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Understanding Atherosclerosis Causes, Effects, and Management

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Understanding Atherosclerosis Causes, Effects, and Management

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a slow-developing disease in which arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque. This condition can affect arteries throughout the body, leading to major cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

What Causes Atherosclerosis?

The disease typically begins with damage to the inner lining of the arteries, known as the endothelium. This damage can be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other harmful substances in the blood. Once the endothelium is damaged, LDL cholesterol can enter the artery wall and trigger an inflammatory response. White blood cells called macrophages absorb the cholesterol and turn into foam cells, forming the core of a growing plaque.

Progression and Complications

Over time, plaques can grow larger, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow. In some cases, plaques can rupture, causing a blood clot to form at the site. This can completely block blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. In other parts of the body, like the legs, it may cause pain and mobility issues.

Who Is at Risk?

Several risk factors increase the chance of developing atherosclerosis. These include:

  • High cholesterol levels 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Smoking 
  • Diabetes 
  • Obesity 
  • Physical inactivity 
  • Age and family history 

Men and postmenopausal women are at higher risk, especially if other risk factors are present.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of physical exams, lab tests, and imaging to detect atherosclerosis. Blood tests may reveal high cholesterol or markers of inflammation. Imaging like ultrasound, CT scans, or angiography helps visualize narrowed or blocked arteries.

Treatment Options

The goal of treatment is to slow or stop the progression of plaque buildup and prevent complications. This can include:

  • Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise. 
  • Medications like statins (to lower cholesterol), blood pressure drugs, and antiplatelet agents (like aspirin). 
  • Procedures such as angioplasty (using a balloon to open a narrowed artery) or bypass surgery in severe cases. 

Can It Be Prevented?

Yes. Prevention strategies focus on managing risk factors before the disease starts. Regular check-ups, healthy eating, staying active, and avoiding tobacco can greatly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Atherosclerosis is a serious but preventable condition. By understanding how it develops and recognizing risk factors early, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their cardiovascular health and prevent life-threatening complications.

References

  1. Libby P. (2021). The changing landscape of atherosclerosis. Nature, 592(7855), 524–533. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03392-8 
  2. Lusis AJ. (2000). Atherosclerosis. Nature, 407(6801), 233–241. https://doi.org/10.1038/35025203 
  3. Ridker PM et al. (2017). Antiinflammatory therapy with canakinumab for atherosclerotic disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(12), 1119–1131. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1707914 
  4. Hansson GK. (2005). Inflammation, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(16), 1685–1695. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra043430 
  5. Frostegård J. (2013). Immunity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. BMC Medicine, 11(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-117 
  6. Grundy SM et al. (2019). 2018 AHA/ACC guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73(24), e285–e350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.11.003 
  7. Tabas I, Williams KJ, Boren J. (2007). Subendothelial lipoprotein retention as the initiating process in atherosclerosis. Circulation, 116(16), 1832–1844. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.676890 
  8. Toth PP. (2005). Subclinical atherosclerosis: What it is, what it means and what we can do about it. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 59(3), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00460.x 
  9. Ross R. (1999). Atherosclerosis — an inflammatory disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 340(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199901143400207 

 

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