Atherosclerotic Diseases Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Atherosclerotic Diseases
Atherosclerosis is the formation of plaque (a combination of cholesterol, fat, calcium and blood elements) on and inside the artery walls. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Atherosclerotic Diseases
Symptoms of Atherosclerotic Diseases:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
- Leg pain while walking (claudication)
- High blood pressure
Causes of Atherosclerotic Diseases:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- High levels of fat or cholesterol in your blood
- High blood pressure (hypertension
- Elevated blood sugar
- Inflammation from arthritis, lupus, infection, or other diseases
How Is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?
Blood tests
If you know or suspect that you have or have diabetes, your doctor may check your cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as your blood sugar.
Blood pressure measurement
Your doctor can measure your blood pressure at different points on your arm or leg, which can help measure blood flow and detect blockages. Special ultrasound equipment (Doppler ultrasound) can be used for this.
Coronary Angiography
This test involves inserting a long, narrow tube (catheter) into the arteries and connecting it to the heart, then injecting a dye to visualize the arteries and veins on an X-ray image.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or EKG)
This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and may indicate an irregular heartbeat or a previous heart attack.
Treatments
- Treatment may be especially important if blood flow to the heart or brain is severely restricted.
- Evidence-based treatments for atherosclerosis include lifestyle measures, medications, and surgery.
- Lifestyle changes are often the first treatment recommended and can help even if you need other treatments.
- Drug treatment for atherosclerosis can lower blood pressure, improve bad cholesterol and reduce dangerous blood clots.
- Surgery is usually only recommended if your condition is particularly severe or does not respond to treatment.
Prevention of Atherosclerosis
If your atherosclerosis is still in its early stages or you haven’t yet been diagnosed with the disease, lifestyle measures can go a long way toward preventing plaque in your arteries. These include:
*Don’t smoke
*Eat a heart-healthy diet
*Get enough aerobic exercise
*Maintain a healthy weight
*Not smoking is probably the most important limit on your risk diet and It is physical exercise.
A heart-healthy diet is based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and healthy fats. It is important to reduce sodium, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and trans fats.
Frequently Asked Question on Atherosclerotic Diseases
Common atherosclerotic diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and aortic atherosclerosis. CAD is the most well-known and can lead to heart attacks.
Atherosclerosis can often be prevented or its progression slowed by managing risk factors. Lifestyle changes like a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk.
Treatment options depend on the specific condition and its severity. Treatments may include lifestyle modifications, medications (e.g., statins, antiplatelet drugs), angioplasty and stent placement, and in some cases, surgical procedures like bypass surgery.
Atherosclerosis is generally not reversible. However, lifestyle changes and medications can slow or stop its progression, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall heart health.
Yes, atherosclerotic diseases are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Plaque buildup in the arteries can cause blood clots to form, which can block blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to these life-threatening events.
Yes, atherosclerosis can affect arteries throughout the body. It may lead to peripheral artery disease in the limbs, renal artery disease in the kidneys, and mesenteric artery disease in the digestive system, among others.