases in the case of a stroke, since life important organs do not receive proper nutrition and are partially deformed, which once again reminds us of the need to prevent dangerous diseases.

To never encounter problems in blood vessels, follow a healthy lifestyle, be less nervous and go for walks. fresh air. There's nothing better than living a long life happy life, not burdened with illnesses and troubles. And they will help you to maintain your health useful tips from the article.

In medicine, a spasm is a process sharp narrowing vessels, when blood flow either slows down greatly or stops altogether. The condition worsens: the head hurts, as if something is pressing and squeezing it. The person cannot work normally and feels weak and tired. Similar condition cause vasospasm - a type of vascular crisis or dystonia.

In this material we will talk about how to deal with the disease and methods of preventing the disease, since prevention of cerebral vessels is easier than treatment.

The cause of vasospasm is called decreased tone vessels of the skull. This phenomenon negatively affects work nervous system. Blood flow in capillaries, small arteries, and arterioles decreases or stops altogether.

Factors contributing to the development of spasm:

fatty tumors on the walls of blood vessels - plaques;
scarring;
blood clots;
metabolic disorders, excess weight;
diseases: atherosclerosis, hypertension, tachycardia, brain tumors, vegetative-vascular dystonia, spinal osteochondrosis (affects cervical region), diabetes;
infections: meningitis, encephalitis;
decrease or increase in atmospheric pressure;
intoxication, dehydration;
stress, overwork, insomnia.

According to statistics, men are more likely to experience vasospasm than women. Previously, it was believed that a decrease in blood supply to the brain begins at a late age, but due to the fast pace of life, poor nutrition and sedentary work, the pathology manifests itself at 35 - 40 years. Young children suffer from spasms due to birth injuries or congenital pathologies.

Non-drug treatment methods

The effectiveness of folk and inexpensive means prevention of vasospasm is not inferior conservative therapy:

Drink infusions from every day medicinal plants: calendula, dandelion, rose hips, birch leaves, nettle, St. John's wort.
A mixture of five grated lemons and five heads of garlic is poured with half a liter of honey and left for a week. Drink one tablespoon daily. This simple recipe promotes the elasticity of blood vessels.
Dissolve the crushed head of garlic in 200 grams of oil. Leave for 24 hours, then add 10 ml of lemon juice (about a tablespoon). Take every morning for three months.
Pour three tablespoons of thyme into a liter of water, put on fire, then let it brew for an hour. Add juice from the golden mustache to the broth. Drink half a glass for two weeks.

At home it is possible to relieve spasms:

immerse your legs or arms up to the elbows in cold water for three minutes;
massage the temples and back of the head;
wash or take cold and hot shower, then lie down;
aromatherapy: the smells of mint, geranium, valerian, jasmine or lavender will bring relief. Their oils are applied to upper lip(one drop is enough).

Vitamins that are suitable for the prevention of vasospasms:

retinol (A) and B6 – remove cholesterol;
nicotinic acid (B3) and rutin (P) - to strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
tocopherol (E) – prevents damage to blood vessels;
thiamine (B1) – for blood circulation.

Many of these vitamins are contained in dietary supplements: Alphabet, Duovit, Antiox, Griffonia and others. They are not drugs, so they cannot act as a separate therapy. Dietary supplements are perceived as supporting and auxiliary compounds.

Drug treatment

For cupping pain syndrome suitable medications:

Ibuprofen;
Spazgan;
Aspirin;
Papaverine;
Nurofen;
30 drops Corvalol;
20 drops of Valerian.

These drugs are aimed at the symptoms, they do not eliminate the cause of the spasm. A patient who periodically experiences vascular crises in mandatory should be seen by a specialist. Tolerate discomfort it is forbidden. A course of medications improves quality of life because it reduces the frequency of attacks.

The choice of medication remains with the doctor, who first determines the extent of the disease. Diagnostics include:

taking anamnesis;
general blood and urine tests;
cholesterol and glucose test;
MRI of the brain;
Ultrasound of the cervical spine;
dopplerography;
antiography.

In the conservative treatment of vasospasm, several types of drugs are used:

vasodilators: Lipofor, Mefacor, Atomax;
blood thinners: Trental;
normalizing metabolic processes in the brain: Piracetam, Sermion;
for blood supply: Nootropil, Isoptin, Diltiazem;
sedatives if the cause of the spasm is stress.

To speed up the effect of medications, injections are prescribed, not pills. The following is administered by injection:

neurotra – influence nervous tissue;
mitropas - for muscle tissue vessels;
complex (nitrates) - combine the effects of the first two types.

Surgery

Brain spasms cannot be treated with surgery. Surgery is required when vasoconstriction leads to the development of:

aneurysms;
there is a risk of hemorrhagic stroke;
tumors.

Diet

Because of the spasms, you have to completely reconsider your usual diet.

dairy product with increased fat content: sour cream, cottage cheese, yoghurts;
smoked meats;
marinades and pickles;
fast food;
sweets and bakery products;
tea and coffee;
mayonnaise;
ketchup;
sugar and products containing it;
fatty meats and fish: pork, beef, lamb, halibut.

It is necessary to follow a diet: do not starve or overeat. You need to eat often, but in small portions.

porridge with cereals;
consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits;
berries;
dried fruits;
parsley dill;
lean poultry (chicken, turkey) or rabbit;
natural honey (it is better to add it to warm tea);
drink at least two liters of water daily.

It is necessary to adhere to the diet prescribed by a doctor not for a month or a year, but for the rest of your life. This is the only way, firstly, the frequency of attacks will decrease. Secondly, vasospasms will not lead to irreparable consequences. Healthy diet serves as a means of preventing pathologies of cerebral vessels.

Prevention

Switching to an anti-sclerosis diet alone is often not enough to prevent the development of the disease. Important condition- lead a healthy lifestyle:

stop smoking and strong alcoholic drinks;
visit fast food establishments as rarely as possible, preferably never;
eliminate or significantly reduce the consumption of fatty and fried foods;
adhere to a sleep-wake schedule, relax more in the fresh air;
do not start chronic diseases, as they can cause complications, including on blood vessels and cerebral circulation;
lose weight (if you have weight problems).

In order to prevent the development of atherosclerosis (a factor in the formation of spasms), it is necessary to start playing sports to saturate the blood with oxygen. Not professionally, of course, but still do some simple exercises daily. Walk more, for example, to work. If possible, then run. Yoga, swimming, cycling, breathing exercises are suitable.

A good prevention of cerebral atherosclerosis is to try to be nervous as little as possible, to avoid psychological overload, when the body is actually constantly in a state of stress. It is necessary to monitor the level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Increased performance– the first symptom of the onset of circulatory problems.

Consequences and complications of vascular spasms

When vasoconstriction occurs, a person feels:

severe pain in the head and neck, which gets worse when sneezing or coughing;
attacks of nausea, vomiting may occur;
dizziness;
noise in ears;
pressure on the eyes;
sweating;
pulse quickens;
memory impairment;
lack of coordination;
fainting.

In this state, the patient becomes irritable, and his performance is significantly reduced.

The complications caused by vascular spasm are very serious:

ischemia – lack of oxygen. Brain hypoxia leads to cell death:
stroke - sharp violation blood circulation in the skull. It is extremely difficult to recover from the “blow”, since the degree of brain damage is high.
an aneurysm is an expansion of a vessel when something similar to a sac forms on it. For many, the presence of pathology does not manifest itself in any way. Main danger– rupture of aneurysms, which can lead to the death of the patient. The brain is seriously affected;
thrombosis - blockage of blood vessels;
tumors;
disability.

Video

It often becomes noticeable that older people are very sloppy and grouchy. The culprit of this phenomenon is not considered to be Bad mood or harsh behavior of people of the older generation, and violations fat metabolism body.

Disruption of this process is a factor in the development of many diseases, which is fraught with serious consequences and complications. One of these diseases can be called cerebral atherosclerosis.

Clinical picture

What doctors say about hypertension

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Emelyanov G.V.:

I have been treating hypertension for many years. According to statistics, in 89% of cases, hypertension results in a heart attack or stroke and death. Currently, approximately two thirds of patients die within the first 5 years of disease progression.

The next fact is that it is possible and necessary to reduce blood pressure, but this does not cure the disease itself. The only medicine that is officially recommended by the Ministry of Health for the treatment of hypertension and is also used by cardiologists in their work is NORMIO. The drug acts on the cause of the disease, making it possible to completely get rid of hypertension. In addition, within the framework of the federal program, every resident of the Russian Federation can receive it FOR FREE.

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Statistics say that the symptoms of this disease mostly affect men over 50 years of age, and less often young people. Prevention plays an important role here, which is why you need to understand the causes and methods of treating the disease.

General information about the disease

Atherosclerosis (translated from Greek athḗra, gruel + sklḗrōsis, hardening) is a chronic disease in which cholesterol is deposited in the wall of the vessel, that is, an atherosclerotic plaque begins to form.

The size of the plaque increases over time.

At the next stage, the lumen narrows, after which vascular wall begins to become inflamed, and the vessel ceases to function normally

Also in the brain you can find:

foci of necrosis (sizes can be quite different);
cysts;
blood clots.

As a result, the flow of blood to the organ decreases, its performance is impaired, which is a direct threat of stroke. At first, you may not notice the symptoms of this disease, as it develops gradually. Personal indiscretion and carelessness of the patient can often lead to the development various complications or disability.

The disease has quite extensive symptoms. Many signs can be confused with the manifestation of other diseases. Moreover, they are not detected immediately. The most basic of them are determined by observing psychological state and human behavior. As a rule, the patient is very absent-minded and inattentive, shows high irritability to environment, emotionally unstable.

Against the backdrop of everything, the victim’s memory decreases, insomnia appears, and dizziness and fainting are very often observed. Doctors remind that main symptom– strong headache, which occurs as a result of a lack of oxygen.

Ignoring all the symptoms described above can cause ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and encephalopathy.

That is why prevention of cerebral atherosclerosis is an integral part of the life of everyone who cares about their health.

Treatment and prevention of the disease

Prevention of vascular disease of the head is a set of methods for its prevention, alleviation or elimination of all symptoms.

Development contributes to the emergence and progression of serious complications not only in the functioning of the brain, but also in other human organs.

To protect yourself from negative consequences, it is necessary to prevent the formation of cholesterol deposits on the walls of the blood vessels of the head.

This is facilitated by:

maintaining normal fat metabolism in the body;
heart training.

To prevent this disease, it is recommended to radically change your diet. Proper, balanced nutrition is the basis of the body’s functioning. To do this, you just need to know which foods provoke the development of atherosclerosis.

This includes products with great content animal fat, butter, sugar, coffee and black tea. They can cause an increase in blood cholesterol. But this does not mean that you should not eat them at all, you just need to maintain a balance. Plus, a necessary condition is considered a refusal bad habits and combating stress and bad mood.

Our readers write

Subject: Got rid of the pressure

From: Lyudmila S. ( [email protected])

To whom: Site administration website

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But you need to take note that some of them are not recommended to be taken along with a diet, so it is important to consult a specialist.

Drug treatment of head vessels is gradual and depends on the stage of the disease. The main task in the treatment of atherosclerosis is the elimination of fat metabolism disorders.

In order to stop the absorption of cholesterol into the blood, Cholestyramine and Colestipol are used. By taking Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Lovastatin tablets you can reduce the risk of their rupture. Proburcol will lower cholesterol levels and also increase the amount of protein in the blood. Taking medications will be very effective nicotinic acid and ion exchange resins in the fight against this disease.

If there is a diagnosis of vascular atherosclerosis, they take a drug known as Tanakan, the purpose of which is to normalize metabolism in the cells of the body, improve blood microcirculation and blood circulation in the brain. The tablets are taken with meals. The duration of treatment varies up to three months.

The price of medicines varies from 150 rubles and above. Naturally, there will be no immediate effect of recovery. This process is very long.

Use of alternative medicine

Traditional medicine also makes its contribution. If early stage atherosclerosis is confirmed, you can prepare your own home remedy.

Treatment with products based on corn oil. The recipe is very simple, you need to mix honey, lemon juice and oil.

The best way to break down cholesterol is radish juice with vegetable oil.

Juice fresh potatoes taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Also added to this carrot juice. The effect can be seen already in the second month of taking the medicine.

Red wine will constrict blood vessels, and an infusion of hawthorn berries is another wonderful remedy. Also list healthy products replenish garlic and lemon, which have medicinal properties.

Leeches are used to combat this disease. This unconventional method called hirudotherapy. The method itself is quite unusual, but, according to experts, it is very effective. Thus, the patient gets rid of headaches and his general condition improves. Naturally, like every method or drug, there are contraindications. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with your health, but to consult a doctor.

The basis traditional medicine – medicinal herbs providing assistance for any symptoms and diseases. Atherosclerosis is no exception. Decoctions based on plants such as chamomile, immortelle, dill, clover or motherwort will relieve symptoms and provide relief. All you need to prepare infusions is pour boiling water over the herbs and let them brew. You need to take one spoon before each meal.

A pleasant surprise awaits all sports fans. Will help strengthen and improve your general condition physiotherapy and yoga. The set of exercises itself must be done daily and should last no more than 40 minutes.

Drawing conclusions

Heart attacks and strokes are the cause of almost 70% of all deaths in the world. Seven out of ten people die due to blockages in the arteries of the heart or brain.

What’s especially scary is the fact that a lot of people don’t even suspect that they have hypertension. And they miss the opportunity to fix something, simply dooming themselves to death.

Symptoms of hypertension:

Headache
Increased heart rate
Black dots before the eyes (floaters)
Apathy, irritability, drowsiness
Blurred vision
Sweating
Chronic fatigue
Facial swelling
Numb and chilly fingers
Pressure surges

Even one of these symptoms should give you pause. And if there are two of them, then have no doubt - you have hypertension.

How to treat hypertension when there are a large number of medications that cost a lot of money?

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Atherosclerosis is a serious pathology of cardio-vascular system, which is characterized by the deposition of so-called atherosclerotic plaques in the thickness of the inner lining of blood vessels. The accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques in vessels of different sizes, over time, leads to their separation and the appearance of serious complications in the brain, heart and others internal organs. It is with the aim of preventing atherosclerosis that the prevention of this disease is carried out on a comprehensive basis.

Reasons and factors

The formation of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels is influenced by various factors, which can be divided into primary and secondary. The primary mechanisms for the formation of atherosclerosis are:

Crystal accumulation uric acid in the body (gout);
Systematic increase in indicators blood pressure(hypertension);
Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, including diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2;
Acute and chronic kidney diseases accompanied by uremia;
Insufficient function thyroid gland(hypothyroidism).

The so-called secondary factors in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques represent an entire system that consists of dietary habits, the presence or absence of bad habits, as well as other aspects of a person’s lifestyle. Secondary factors in the formation of atherosclerosis include:

Drinking alcohol and smoking;
Excessive content or deficiency of vitamin D, B12, B6 and folic acid in the body;
Excessive consumption of fatty, fried and spicy food, as well as various fast food and semi-finished products;
Excess body weight;
Sedentary lifestyle (hypodynamia);
Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives;
Advanced age;
Regular exposure to stress on the body, emotional and physical stress;
Violation functional state liver, resulting in increased production endogenous cholesterol.

In addition, a predisposing factor for the occurrence of atherosclerosis is gender. Representatives of the male part of the population have increased risk incidence of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, brain and heart.

Symptoms of the disease

For this pathological condition characterized by a long asymptomatic and latent course. The formation of the disease can be recognized by individual signs, among which are:

Systematic headache and dizziness;
Pressing pain in the area chest which extends to the neck area, upper limbs and lower jaw;
Loss of consciousness is possible;
Signs of kidney failure;
Violation heart rate, extrasystole;
Signs of angina;
Decreased visual acuity;
Feeling of freezing and numbness of the lower and upper extremities.

With the development of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, a person may observe the following signs:

Excessive keratinization individual areas skin legs;
Trophic ulcers;
Paleness of the skin;
Atrophic changes in the muscles of the lower extremities.

Features of diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of this pathological condition implies A complex approach. The characteristic symptoms of atherosclerosis are taken into account, as well as the presence of risk factors. Thickening or narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels can be recognized using Doppler ultrasound, which can assess the state of blood flow in main vessels. State coronary arteries can be assessed during a magnetic resonance imaging or angiographic study. Moreover, no less important diagnostic method is a so-called lipid profile, performed in a laboratory, and designed to determine the amount and ratio of fats in the body.

The fight against atherosclerotic changes in the body is carried out through pharmacological methods, as well as invasive methods of treatment. Drug therapy of this disease, includes not only taking the above-mentioned statins, but also anticoagulants. The most prominent representative of this group is acetylsalicylic acid, preventing platelet aggregation and the formation of blood clots.

IN minimum dosages These medications are prescribed to people to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke. In addition, therapy for atherosclerosis may include the use of a drug such as Heparin. This substance has an inhibitory effect on the blood coagulation system. When treating cerebral atherosclerosis, drugs are selected by the attending physician.

If ineffective conservative technique treatment, medical specialists decide on the need for surgical intervention, which is aimed at normalizing arterial patency. A minimally invasive method for correcting vascular patency is balloon angioplasty, during which a special catheter is inserted. This catheter stretches the arterial walls and also promotes the resorption of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.

More radical method is the procedure for installing vascular stents, the function of which is to prevent the collapse of the walls of the blood vessel.

Treatment of atherosclerosis folk remedies is carried out only subject to prior consultation with a doctor.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

In medical practice, primary and secondary prevention of vascular atherosclerosis is distinguished, which includes the following measures:

Primary activities. The so-called primary prevention of atherosclerosis includes a set of methods to prevent the occurrence of this disease, which are implemented among population groups that do not suffer from acute and chronic disorders on the part of the cardiovascular system and liver;
Secondary activities. This type of prevention of atherosclerotic changes is relevant for people suffering from functional and organic disorders of the cardiovascular system, as well as for those who are exposed to adverse factors. Secondary prevention consists of medical prescriptions and recommendations that must be followed by the patient under the supervision of a medical specialist.

In addition, the standard plan primary prevention atherosclerotic changes, includes the following items:

Prevention of excessive alcohol consumption and smoking among different age groups of the population;
Implementation of anti-stress measures in large government institutions and in various industries;
Increasing accessibility and quality of medical care;
Carrying out sanitary and educational work among the population;
Identification and registration of people suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

Nutritional Features

A unique prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis is ineffective without following dietary recommendations. Every person's diet should include moderate amount proteins fats and carbohydrates. The ratio of these elements depends on the level of physical and mental stress on the body, the nature and conditions of study and work.

Various semi-finished products, fast food, as well as confectionery products in excess quantities are strictly prohibited. These harmful products recommended to replace fresh fruit, vegetables and fruit juices. People who are prone to speed dial excess weight, it is recommended to limit the use of so-called simple carbohydrates and fatty foods.

To assess the effectiveness of the diet, each person is recommended to have a blood test for cholesterol levels. If you have an individual predisposition to cholesterol accumulation, it is recommended to exclude the following foods from your diet:

Fatty meats;
Smoked meats;
Salo;
Cream;
Mayonnaise;
Confectionery;
Various ketchups and sauces;
Spicy dishes;
Alcoholic drinks.

On the contrary, the harmonization of lipid metabolism in the body is facilitated by the consumption of the following products: cereals (millet and buckwheat); fresh vegetables and fruits; Seafood and sea fish. These products are recommended to be eaten boiled or steamed.

Physical activity

By following the above dietary recommendations, a person has the opportunity to limit the exogenous intake of harmful lipoproteins into the body. Undoubtedly, this measure is important, but it is far from the only necessary one. In order for the prevention of cerebral atherosclerosis to be effective, it is recommended to pay equal attention to physical activity. Exactly physical activity has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes in the body, thereby promoting calorie consumption and preventing excess weight. Effective prevention atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities includes the following types of physical activity:

Daily intensive walking, at least 4 km;
Morning exercises, lasting about 20-25 minutes;
Hiking, visiting the swimming pool and walking before bed;
In winter, ice skating and skiing are recommended.

If work activity a person is associated with a long stay in a sitting position, then short breaks are recommended, during which it is necessary to carry out warm-up movements and gymnastics for the eyes.

In the absence of contraindications from the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system, each person is recommended to ride a bicycle, do Pilates and yoga, visit the swimming pool, and run at various distances. Medical experts have proven that daily walking for at least 20 minutes helps speed up metabolic processes in the body and prevention of accumulation of lipoproteins of varying densities.

The feasibility of lowering cholesterol

Many media outlets promote the need to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Undoubtedly, cholesterol plays a significant role in the formation of atherosclerotic changes in the body, but this role is far from the main one. In progress clinical trials, the important role of acute infectious diseases in the mechanism of atherosclerosis. Along with measures aimed at preventing the accumulation of cholesterol, the prevention of atherosclerosis includes the prevention respiratory infection, performing routine vaccinations, strengthening protective forces body, as well as the use of effective antiviral agents.

Before you make cholesterol main reason formation of atherosclerotic changes, it is necessary to become familiar with the positive role of this substance in the body. Given biological compound has no analogues in the following matters:

During the synthesis of sex hormones;
At intrauterine development central nervous system of the fetus;
During vitamin D synthesis;
During the production of adrenal hormones.

In addition, this compound is a natural antioxidant that promotes the removal of under-oxidized substances. Cholesterol deficiency in the body is accompanied by increased load on the liver, as a result of which it has to double its independent production of this element.

That is why taking measures to reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the body is recommended for those people who suffer from chronic pathologies caused by high consumption of fatty foods.

Reducing cholesterol in the body

And if a persistent increase in cholesterol levels in the body is proven through laboratory research, then medical specialists conduct individual selection drug therapy, the purpose of which is to reduce the amount of lipoproteins. Usage special medicines justified only if dietary correction of cholesterol levels is ineffective. To the most common groups medicines that help reduce cholesterol levels in the body include:

Fatty acid sequestrants. These medications are used to prevent cerebral atherosclerosis, as they help inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Prominent representatives of this group are Colestipol, Cholestyramine, Beta-Sitosterol;
Statins. Modern statins inhibit the production of endogenous cholesterol by liver cells in young and old people. In addition, the use of statins prevents the destruction of formed atherosclerotic plaques. Prominent representatives of the statin group are the drugs Miscleron, Simvastatin, Lovastatin and Rosuvastatin;
Derivatives of nicotinic acid. This group of drugs has a stimulating effect on lipid metabolism, accelerates the breakdown of fats and expands blood vessels. This makes it possible to treat the consequences of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities with this group of medications.
Fibrates. The mechanism of action of these medications is based on the enzymatic destruction of atherosclerotic plaques. Examples of fibrates include Ciprofibrate.

The appointment of each of the listed groups should be subject to the availability of appropriate indications. The selection of names and dosages is carried out by qualified medical specialist on an individual basis.

Speaking about the prescription of each group of drugs, one cannot fail to mention the potential risk of developing adverse reactions from organs and systems. Depending on the selected category of anti-sclerotic drugs, the following side effects may develop:

Adverse reactions while taking sequestrants are expressed in the form of symptoms such as ulcerative lesion mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation and the formation of hemorrhoids;
Statins and fibrates can cause adverse reactions such as abdominal pain, sleep disorders, increased gas formation in the intestines, nausea, decreased hemoglobin, constipation, and allergic reactions local and systemic;
Derivatives of nicotinic acid can cause such side effects like redness of the skin of the face area, itchy skin, increased blood glucose levels, exacerbation cholelithiasis and stomach ulcers, a feeling of heat throughout the body.

In addition, each of the listed groups of drugs has a number of general and individual contraindications. Add to list general contraindications include the following points:

Hypertension of 2 and 3 degrees;
The period of bearing a child and breastfeeding;
Kidney and liver failure;
Chronic diseases of the gallbladder and liver;
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Along with therapeutic benefits, statins have adverse effect on human anti-influenza immunity. Bad influence is caused by a decrease in the level of specific antibodies in the body that were synthesized under the influence of the influenza vaccine.

The most up-to-date data on world clinical trials, indicate the development and implementation specific vaccine against atherosclerosis, which is superior in its therapeutic effect statins. Moreover, this vaccine does not have the listed side effects.

Additional prevention methods

Comprehensive prevention of atherosclerotic changes in the body includes not only dietary recommendations, lifestyle correction and taking medications, but also measures to combat chronic diseases. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, as well as arterial hypertension. Timely diagnosis And drug correction of these diseases, significantly reduces the risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of blood vessels.

It is important to remember that vascular atherosclerosis is serious pathology, which has a tendency to rapidly progress throughout life. With maximum limitation of predisposing factors and correction general condition body, every person has the opportunity to prevent or prevent the progression of this disease. In matters of treatment, it is recommended to adhere to medical instructions and prescribed dosages of medications.