Signs and Symptoms of Atherosclerosis

                Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killing disease in America over tobacco or cancer. Many cases of cardiovascular disease, but not all, typically results from the hardening of arteries and the buildup of plaque, or atherosclerosis.  

                The hardening of arteries and the buildup of plaque is the result of constant wear and tear within the endothelial lining in blood vessels.

Arteries can experience wear and tear from:

Ø  Old age

Ø  Smoking

Ø  High blood pressure

Ø  High cholesterol

                These are typically the most common risk factors, but are not excluded to only these factors.  There can even be hereditary factors that are passed down from generation to generations from close relatives.

                Unfortunately, nearly every individual has some form of atherosclerosis, but the level of severity of plaque buildup may vary.

                In early stages, the inner layer of cells along the blood vessel are torn as a result of the risk factors mentioned above.  The body then uses cholesterol  along with other material to repair the walls. White blood cells that are responsible for digesting excess cholesterol  and other debris in the blood stream become trapped along the wall and becomes plaque. However, signs and symptoms do not appear until the buildup of plaque has become a significant hindrance to blood flow.

Signs and Symptoms include:

Ø  Pain or dizziness during exertion

Ø  Shortness of breath

Ø  Poor wound healing

Ø  Stroke, in severe cases

                These symptoms are caused by insufficient blood flow to regions of the body created by the blockage in the blood vessel from plaque buildup. Consider a toll booth on a bridge, regardless of how many cars there are on the road the speed of traffic is restricted at the toll booth. Similarly, the opening gap within the plaque buildup in the artery limits the speed of the blood flow. Platelets in the blood that are used to promote blood clog will be unable to reach an open wound as quickly and can even be caught up within the plaque.

                Since atherosclerosis can occur in just about any region of the body, it is often categorized by the region it is found.  

Regions where atherosclerosis is found are classified as:

Ø  Coronary artery disease - Located in the chest region.

Ø  Cerebrovascular disease - Located in the brain.

Ø  Peripheral artery disease - Located in the limbs, typically the legs.

However, how can an individual physically determine that atherosclerosis is occurring in their body?

                Although some techniques can be more riskier and have potential complications, other methods are more practical.

Methods used for testing for atherosclerosis:

Ø  Angiography - inserting a tube into the blood vessel and physically checking for regions of plaque buildup. This procedure is considered to be risky and is frequently reserved for serious cases of atherosclerosis.

Ø  Carotid Artery Ultrasound - an ultrasound test along the carotid arteries. This procedure is considered as risk free.

Ø  Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) - A specialized CT scan that photographs the heart and uses a computer to measure the level of calcium presence.

                

Regardless of what level in severity of plaque buildup, it is always wise to be conscious of eating and exercise habits while being aware of any signs or symptoms of atherosclerosis. My personal opinion and advice is to get regular check-ups and minimize recreational drug consumption, or quit them altogether if you are not medically required to consume. 

References:

http://heart-disease.emedtv.com/atherosclerosis/atherosclerosis-p3.html

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/silent-symptoms-diagnosing-atherosclerosis?page=2

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-atherosclerosis?page=2