Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis Causes
The exact cause is unknown but it is suspected to start with damage or injury to the inner layer of the artery, which can be caused by several factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and other conditions like diabetes.
Arteriosclerosis Definition
Arteriosclerosis is a general term for several disorders causing thickening, loss of elasticity, and hardening of the walls of the arteries with the most common form called atherosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis Diagnosis
Angiogram to have a better and clearer perspective of the blood flow to the heart. Ultrasound, CT scan and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram can show hardening and narrowing of arteries. Blood tests can help detect increased cholesterol, blood sugar levels and other substances that can possibly increase the risk of arteriosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis Symptoms and Signs
Obstruction in the arteries of the heart may cause symptoms of heart attack including chest pain. Sudden numbness, dizziness and weakness are manifested if the arteries supplying the brain are affected like the carotid arteries in the neck. Leg pain when walking is often observed if the affected parts are the leg and arm arteries.
Arteriosclerosis Treatment
The condition can be treated with various medications in order to slow or even reverse the effects of the disease including cholesterol medications to reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Anticoagulants like heparin to help thin the blood to prevent clot formation. Blood pressure medications to control hypertension and help slow the progression of the condition. Surgery like angioplasty and bypass surgery are aggressive treatment for the disease.