Atherosclerosis of the vessels is a disease thatcharacterized by the deposition on the walls of vessels of atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol. The most frequently affected men are 50-60 years old and women older than 60 years. Among the most common diseases are arteriosclerosis of the vessels of the neck, kidneys, brain, heart and lower limbs.

As you know, cholesterol is a substance thatis part of many fats, so its presence in the human body is simply necessary. But this applies to cases where the norm is not exceeded. After all, if in the blood there is an increase in cholesterol, then this entails its gradual deposition on the walls of the vessels. In general, this happens with the consumption of food that is rich in them, with the emergence of neuropsychic disorders or with a decrease in the function of the genital and thyroid glands. Over time, around these plaques, connective tissue forms and gradual deposition of lime begins. At this point, and there is a disease, like arteriosclerosis of blood vessels.

Sometimes there is destruction of atheroscleroticplaques, on the surface of which a small defect appears. As a result, platelets begin to adhere to it, which form thrombi. With the detachment of a part or the entire thrombus, the lumen of the blood vessels is clogged, leading to a cessation of blood flow, and then, sometimes, to a lethal outcome.

Symptoms:

• arterial hypertension;
• pain in the leg muscles;
• attacks of angina pectoris;
• heart failure;
• neurological disorders (for example, stroke);
• kidney failure;
• myocardial infarction.

Causes

At the present time, arteriosclerosis of the vessels does not have a clearly expressed cause of its appearance. Although it has been proven that a lifestyle has a huge role in the development of the disease.

The main factors that provoke atherosclerosis of vessels include:

• smoking;
• alcohol consumption;
• passive lifestyle;
• malnutrition;
• emotional depression;
• overloading;
• stress.

Diagnostics

For the precise diagnosis, the following research methods are used:

• with elevated cholesterol, a determination is made of the lipid metabolism disorder;
• X-ray examination of vessels is used to detect atherosclerosis of the aorta;
• ultrasound examination shows the absence or presence of thrombi, atherosclerotic plaques or other obstructions that interfere with normal blood circulation.

Treatment

Treatment of atherosclerosis should be comprehensive. First of all, it is worth paying attention to your diet, especially people who are prone to obesity. It is necessary to limit fats of animal origin, sweets and smoked products, which, by the way, are recommended to be excluded altogether. But fruit should be consumed in unlimited quantities.

Further, drug therapy orsurgical intervention (shunting, stenirovanie), the choice of which largely depends on where the vasoconstriction is located and the presence of a lumen in the artery.