This is the build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls that causes obstruction of blood flow. Atherosclerosis often has no symptoms until a plaque ruptures or the build-up is severe enough to block blood flow. Atherosclerosis happens when due to factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or high levels of glucose, fat, and cholesterol in the blood.
If this happens, particles from blood cells, known as platelets, gather in the affected area. These can stick together, forming blood clots. It is a chronic progressive disease of arteries which usually presents clinically as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in many parts of the world. Common symptoms include: chest pain, pain in your leg, arm, and anywhere else that has a blocked artery, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion particularly if the blockage affects circulation to your brain, muscle weakness in your legs from lack of circulation.
Atherosclerosis usually affects older people, but it can start to develop during adolescence. Inside the artery, streaks of white blood cells will appear on the artery wall. Most of these symptoms don’t show up until a blockage occurs. This may take many years to occur. In some people, atherosclerosis progresses rapidly in their 30s. In others, it doesn’t become dangerous until they reach their 50s or 60s. If atherosclerosis runs in your family, it may be inherited and you may be at risk for hardening of the arteries. It can also be caused by High blood pressure, Smoking, Diabetes
Lifestyle Changes That Could Prevent Atherosclerosis
- Eat healthy: Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood. But if you develop healthful lifestyle from an early age, it will help prevent abnormal hardening of the arteries. Research show that some hardening of the arteries is normal as people age but eating healthy will help
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a no no in this case because it damages your arteries. Smoking makes fatty deposits more likely to form, and it accelerates the growth of plaque.
- Regular exercise: this will help condition your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently. Do this most days of the week. It could be 15 -30 minutes exercise before work in morning or later at the close of work before you sleep at night.
- Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing as few as 5 to 10 pounds (about 2.3 to 4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, two of the major risk factors for developing atherosclerosis.
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