Atherosclerosis occurs when arteries begin to narrow and harden. This can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly seen in the legs and heart. The disease can lead to further heart conditions, such as blockages and clots, which may rupture to cause a stroke or heart attack.
If the renal arteries are affected by the disease it could lead to kidney failure when the body is unable to flush out waste products. Circulation problems are also common in patients with atherosclerosis, which result into a tingling sensation, feeling cold, and even pain in the fingers and toes.
Causes and Early Detection:
Unfortunately, atherosclerosis is very common, especially in North America, but it can be prevented through lifestyle changes and early detection by your physician. Some of the leading causes of the disease include personal habits such as cigarette smoking, high alcohol intake, and not getting enough exercise. Nutrition, obesity and health factors such as high cholesterol and diabetes also play a role.
If atherosclerosis runs in your family, or some of the above habits or health conditions are familiar to you, you should see a physician to be tested for the disease. Early detection offers the best defense against future heart conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis:
Atherosclerosis symptoms tend to be mild or unnoticeable until an actual blockage occurs. After this, symptoms will accelerate and could become quite serious quickly. Pain in a limb or your chest, shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue are all common. A blockage can be quickly followed by a heart attack or stroke with signs, such as abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating for a heart attack, and trouble speaking, seeing, walking, and severe headaches for a stroke.
If you experience any of the symptoms for a stroke or heart attack, call 911 immediately. Any other symptoms for atherosclerosis should be reported to a physician as soon as possible, but may not require immediate or emergency treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of the Disease:
During an annual checkup, your doctor will check your pulse rate, blood pressure, and breathing to be sure that everything is responding healthily. You can also request a meeting with your doctor if you are suspicious of a potential blockage, and he or she will also check your blood for cholesterol. If there is a concern, a cardiologist will be consulted for a Doppler ultrasound and ankle-brachial index test. An MRA and cardiac angiogram may be requested to confirm a diagnosis.
Once your doctor has confirmed the disorder, you will need to begin treatment which consists of cholesterol lowering medications, anticoagulant medications, and diuretics. Your physician will likely suggest a new diet and regular exercise as a preventative measure as well. If the blockage is severe, surgery will be required to put in a stent or bypass the blockage and allow passage of blood through the artery.
People with atherosclerosis can go on to live full, rich lives, and never see another heart problem if it is treated properly. For others, it can mean being constantly cautious of what they eat, and how much exercise they get. If you are concerned about possible blockages, speak to your physician right away, and consider making some life changes to prevent further health issues.