Atherosclerosis - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Of Vascular Atherosclerosis

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis

Content:

• What is atherosclerosis?

• Symptoms of atherosclerosis

  • Symptoms of vascular lesions of the heart
  • Symptoms of vascular lesions of the upper and lower extremities
  • Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease
• Causes of atherosclerosis
• Types of atherosclerosis
• Cholesterol and atherosclerosis
• Atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus
• Why is atherosclerosis dangerous? Development stages

• Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

  • Taking anamnesis
  • Initial inspection
  • Laboratory and instrumental methods

• Treatment of atherosclerosis

  • Drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis
  • The best herbal remedies
  • Useful Supplements for Atherosclerosis
  • Surgery
  • The best diet
  • TOP-8 most useful products for atherosclerosis
• Prevention of atherosclerosis

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of blood vessels in which “bad” cholesterol and other LDL cholesterol are deposited on their inner walls in the form of plaques and plaques, and the walls themselves become denser and lose elasticity. The vessels gradually become hard due to the deposition of fats and lime on the walls, lose their elasticity and, as a result, narrow, which reduces the access of blood to the organs. Eventually, the vessel may close completely. And when this is accompanied by a violation of blood clotting, then there is a tendency to thrombosis and ischemic damage to organs occurs.

Atherosclerosis is considered one of the most dangerous diseases leading to death. Atherosclerosis is recognized, most often when problems with the blood supply to the heart, limbs and brain already appear, that is, the disease is diagnosed in the last stages. Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of the development of cardiovascular diseases: ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction.

The percentage of people with atherosclerosis rises depending on their age, that is, this disease is typical for the elderly. Therefore, doctors call it senile disease, but every year it gets younger, which is associated with the modern way of life.

[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko - the true causes of plaques on the walls of blood vessels, preventive measures:

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, therefore it usually affects all major blood vessels of the body. It follows from this that manifestations are also manifold. As a rule, the heart, brain, limbs (most often the lower ones) are affected. The symptomatology is specific, but it does not always manifest itself clearly enough to unambiguously diagnose atherosclerosis.

Symptoms depend on which organ suffers from a lack of blood circulation to a greater extent. In any form of atherosclerosis, there are two symptomatic periods. In the preclinical period, the process is just beginning, so there are no specific manifestations. Significant problems with blood supply and functioning of organs begin when the lumen of the artery is closed by more than 1/2.

Symptoms of vascular lesions of the heart

Heart pain occurs with a frequency of 75%. Atherosclerosis affects the coronary vessels and reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium. The heart is one of the organs most sensitive to changes in the intensity of nutrition. According to this indicator, it is inferior only to the brain. However, symptoms develop immediately, it is important to correctly interpret the patient's feelings.

Violation of the normal blood supply to the heart is manifested by angina pectoris.

Cardiac symptoms occur intermittently and include:

• Pain in the chest area. Pressing, dull, aching or burning (which is characteristic of the ischemic process). Painful sensations radiate to the scapula, left forearm, hand or fingers (along the entire length of the circulatory system);
• Feeling of pressure on the chest (as if a heavy load was placed on the chest);
• Painful sensations when breathing (both on inhalation and exhalation);
• Respiratory disorders.

Angina pectoris, as a syndrome characteristic of atherosclerosis, manifests itself in paroxysms. The seizures are accompanied by instability of blood pressure levels.

Somewhat less often, with atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels, the following symptoms appear:

• Pain in the lower jaw, ear, neck on the left side (irradiation, but in the opposite direction);
• Back pain;
• Feeling of weakness in the limbs;
• Feeling of coldness, increased sweating and chills ("goose bumps");
• Tachycardia or bradycardia (violation of the rhythm of the heart);
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Confusion of consciousness up to its complete loss for a short period of time.

The intensity and frequency of symptoms depends directly on the degree of tension in the body (stress, overeating, substance abuse, etc.).

Find out more: Atherosclerosis of the heart aorta

[Video] Instructional films Eureka - what is an atherosclerotic plaque and a thrombus, how are they formed?

Symptoms of vascular lesions of the upper and lower extremities

The symptoms are as follows:

• Feeling cold (chilly) in your hands or feet;
• Feeling that "goosebumps" are running down the arms or legs, as if after a long stay in the same uncomfortable position ("flowing");
• Pallor of the skin: the skin takes on a deathly pale color and the vascular pattern is clearly visible (marbled skin).

In the later stages of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities, more severe manifestations occur:

• Degeneration of tissues that receive an insufficient amount of necessary substances (thinning of the fat layer, irreversible hair loss);
• Pain in the limbs. In the case of lesions of the arteries of the legs, the so-called "intermittent claudication" is observed. The pains are localized in the thighs, buttocks and calves and are paroxysmal in nature, as a result of which the patient begins to limp;
• Formation of wounds on the legs (trophic ulcers associated with a lack of tissue nutrition);
• Redness of the toes or hands, the development of persistent edema;
• Tissue necrosis (gangrene).

Learn more: Atherosclerosis obliterans of the lower limb arteries

Symptoms of cerebrovascular disease

It is most susceptible to malnutrition, but primary symptoms are not unique to atherosclerosis. So, problems with cerebral circulation are observed in osteochondrosis, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, etc.

Symptoms appear gradually, incrementally:

• Cephalalgia (or unspecified headache). Covers the entire head without the ability to determine the exact location. Has a bursting or crushing character;
• Ringing and noise in the ears;
• Sleep problems. A person suffers from insomnia, or vice versa, he constantly tends to sleep. During sleep, severe or nightmares often occur (due to brain activity and diffuse changes due to lack of blood circulation);
• Deterioration of a person's character (changes in personality);
• Nervousness, high excitability, increased anxiety;
• Lethargy and fatigue;
• Violations of the basic functions of the body: breathing, speech, nutrition. A person can speak indistinctly, often chokes on food, etc.;
• Impaired coordination of movements, problems with independent movement and orientation in space (due to damage to the cerebellum).

Find out more: Cerebral atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels

Causes of atherosclerosis

The reasons for the development of atherosclerosis are high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and high blood cholesterol levels. But the main cause of atherosclerosis is a violation of cholesterol metabolism. The formation of atherosclerosis is a natural process that begins at about 10-15 years of age. With age, it can slow down, and it can speed up.

There are the following risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis:

• Floor. Men are more likely to develop atherosclerosis than women. The first signs of this pathology can appear from the age of 45, or even earlier, in women - from the age of 55. Perhaps this is due to the more active participation of estrogens in the metabolism of cholesterol and low and very low density lipoproteins;
• Age. This is a natural risk factor. With age, atherosclerotic manifestations worsen;
• Heredity. Of course, this is one of the reasons for the appearance of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a multi-cause disease. Therefore, the level of hormonal levels, hereditary dyslipoproteinemia (violation of the lipid profile of the plasma), the activity of the immune system play important roles in accelerating or slowing down the development of atherosclerosis;
• Bad habits. Smoking is poison to the body. This habit is another reason for the development of atherosclerosis. If you want to have healthy blood vessels - quit smoking! As for alcohol, there is an interesting relationship here: the use of small doses of alcohol - about 50 g of vodka, 100 g of wine or 0.5 liters of beer every day are an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis. True, the same dose also contributes to the development of liver cirrhosis. So we treat one thing and cripple the other. But large doses of alcohol accelerate the development of atherosclerosis;
• Excess weight. This factor increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis. Obesity can lead to diabetes mellitus, and this pathology is a direct road to atherosclerosis;
• Improper nutrition. Fatty, junk food is a major risk factor. Eating is a very important physiological process in our life. Our further health will depend on how useful the foods we eat. Few people know that no diet other than healthy and balanced diets is approved by the World Food Hygiene Council. You need to eat rationally and adequately to your needs and energy costs.

The average life expectancy for the Japanese is 90 years, and the Russians - about 60. Why such a difference? The answer is simple: look at what the Japanese and other Eastern peoples eat. Their menu includes a variety of grains, vegetables, herbs, beans, and fresh fish. Every day, the Tokyo market is filled with seafood, which contains valuable fatty acids. Why treat a disease if it is easier to prevent it? Start eating right from an early age so that you can thank yourself for it in old age.

Video: formation of atherosclerotic plaque

Types of atherosclerosis

Depending on the localization of cholesterol plaques, the following types of atherosclerosis are distinguished:

• Coronary - the vessels of the heart are affected, and all the vessels that are nearby.
• Cerebral - means damage to the vessels of the brain.
• Brachiocephalic - means a lesion of the carotid, vertebral or subclavian artery;
• Obletic - damage to the arteries of the lower extremities.
• Renal - damage to the vessels of the liver.
• Mesenteric - damage to the intestinal vessels.

Forms can manifest themselves independently, but more often they do it systemically.

Cholesterol and atherosclerosis

Cholesterol is a special chemical compound that is fatty alcohol in nature. The role of cholesterol in the synthesis of cell structures and organelles has been proven (cholesterol, as you know, is involved in the formation of cell membranes). However, an increase in the level of a substance in the blood directly increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic pathology and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, since it indicates the beginning of violations of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in the body.

It is possible to prevent the development of this formidable disease only by giving up bad habits and maintaining the concentration of fatty alcohol in the blood at the same normal level constantly. However, cholesterol is atherogenic only in excess.

Its normal content is necessary not only for the performance of the structural function, but also:

• For normal digestion. With the participation of fatty alcohol in the liver, digestive juices are synthesized, which are necessary for the processing of fat-containing compounds;
• For the stable synthesis of sex hormones and pancreatic hormones.

Cholesterol enters the bloodstream in several ways:

• Synthesized by the liver. The liver produces the most cholesterol. Usually, its more active production is associated with a deficiency of the compound and the inability to replenish it with cholesterol from food. In case of impaired liver function, interruptions and problems with the regulation of the level of a substance in the blood are also possible;
• Comes with food. This cholesterol is no more than 25%. Cholesterol is found in foods that contain animal fats. Its highest concentration is found in egg yolks, offal (brains, liver, kidneys), shrimp, margarine, bacon. The cholesterol contained in them enters the blood in a free state and only then is transferred by chylomicrons to the liver, where, depending on the functional characteristics of the body and the usual diet, it turns into lipoprotein complexes of two types: "good" (or HDL) and "bad" (LDL). The former cleanse the walls of blood vessels from layers of fat, and the latter form them.

In addition to the fact that cholesterol is actively synthesized and used by the body, it is also actively removed from it. Most of the compound is released naturally through the digestive tract. A slightly smaller amount is excreted by dying off (sloughing off) of the upper layers of the skin and intestinal mucous membranes.

An increased level of cholesterol in the blood proportionally increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis - this phrase can be often heard, but is it really so? Research from the journal "Neurology". The rate of cholesterol in the blood is still far from a guarantee and not insurance against the formation of pathology for other reasons.

[Video] Dr. Evdokimenko explains why it is not necessary to lower cholesterol:

Atherosclerosis is directly related to the presence of concomitant diseases (hypertension, obesity, neuroendocrine form of hypothalamic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dependence on psychoactive substances, etc.). They act as equal risk factors for the development of the disease.

One way or another, but cholesterol plays one of the key roles in the development of atherosclerosis. To reduce the risk, it is necessary to adhere to a hypocholesterol diet and maintain the concentration of the substance at approximately the same normal level.

Find out more: High cholesterol - what are the causes? What is the norm? How to lower cholesterol levels?

Atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus

Cholesterol is actively involved in the synthesis of digestive juices and pancreatic hormones, and, despite the fact that it is not the cause of diabetes, it still significantly affects the course of the disease.

Diabetes mellitus is considered an increased risk factor for the development of vascular atherosclerosis (the likelihood of development increases by more than half). Also, vascular atherosclerosis increases the severity of diabetes. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, the incidence of atherosclerosis is established on an equal footing in both men and women (although men without diabetes are more likely to get sick).

Diabetes mellitus, in turn, seriously complicates the course of atherosclerosis:

• Atherosclerosis can form at a young age if you have diabetes. Although usually the disease develops after 45-50 years;
• The likelihood of aneurysms is high;
• The vessels are not only clogged, but also become extremely fragile, which increases the likelihood of strokes;
• The process becomes systemic, equally hard affecting the heart, brain, and limbs.

Atherosclerosis begins in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is associated with impaired digestion and lipid metabolism, which causes a halt in normal metabolism. The walls of blood vessels acquire an excessively increased permeability for fatty fractions, and therefore much more "bad cholesterol" penetrates into the bloodstream. It forms fat deposits on the walls of large arteries, gradually closing the lumen of the highway.

Over time, the layer of fat is encapsulated by connective tissue and crystallizes under the influence of calcium deposits. All this structure becomes "stony" and the lumen of the artery is closed even more. The vessel becomes brittle and loses its conducting function. The result is a violation of blood circulation in the affected area, increasing ischemia, rupture of the vessel and tissue necrosis.

Patients with diabetes mellitus are 4 times more likely to simultaneously suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease and angina pectoris. In addition, with atherosclerosis in diabetics, the likelihood of rapid development of necrosis (gangrene) of the lower extremities increases almost sevenfold. These factors need to be considered when treating.

Find out more: Diabetes mellitus: causes, symptoms and treatment

Why is atherosclerosis dangerous? Development stages

According to statistics, atherosclerosis is the most common disease of the cardiovascular system and the main cause of death for the vast majority of patients around the world. Atherosclerosis is variable, and, despite the fact that the essence of the disease lies in the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, it significantly affects the entire body. The lack of blood circulation affects the heart, brain, abdominal organs, lower and upper (rarely) limbs. Disturbances in blood flow in the arteries affect the smaller blood vessels, causing secondary ischemia.

Atherosclerosis is a polyetiological disease. Until the end, the specific reasons are unknown, but it is known that the mechanism is based on a violation of lipid metabolism. This dysfunction is the trigger for the onset of a dangerous illness.

There are several stages in the development of pathology:

• The stage of formation of spots of fat (or lipid spots). At this stage, no specific symptoms are observed, and the patient is unaware of the presence of atherosclerosis. The essence of the stage consists in diffuse changes in the walls of the arteries (molecules of lipoprotein complexes penetrate into the structure of the arterial wall and form a thin layer). Outwardly, these changes look like yellowish-brown stripes along the length of the affected area of the vessel. Not the entire tissue of the bloodstream is affected, but only individual segments. The process is developing quickly enough. It is accelerated by already existing cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes mellitus and obesity;
• The stage of formation of the lipid layer. The tissue under the lipid streak becomes inflamed. The body is thus trying to fight the alleged offender. A long-term focus of chronic inflammation is formed. Constant inflammation leads to decomposition of the lipid layer and tissue growth. As a result, the fatty accumulation is encapsulated and rises above the artery wall;
• Stage of development of complications. This is the last stage in the formation of atherosclerosis. At this stage, complications develop, and the symptoms are most pronounced. There are two main complications: rupture of encapsulated fatty deposits (plaques), which entails the release of large amounts of blood, and blood clots. Blood clots along with plaque products get stuck in the lumen of the vessel, finally clogging it. In such a situation, the development of a stroke is possible. If blood clots block the large arteries that provide the necessary nourishment to the limbs, tissue necrosis and gangrene are likely to occur.

The timing and speed of development of atherosclerosis is difficult to predict. We can talk about years or a few months. It all depends on the characteristics of metabolism, metabolic rate, predisposition to atherosclerosis and diseases that increase the risk of its development, and many other factors.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

It is relatively easy to diagnose advanced atherosclerosis. A completely different matter is to clarify the localization of the process and accurately determine the lesion focus. This requires a lot of work. Only an experienced doctor can cope with such a difficult task.

Diagnostic measures include:

• Collecting anamnesis;
• Initial examination of the patient using special functional tests;
• Laboratory analyzes and instrumental studies. Thanks to them, it is possible to establish the very fact of the presence of a disease, determine the stage and localization of the process, assess the general condition of the patient's body.

Taking anamnesis

The initial analysis of the patient's condition begins with his interview for complaints and heredity.

Firstly, with this pathology, there will be at least three specific symptoms in the anamnesis, in addition, with a high degree of probability, there will be signs (and maybe a confirmed diagnosis) of a disease provocateur of atherosclerosis.

Among them:

• Arterial hypertension;
• Previous myocardial infarction or stroke;
• Angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease;
• Kidney pathology.

Such diagnostics does not give a complete picture, however, it allows in general terms to determine the state of the body and draw up a plan of diagnostic measures.

In addition, it is important to establish the presence of risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, use of psychoactive substances, obesity.

Initial inspection

In addition to functional tests aimed at assessing the blood supply to the extremities, an experienced doctor pays close attention to the following factors:

• Disappearance of hair on the legs or arms;
• A sudden decrease in the patient's body weight;
• Heart murmurs, increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances;
• Hyperfunction of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• Deformation of nails;
• The constant development of edema in the absence of kidney disease.

Laboratory and instrumental methods

• Donation of venous blood to assess indicators such as the coefficient of atherogenicity, total cholesterol;
• X-ray examination and angiography. X-ray allows you to assess the condition of the aorta, since plaques are clearly visible on the images. Angiography consists in the introduction of a special contrast agent into the bloodstream and further monitoring of the blood flow;
• Ultrasound. Allows you to assess the speed of blood flow in a particular part of the artery. Thanks to this method, it is possible to identify the slightest deviation and determine the degree of insufficient blood supply.

There are other diagnostic methods. The specific methods are determined by the doctor, based on the clinical picture.

Treatment of atherosclerosis

As a rule, in 80% of cases, drug therapy is sufficient to eliminate the cause of atherosclerosis and its harmful consequences. Treatment with special drugs is combined with the appointment of a diet and an optimal mode of physical activity.

Drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Among the drugs for atherosclerosis, drugs of several groups can be distinguished:

• Statins. The most popular statin drugs are still used today. Their action is to inhibit the liver's cholesterol production. These include: Rosuvastatin, Lovastatin, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Simvastatin. In parallel with statins, patients with atherosclerosis are prescribed drugs to maintain the activity of the heart and digestive organs (since statins have the most negative effect on them). At the present stage of the development of medicine, respectable scientists and practitioners question not only the effectiveness of statins, but also the very fact of the role of cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis, considering the danger of this substance unreasonably overestimated. More on statins;
• LCD sequestrants. Significantly inhibit the function of the synthesis of bile acids by the liver. In this regard, the body has to actively use cholesterol to ensure normal and stable digestion. With prolonged use, disorders of the digestive system are possible. They are prescribed at the initial stage of the disease or for the prevention of pathology;
• Fibrates. Destroy neutral fatty structures - triglycerides. They are quite effective in the fight against atherosclerosis, but are categorically contraindicated for persons with liver problems. While taking fibrates, the level of neutral fats decreases by 20-55%, cholesterol 10-25%, LDL 10-35%, and the concentration of HDL increases by 10-30%. More about fibrates;
• Nicotinic acid preparations (vitamin B3). Despite the fact that they do not fight cholesterol, they have a vasodilating and antispasmodic effect. Niacin lowers cholesterol by 10-15%, LDL 5-25%, triglycerides 20-35%, increases HDL by 15-35%. They are used in combination with other drugs and constitute an important part of drug therapy (on the topic: record-breaking products for vitamin B3 content). However, due to the frequent side effects, niacin is rarely used in the treatment of atherosclerosis. The therapeutic dosage is 1000-6000 mg, which is 50-300 times more than the usual daily value.
• Omega-3. It is the safest of all atherosclerosis drugs. It can be used as an alternative to fibrates or in addition to statins. (in more detail: the benefits of omega-3 + TOP products of record holders);
• Ezetimibe-SZ (ezetrol) is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, it inhibits the activity of a specific carrier protein, without which food cholesterol cannot be absorbed. Reduces low density cholesterol content by 18%.
• Kumabs (evolocumab and alirocumab) - antibodies to an enzyme that regulates the rate at which cholesterol in the blood is absorbed by the liver cells.;
• Thrombolytic therapy. With atherosclerosis, the risk of thrombus formation increases, so antithrombotic drugs are often prescribed. These include: Fibrinolysin, Streptokinase, Urokinase and others. More about anticoagulants, list of drugs

Conservative therapy also includes physiotherapy. This method is indicated for persons with atherosclerosis of the extremities.

The best herbal remedies

Inflaminat. The composition of the preparation includes a tricolor violet, calendula and black elderberry. All herbal ingredients are distinguished by pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. The agent has a pronounced antiatherosclerotic effect. Taking inflamint for two years reduces atherosclerotic progress in the carotid arteries by 45% ^[1].

Nattokinase is an enzyme that dissolves blood clots. The 2017 study included 82 patients. They took nattokinase for 26 weeks, and at the end of this time, atherosclerotic plaques decreased in the first group by 36.6%, in the second by 11.5% ^[2]. Combines well with sepeptase.

Revight Garlic Pearls. These are gummies containing allicin (garlic extract). Allicin has been shown to lower LDL and increase HDL.

Pumpkin seed oil. Reduces cholesterol levels, prevents blood clots, promotes bile secretion.

Ravisol. This is a tincture made from medicinal plants that have been proven to be effective in atherosclerosis in numerous studies. It includes white mistletoe, field horsetail, Japanese sophora, hawthorn fruits, red clover flowers, chestnut fruits, periwinkle grass. Reduces the level of bad cholesterol, improves blood circulation in the heart, brain, resolves blood clots.

On the subject: 7 folk remedies for atherosclerosis with proven effectiveness

Useful Supplements for Atherosclerosis

1. Magnesium. It is able to relax the muscles, balance the amount of minerals in the body. The results of studies have established that a decrease in magnesium causes impaired endothelial functions, which provokes the development of atherosclerosis ^[3].
2. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol-based drug. The active substance inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, reduces the number of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Sesame is considered the record holder for the content of beta-sitosterol - 210 g of the active ingredient were found in 100 g of seeds. Despite the high concentration, sesame seeds do not fully provide the body with beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol inhibits the absorption of beta-carotene and vitamin E. Depending on the indications, the recommended dose may vary from 800 mg to 6 g per day. The volume is divided into three doses and taken 30 minutes before meals.
3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Multiple observations have shown that Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant effects. Subjects who were offered CoQ10 medications in the first three days after a heart attack reported a reduction in chest pain. Continuous use of CoQ10 significantly reduces the likelihood of a second heart attack. Deaths from heart disease were less common in these patients than in those who did not take the supplements.
4. Selenium. Medical research has shown that people who are offered 100 to 200 mcg of selenium per day are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.

Surgery

In modern medical practice, three main methods of surgical treatment of atherosclerosis have been developed.

Highly invasive:

• Bypass surgery. The essence of bypass surgery is to suture the affected vessel to a healthy one, due to which a new blood line is formed, and the blood supply to the tissues is gradually restored;
• Endarterectomy. Used to remove plaque from the carotid arteries (neck) or peripheral arteries;
• Vascular prosthetics. Modern materials allow you to completely replace the affected vessel and restore the function of the blood supply.

Minimally invasive method:

• Angioplasty. The essence of the method consists in the introduction of a specialized catheter through the femoral artery, which, under the control of the camera, is advanced along the bloodstream by an endoscopist to the affected area. After that, the necessary manipulations are performed to clean or expand the vessel.
• Atherectomy. A procedure to remove plaque from the arteries. This is done using a laser catheter or a surgical revolving razor.

Thus, atherosclerosis is an extremely controversial and complex disease, which, however, requires maximum attention, since it can lead to life-threatening and health consequences. The symptomatology of the disease is quite pronounced, and with the proper level of training, the doctor will easily establish a diagnosis, as well as determine the localization of the process and prescribe competent and effective treatment. A wide arsenal of tools and methods for diagnosing atherosclerosis even in the early stages helps the doctor in this. The specialist will establish a specific examination strategy himself, based on their appropriateness and the degree of confidence in the diagnosis.

Treatment of atherosclerosis at the present stage of development of medicine does not present great difficulties. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it is possible to do with "little blood". If conservative methods of treatment do not provide the proper effectiveness, they resort to surgical intervention.

Correct and competent diagnosis combined with an effective course of treatment is the key to a favorable outcome.

The best diet

The best diet for atherosclerosis is the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate daily wine consumption. The Mediterranean diet is not low in fat. Instead, it is low in saturated fat but high in monounsaturated fat. It is good for the heart. In a long-term study of 423 people who had a heart attack, those who ate a Mediterranean diet had a 50-70% lower risk of recurring heart disease than people who did not receive specific dietary advice.

Read more: Mediterranean diet: pros and cons

TOP-8 most useful products for atherosclerosis

To maintain the health of the arteries, you should introduce the best foods that have a healing effect in your diet:

1. Asparagus. An excellent herbal product that helps cleanse the arteries. The active substances of plant fiber have a hypotensive effect, suppress thrombus formation, which causes serious consequences. The action of asparagus extends to the veins and arteries, where it suppresses signs of inflammation. The product stimulates the production of its own antioxidant - glutathione, which can reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative reactions that cause stenosis and blockage of the lumen of arteries. Alpha linoleic and folic acids, which are found in asparagus, prevent the development of atherosclerotic symptoms.
2. Avocado. Avocados contain large amounts of vitamin E, which can suppress oxidative processes involving cholesterol. Potassium - has antihypertensive properties. In general, the consumption of avocados promotes the growth of "good" cholesterol and the elimination of "bad", which helps to clear the arteries of lipid deposits.
3. Whole grains. Whole grains are rich in soluble plant fibers, which can bind LDL and naturally remove them from the body.
4. Broccoli. Broccoli is loaded with vitamin K, which protects arteries from calcification and blockages. The product inhibits oxidative processes. Vegetable fiber, which is contained in broccoli, lowers blood pressure, normalizes the tone of the vascular walls. Severe tone leads to rupture of the arterial wall. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which stimulates protein metabolism in the body. The combined effect of active substances helps to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arterial lumen.
5. Garnet. Pomegranate fruits contain ellagic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and facilitates the elimination of cholesterol. There is even a very interesting study where people took pomegranate juice or a placebo every day for a year. In the placebo group, the thickness of the intima (the inner layer of blood vessels) increased by 9%, while in the control group it decreased by 30% ^[4].
6. Olive oil. One of the most valuable vegetable oils. The product is rich in essential acids that regulate the balance of "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Ideal for salad dressing and cooking.
7. Coffee. One of the most favorite morning drinks. A long-term medical experiment has shown that just three cups of coffee a day can reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis ^[5].
8. Bergamot tea. Bergamot has the same properties as statins. The drink lowers cholesterol levels while maintaining healthy arteries ^[6].

On the subject: Diet for atherosclerosis for every day

Prevention of atherosclerosis

First of all, this is quitting smoking, weight regulation, certain restrictions on food, increased physical activity:

• To maintain the body and prevent atherosclerosis, you should eat foods with low salt and cholesterol content. Eat cereals, vegetables, for example: carrots, eggplants, leeks, garlic, boiled fish, yoghurts, sunflower oil and, of course, any berries and fruits. Eat large quantities of plants of red-red flowers - for example, hawthorn, mountain ash, strawberries, viburnum, tansy, etc.;
• The regulation of body weight in atherosclerosis is a necessary measure, since obesity causes vascular complications and is characterized by impaired lipid metabolism. Low calorie diets with optimal fat content and physical activity are recommended for weight loss;
• Physical activity should be increased taking into account general health and age. You can start it with the safest and most affordable type of physical activity - walking. Classes should be at least three to four times a week for 35-40 minutes.

[Video] Cardiac surgeon BOKERIA, director of the scientific and practical center named after A. N. Bakuleva, MD, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, tells what is atherosclerosis and who does it threaten?

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".