Cardiac Center
MRK-D-20-2012
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the name of the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. It usually affects large and medium sized arteries. Some hardening of arteries often occurs when people grow older. How does atherosclerosis start? Atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease that typically starts in childhood and often progresses when people grow older. In some people it progresses rapidly, even in their third decade. Many scientists think it begins with damage to the innermost layer of the artery. This layer is called the endothelium (en”do-THE›le-um). Causes of damage to the arterial wall include:
•• Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (tri-GLIS›er-id) in the blood •• High blood pressure •• Tobacco smoke •• Diabetes. •• Stress •• Not eating fruits and vegetables •• Excess alcohol intake •• Not exercising regularly
Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases: Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, including arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs, and pelvis. As a result, different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected.
•• Coronary Heart Disease •• Carotid Artery Disease •• Peripheral Arterial Disease Atherosclerosis Treatment: Once a blockage is there, it’s generally there to stay. With medication and lifestyle changes, though, plaques may slow or stop growing. They may even shrink slightly with aggressive treatment.
• Lifestyle changes
Reducing the lifestyle risk factors that lead to atherosclerosis will slow or stop the process. That means a healthy diet, exercise, and no smoking. These lifestyle changes won’t remove blockages, but they’re proven to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Medication
Taking drugs for high cholesterol and high blood pressure will slow and perhaps even halt the progression of atherosclerosis, as well as lower your risk of heart attacks and stroke.
• Angiography and stenting
Cardiac catheterization with angiography of the coronary arteries is the most common angiography procedure performed. Using a thin tube inserted into an artery in the leg or arm, doctors can access diseased arteries.
• Bypass surgery
Surgeons «harvest» a healthy blood vessel (often from the leg or chest). They use the healthy vessel to bypass a segment blocked by atherosclerosis. They are usually saved for people with significant symptoms or limitations caused by atherosclerosis which cannot be treated by balloon or stent.
Scheduling an Ultrasound: For further information or to schedule an Ultrasound imaging with IMC-MID please call 650-9000 Ext: 5900 / 1993 / 1999 / 9199 or kindly visit us at: IMC-MID