Understanding Atherosclerosis

What is Atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits called “plaques” build up inside the arteries throughout your body. Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood away from your heart to the rest of your body. This buildup of plaques is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Atherosclerosis:

  • Carotid Artery Disease: Affects the arteries bringing blood to your brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
  • Coronary Heart Disease: Affects the arteries bringing blood to your heart muscle, leading to chest pain and heart attacks.
  • Renal Artery Stenosis: Affects the arteries bringing blood to your kidneys, potentially causing high blood pressure or kidney disease.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease: Affects the arteries bringing blood to your arms and legs, causing symptoms like leg pain, tingling, or numbness when walking.

How Atherosclerosis Causes Problems: Atherosclerosis-related plaques can lead to issues in two main ways:

  • Plaques can grow large enough to restrict blood flow to certain body parts, causing symptoms like pain.
  • Plaques can rupture, leading to blood clots that block blood supply to tissues beyond the clot, resulting in strokes or heart attacks.

Who is at Risk? You may have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis if you:

  • Have high cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have diabetes
  • Smoke
  • Follow an unhealthy diet
  • Are overweight or sedentary
  • Have a family history of atherosclerosis before age 50

Do I Need Tests? Your doctor may order tests if they suspect a specific form of atherosclerosis, such as coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease. A common test is a lipid profile, which measures different forms of fat and cholesterol in your blood.

Preventing Atherosclerosis-Related Problems: You can take steps to reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and related issues by:

  • Taking prescribed medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clot prevention.
  • Losing weight if you’re overweight.
  • Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting meats, sweets, and refined grains.
  • Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
  • Quitting smoking with the help of your doctor.
  • Limiting alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.

Consult Dr. Dagim Leykun’s Vascular Surgery Services: For personalized guidance and care tailored to your specific needs, don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Dagim Leykun’s Vascular Surgery Services. We’re here to support you in managing and preventing atherosclerosis-related issues.