Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis refers to a group of conditions characterized by the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. It is a general term that includes atherosclerosis, which is the most common form of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of plaques, consisting of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances, on the inner walls of arteries.

1. Arteriosclerosis Presented by: Dr. Saima Mustafa (pt)

2. Arteriosclerosis The general name for a group of conditions that cause arteries to become thick and stiff. As Healthy arteries are stretchy and flexible, and they carry oxygen and nutrients via blood to and from your heart and lungs. When they stiffen, blood flow gets interrupted, causing circulation problems. This stiffening is called the hardening of the arteries. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are factors that increase the chances of getting arteriosclerosis

3. Different kinds of arteriosclerosis, including: Non-atheromatous arteriosclerosis. The main arteries harden due to age-related scarring, which is also called fibrosis. It’s called non-atheromatous because it isn’t related to atheroma — or fat build-up . Mönkeberg’s arteriosclerosis. The artery walls become hard from calcium deposits. This condition is usually related to increasing age, but it doesn’t cause blood clots, artery narrowing, or circulation problems. Hyaline arteriolosclerosis. The condition affects small arteries and arterioles (smaller branches of arteries) in people with diabetes. The artery walls thicken, narrow and weaken, leading to blocked blood flow.

4. Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis. The condition can leave protein deposits along your artery wall and cause your arteries to thicken and narrow. People with high blood pressure have a higher chance of getting this condition. Atherosclerosis. Often confused with arteriosclerosis, this condition is caused by a fatty, waxy build-up — called plaque — in your arteries, leading to clogged arteries and reduced blood flow. Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis Family history of early heart disease Smoking Eating a diet high in saturated fat Lack of exercise Type 1 diabetes Obesity High cholesterol High blood pressure

5. Signs of Atherosclerosis Angina — or chest pain Shortness of breath Weakness Tiredness Lightheadedness Treatment for Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis treatment includes lifestyle and dietary changes similar to those for arteriosclerosis. Your doctor may prescribe medications as well as some surgical or nonsurgical procedures. Medications. Depending on your health, your doctor will prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications as well as blood thinners to prevent blood clots and medications to lower your blood pressure.

6. Angioplasty A common atherosclerosis treatment is a coronary angioplasty with or without a stent. In this procedure, your surgeon inserts a catheter with a balloon on the end into your artery to open it up. Sometimes, a metal coil called a stent is placed in your artery to support the arterial walls and help keep them open. Bypass surgery If you have severe coronary artery blockages, A piece of artery from your leg will be added to your heart’s arterial network in order to create a new clear and strong artery for the blood to flow through

7. signs and symptoms of arteriosclerosis might include: Chest pain Shortness of breath Sweating Pain in your arm or shoulder Feeling sick Coughing Lightheadedness Severe headaches Trouble speaking Vision problems Leg pain

8. Treatment for Arteriosclerosis Depending on the kind and severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend Lifestyle changes such as Regular exercise Eating a healthier diet low in sugar, fat, and sodium Keeping a healthy weight Stopping smoking Drinking less alcohol Medications that include: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors — or ACE inhibitors Beta-blockers Diuretics Calcium channel blockers Vasodilators