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AtherosclerosisDefinitionAtherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens, and may eventually block the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The two terms are often used to mean the same thing. Alternative NamesArteriosclerosis; Hardening of the arteries; Plaque buildup - arteriesCausesAtherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard substances called plaque. Eventually, the plaque deposits can make the artery narrow and less flexible. This makes it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms. Pieces of plaque can break apart and move through the bloodstream (embolization). This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke. Blood clots can also form around the plaque deposits. Clots block blood flow. If the clot moves into the heart, lungs, or brain, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:
Atherosclerosis can affect many different organ systems, including the heart, lungs, brain, intestines, kidneys, and limbs (extremities). SymptomsSymptoms usually do not occur until blood flow becomes slowed or blocked. See the specific condition for more details on symptoms:
Exams and TestsA health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Early atherosclerosis can create a whooshing or blowing sound ("bruit") over an artery. Tests that may be used to diagnose atherosclerosis or complications include:
TreatmentYour doctor will probably suggest a low-fat diet, weight loss if you are overweight, and exercise. Few medications have actually been found to clear up plaque. Most medications are used to treat the complications of atherosclerosis. Blood thinners may be given to prevent clots from forming. Medications are often prescribed to treat the risk factors for CAD:
Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary heart disease (CHD). If you have CHD that does not cause symptoms, you can be treated with either medicine or angioplasty with stenting. These procedures are designed to enlarge the narrowing in the arteries, but do not remove plaque. Recent studies show that medicine and angioplasty with stenting have similar benefits. Angioplasty with stenting does not help you live longer, but it can reduce angina or other symptoms of coronary artery disease. Angioplasty with stenting, however, can be a life-saving procedure if you are having a heart attack. Other procedures (bypass surgery) place a piece of an artery or vein from the aorta to the diseased artery to bypass the blocked area. Some people may need a procedure called an endarterectomy to remove plaque build up. See also: Outlook (Prognosis)Everyone starts to develop some amount of atherosclerosis as they grow older. In some people, the condition can cause complications such as a heart attack or stroke. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you are at risk for atherosclerosis, especially if symptoms occur. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or if you have ever had a heart attack. PreventionThe following lifestyle changes can help prevent atherosclerosis:
Work with your doctor to bring your blood pressure into the normal range. This may require medication. Follow your doctor's recommendations for treating and controlling diabetes and other diseases. Do not take hormonal replacement therapy, folic acid supplements, vitamin C or E, or antioxidants to decrease the risk of heart disease or stroke. These methods have not been proven to prevent these conditions. ReferencesBoden WE, O'rourke RA, Teo KK, et al. Optimal Medical Therapy with or without PCI for Stable Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med. 2007 Mar 26; [Epub ahead of print]. Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005:921-935.
Review Date:
7/15/2008 Reviewed By: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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