Atherosclerosis

Symptoms:
fatigue, decreased concentration, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, memory loss, decreased performance, squeezing chest pain, heart pain, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction

In the body, each person has a natural "pipeline" - the circulatory system. It is with the help of the internal organs are powered consisting of oxygen and various nutrients. Over time, the blood vessels, as well as any pipes clogged, their walls form plaque, which prevents the normal flow of blood. This is atherosclerosis.

The consequence of this disease is that the internal organs begin to "starve", their work is broken. In the worst case, there is a complete blockage of the vessel, and then can even be fatal. Often it causes atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, it is important to keep this natural "pipeline" in order, so to speak, to observe the rules of operation - to eat, to lead sedentary lives, do not have bad habits.

Usually, atherosclerosis develops in the background of the general aging of the body. However, not only the age factor is set. Those at risk include:

•     males after 40-45 years;
•     smokers;
•     obese;
•     diabetics;
•     lovers of fatty foods;
•     People exposed to frequent and severe stress.

Development of the disease

As we have seen, in atherosclerosis is reduced "bandwidth" of the arteries. This occurs as follows: on the inner walls form a small spot, which consist mainly of cholesterol. Over time, they "grow" with connective tissue and become atheroma - in other words, the plaques. Because they artery narrows and deteriorates the bloodstream. As a result, the internal organs are not getting proper nutrition and cease to properly perform its functions.
The disease usually affects the entire body, but developing unevenly. Depending on what struck artery to the greatest degree, distinguish atherosclerosis:

•     heart;
•     brain;
•     the lower extremities;
•     kidneys;
•     intestine and m. g.

The plaque itself - the phenomenon is quite unpleasant, but much more dangerous when it breaks the surface. In this case, the affected area start to "stick" platelets and eventually form a clot. It may be so that a piece of plaque or a blood clot destroyed will "travel" through the arteries, stuck in a narrow place and completely block the flow of blood. The consequences can be very sad.


Symptomatology

The feature of atherosclerosis is that it develops quickly. Cholesterol builds up plaque gradually increase in size, but the man at the same time does not feel anything. The disease has an effect only when the vessel lumen is narrowed by about 70%. Atherosclerosis is manifested in different ways, it all depends on the principal place of "dislocation" of cholesterol plaques. But there is one common symptom - pain. It is the result of lack of oxygen and nutrition. Weakened "hunger" muscles begin to ache and can not fully work.

If struck by vessels of the brain, the person concerned:

•     memory disorders;
•     decrease in mental performance;
•     fatigue;
•     headache;
•     sleeplessness;
•     dizziness;
•     noise in ears;
•     problems with hearing, vision, speech;
•     incoordination.

The patient becomes irritable and fussy, his emotional state is close to a depressive. In the worst scenario, atherosclerosis, hit vessels of the brain leads to a stroke.

If a large amount of cholesterol deposited on the walls of the coronary arteries, the heart suffers. In particular, developing angina or coronary heart disease, a heart attack can occur. At the same man tormented:

•     pressing pain, which is deployed in the chest. Pain usually occur during exercise or at the time of stress;
•     severe shortness of breath. The patient was sorely lacking oxygen, it seems that he is suffocating;
•     dizziness, headaches. These symptoms are observed in some cases, sometimes even reaching loss of consciousness.

In the case where the plaque formed in the arteries that supply the lower extremities, atherosclerosis is manifested as follows:

•     feet become cold, sometimes become a pale bluish tint;
•     People complain about the chill feet;
•     the pulse of the arteries feet barely detectable;
•     in the calves when walking there is pain that runs when a person stops. Experts call this phenomenon "intermittent claudication";
•     wounds do not heal on their feet, in advanced cases formed ulcers, gangrene may develop.

If amazed arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients intestine, these symptoms occur:

•     colic, abdominal pain. Typically, attacks occur after a meal;
•     often observed bloating;
•     possible vomiting.

Treatment:

If the disease has not gone too far, it can be an effective medical intervention. As a rule, prescribers, lowers cholesterol and other fats in the blood. When this does not work, it is necessary to resort to surgical methods. There are two possible options:

•     expansion of the lumen;
•     removal of the lesion and its replacement.

Atherosclerosis is necessary to observe a special diet that excludes foods rich in cholesterol. Proper nutrition - the best way to prevent the disease. And of course, you need to quit smoking, increase physical activity. Then the vessels for a long time will remain 'pure'.