Arteriosclerosis
Arteries transfer blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Blood helps to pass through the arteries. A high layer of cells known as endothelium occurs. Atherosclerosis begins when membrane lining is damaged, (Low-density lipoprotein LDL) on the sides of the artery, and then the body in response to this process sends a type of white blood cells known as macrophages (Macrophages) to get rid of accumulated fat, but these cells may adhere to the walls Artery Affected, and over time form Alokolh cells, fat accumulated, in addition to what is known as calcium plaques (in English: Plaque).
Some of them may grow in size, causing the closure of the artery, and thus break down the flow of blood and increase the chance of clots, and the third possible path of these paintings is They break into platelets. These plates accumulate on each other, forming a thrombosis that can reach the brain to cause a stroke and may reach the heart, causing a heart attack.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis
Most of the cases of atherosclerosis recorded were detected when a stroke or heart attack occurred; the sclerosis has reached its peak, and this may be evidence of the absence of symptoms in most of the injured until atherosclerosis causes a sharp or total closure of the artery affected. However, some symptoms may occur, and the appearance of symptoms depends on the affected artery as follows:
- Coronary Arteries: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is called Coronary artery disease (CAD). The most common symptoms of coronary heart disease are respiratory distress, arrhythmia, angina, Chest pain due to insufficient oxygen supply of blood to the heart muscle, and pain can appear angina in the shoulders, arms, or jaws, or back, or neck, it should be noted that this pain disappears in the absence of tension and rest, and appears in the exercise activities Physical or emotional stress.
- Carotid Arteries: The disease caused by the stiffness of this artery called carotid artery disease (Carotid artery disease), and then the patient may suffer from several symptoms, including:
- Sudden weakness and fatigue.
- Confusion.
- Dyslexia or speech absorption.
- Problems with looking at one or both eyes.
- Breathing problems.
- Acute and sudden headache.
- Unconsciousness.
- Paralysis or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, often confined to one side of the body.
- Vertigo, imbalance and walking.
- Peripheral Arteries: This blockage is caused by the Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is accompanied by pain, numbness and possibly infection.
- Renal Arteries: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic disease of the kidneys. It is important to note that the disease does not have any symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, the patient develops symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. , Itching, numb limbs, urination change to become more or less, difficulty concentrating, swelling of hands and feet.
Factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis
Although there is no detailed scientific explanation for the cause of atherosclerosis, there are some factors that increase the likelihood of a person getting atherosclerosis. These factors include:
- Aging.
- Smoking.
- Eat unhealthy and high-fat foods.
- Do not exercise.
- Weight gain and obesity.
- A family history of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease.
- Drink heavily.
- Diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
- Sweat is more likely to develop atherosclerosis in Asian and African races.
Prevention of atherosclerosis
Prevent atherosclerosis by following some tips, including the following:
- Take care to eat healthy food ; Try to avoid foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, and be careful to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and advised to eat some foods such as; avocados, olive oil, nuts, fish oil, nuts, to contain these foods unsaturated fats And its ability to reduce the rate of harmful cholesterol in the body.
- Regular exercise ; Moderate aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and cycling is recommended for approximately 150 minutes per week. Exercise is also recommended for at least two days a week, as exercise has an effect on blood pressure control, weight reduction and increased fitness.
- Maintain perfect weight , By making the Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.
- stop smoking Not only as a key to atherosclerosis but also as a result of high blood pressure. Smokers are advised to quit smoking as soon as possible. It is worth mentioning that you can consult your doctor about ways to quit smoking as well as treat the symptoms that may occur. On leaving.