Diseases provoked by atherosclerosis and their symptoms

Atherosclerosis is one of the most insidious ailments as it has no symptoms at initial stages. Nevertheless, it may develop into such serious afflictions as heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

What is it atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is an affliction, which evolves due to the accumulation of plaques on the walls of the arteries. They prevent normal blood flow as the blood vessels get harder and narrower or even blocked by atherosclerotic plaques. It may happen if the walls of arteries are damaged as a result of

• • Hypertension;
  • Diabetes;
  • High cholesterol levels;
  • Obesity;
  • Smoking.

What diseases may be provoked by atherosclerosis and what are their symptoms?

Though atherosclerosis itself doesn't have any symptoms, the diseases evolved on its background do have some. That's why it is important to turn for help when you notice any signs of troubles with your health.

Because arteries are responsible for the transportation of blood rich in oxygen to every organ in the human organism, atherosclerosis may affect any of them. Yet, there are several most frequently diagnosed ailments caused by atherosclerosis:

• Coronary heart disease. This malady evolves in case plaques accumulate in coronary arteries (those, which supply heart with blood). People may feel tightness and chest pain. When the arteries get blocked a person may experience myocardial infarction. Such patients have high chances of developing arrhythmia in post-infarction period. Besides, the risk of sudden death is quite high too.

Carotid artery disease. This ailment develops when the plaques accumulate in the blood vessels leading to the brain. Insufficient blood flow may result in temporary blindness in one eye, slurred speech, muscle weakness or numbness in upper and lower extremities. Such symptoms may indicate a transient ischemic attack: a condition, which may proceed a stroke.

Peripheral artery disease affects the blood vessels, which bring blood to arms, legs and pelvic organs. An individual may experience numbness or pain sensations in legs and groin while walking.

Kidney disease evolves when atherosclerotic plaques block renal arteries. This condition may provoke high blood pressure and kidney failure.

To prevent atherosclerosis, you should minimize saturated and trans fats in your nourishment, be physically active and monitor the level of cholesterol at least once in two or three years.

Cardiogod offers great information regarding cardiovascular health. There you can find info on heart diseases and tips on how to treat and prevent them.