| Sometimes, the establishment is very progressive, | | | | A family history of early heart disease is also a risk |
| the accumulation is suddenly increased as a piece of | | | | factor for the development of atherosclerosis. |
| material breaks. | | | | Medications may be needed to control the disease, |
| Arteriosclerosis also called hardening of the arteries. | | | | including pain, blood and medicines to enlarge (dilate) |
| Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting arterial blood | | | | artery or arteries affected. The Cholesterol-lowering |
| vessels. Atherosclerosis occurs when fat, such as | | | | drugs, aspirin therapy, anticoagulants, vasodilators and |
| cholesterol is deposited along the walls of arteries, | | | | are used in some cases. The surgery is usually |
| forming plaques and atheromas. This causes an | | | | performed only in serious cases where the ability to |
| obstruction of the normal flow of blood, which can | | | | work or to continue essential activities is affected. |
| be partial or complete. There are several possible | | | | The exercise must be balanced with rest. Walking or |
| causes of atherosclerosis, but by far the most | | | | other activity conducted at the point of pain and |
| common cause is the deposition of plaques of | | | | alternated with periods of rest is often |
| cholesterol, platelets and other substances within the | | | | recommended. |
| arterial walls. | | | | Arteriosclerosis Treatment and Prevention Tips |
| Suddenly blocks the already narrowed opening. In this | | | | 1. Control risk factors obesity, high blood pressure, |
| case, diet is a primary factor to be considered. There | | | | and smoking. |
| are various possible causes for arteriosclerosis but by | | | | 2. Practicing regular exercise alo recommeded. |
| far the most common cause is the deposition of | | | | 3. Maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, |
| plaques of cholesterol (known as atherosclerosis), | | | | and blood pressure |
| platelets and other substances within the arterial | | | | 4. An anticoagulant, such as heparin or warfarin can |
| walls. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include smoking, | | | | help thin your blood. |
| obesity, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, | | | | 5. Cholesterol lowering drugs, aspirin therapy are used |
| stress, and diabetes. A virus or allergic reaction, | | | | in some cases. |
| chronic kidney disease, irritants such as nicotine and | | | | 6. Beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme |
| drugs, or too much of the amino acid homocystine | | | | (ACE) inhibitors also helpful for control BP. |
| can also lead to arteriosclerosis. | | | | |