Atherosclerosis: What You Need To Know About The Disease

In this post, we will start the unspoken conversation about 'atherosclerosis'. Don't feel puzzled by the lengthy and scientific name. We are here to shower wisdom on the subject of this complex disease.

As children, you must have learned about the importance of arteries in school. We will make you understand what arteries do for our bodies. But in case you forgot, let's revise.

Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from your heart to other parts of your body. It is a condition of the arteries.

What Is It?

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which your arteries become narrow. This is also commonly known as the hardening of the arteries. It happens because plaque builds up inside and around the artery walls. Arteries are lined with a smooth thin line of cells called the endothelium. In atherosclerosis, endothelium gets damaged. Due to this, cholesterol, fat, and calcium start to collect on the artery walls. This collection results in the formation of plaque. As time passes, this plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. This condition is closely related to aging. This problem can lead to severe cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, and coronary atherosclerosis.

What Are The Atherosclerosis Symptoms?

Atherosclerosis is more like a silent disease. Your condition would most likely be highlighted at a severe stage. You can identify the symptoms only after your arteries clog. Afterward, they are unable to flow blood into the vessels. Atherosclerosis symptoms differ for particular arteries. It depends on which arteries are narrowed.

Atherosclerosis symptoms for:

Heart arteries-

• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Coughing

Brain arteries-

• Headache
• Paralysis
• Numbness of arms and legs
• Distorted speech
• Temporary loss of sight
• Drooping face muscles

Peripheral arteries-

• Pain in legs while walking
• Pain in calf muscles

Renal arteries-

• Loss of appetite
• High Blood Pressure
• Swelling of hands

What Are The Atherosclerosis Causes?

This condition progresses very slowly. It begins during early adolescence in most people and keeps growing silently. There is a wide range of causes that contribute to the development of this illness. Atherosclerosis causes include:

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking or ingestion of tobacco
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history of heart diseases
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet
• Aging

What Is Atherosclerosis Treatment And Prevention?

The growth of plaques can be slowed down or stopped. But once it occurs, it mostly just remains there. With changes in your lifestyle and medications, this problem can be treated and prevented. Certain surgical procedures are also available to treat this condition. On your part, you can take the following steps for atherosclerosis treatment: Say no smoking: Smoking cigarettes causes damage to the arteries. A person who does not smoke is at a lesser risk of complications due to this condition. While a person who smokes is more prone to the development and rapid growth of plaque in the arteries. Exercise daily: We cannot emphasize the importance of exercising more. Again, regular physical activity is necessary to prevent the disease. This is because, through regular work out, you can train your muscles to use oxygen efficiently. The circulation of blood in your body would be improved. Physical exercises would also help in the making of new healthier blood vessels. In addition, exercises reduce the risk of diseases of the heart. A healthy diet plan: It is recommended by doctors worldwide to intake a heart-healthy diet. You should aim to eat a diet low in carbs, fat, and sodium for better health. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be your best companions when it comes to taking care of your arteries. Lose weight, if obese: Obesity is a prime cause of many health conditions. If you are overweight, you should work on losing some pounds. This is because a moderate weight can help manage atherosclerosis. Stress management: Stress is the number one reason for heart disease. Try meditation and other stress management techniques to lower your chances of conditions like atherosclerosis.

Home Remedies For Atherosclerosis

We understand that you may need additional remedies to care for your health. This problem can be treated and prevented by the methods mentioned above. Apart from these, you can also benefit at home from the following food items:

1. Artichoke: It has been found in research that artichoke extracts help in promoting good cholesterol. On top of that, it cuts down bad cholesterol in the body.
2. Garlic and Onion: These are the top two ingredients for Indian curries. They can be easily found in most Indian households and grocery stores. Garlic helps in the prevention of diseases like Atherosclerosis. Garlic and Onions effectively reduce cholesterol levels in your blood.
3. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is a shrub. It is grown in most parts of the world. Science has proved that this item helps against the development of Atherosclerosis.
4. Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids are very helpful. They reduce the build-up of plaque in the arteries and balance heart health.
5. Spinach: Green leafy vegetables help in lowering blood pressure. Spinach also helps in reducing Atherosclerosis.

Take away

It is a very popular saying that "A man is as old as his arteries". Credihealth seconds the saying because your arteries determine your health and thus your age. Healthy arteries mean a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. Our topic today has covered most concepts that you need to know about this condition. Atherosclerosis can be a sneaky disease. It is because this seeps in silently and grows inside the body without any signs. It can be a difficult task to recognize atherosclerosis symptoms. In most cases, the illness is detected after the damage has been done. This is why it is of extreme importance to understand this condition. You can find all kinds of cosmetics to help manage the effects of aging on the outside. There are products to minimize the display of wrinkles and more. But if you wish to care for your body on the inside, this post is for you. Also, read about Heart Bypass Surgery vs Angioplasty - Which is better?For more information and FREE personalized guidance, talk to Credihealth Medical Experts.