What is Atherosclerosis?

The narrowing or hardening of the arteries due to plaque formation is called Atherosclerosis. The plaque that accumulates in the arteries is a waxy substance made of lipids. What happens is that the plaque forms in the coronary arteries, and narrows them down.

As a result, the blood flow reduces and results in life-threatening conditions. The cells of the heart do not get enough oxygen, and that leads to a stroke or a heart attack. Symptoms include Angina, Anxiety, Vomiting, Coughing and Feeling faint.

Atherosclerosis can also occur in the Carotid Arteries which can cause symptoms such as Headaches, Dyspnea, Weakness and Facial Numbness along with Paralysis. That’s because the carotid arteries supply blood to the brain and if that is affected, it can lead to a stroke and the rest of these symptoms.

The disease may also affect other parts of the body. Where the blood may not flow to areas like liver or the reproductive organs, this is called the peripheral vascular disease. The symptoms include hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and weakening of the area.

When Atherosclerosis affects the renal arteries, it can cause swelling in the hands, reduced appetite and an increased renal release, which increases the blood pressure significantly.When plaque forms in the blood vessel it starts by pushing downwards and as it grows it starts pushing upwards as well.

If the plaque keeps growing the blood vessel becomes narrower making it hard for the blood to flow. In case the plaque keeps growing it can rupture and form a clot, which may entirely stop blood flow.

Atherosclerosis can be a result of a diet that’s rich in fats and cholesterol. Other reasons include a sedentary lifestyle, aging or stress.

It is diagnosed by checking cholesterol levels or through Doppler ultrasound, which helps in finding blockage in the arteries (if any). It is treatable through a complete lifestyle change along with medicines and surgery. If the problem is not too severe, you can also deal with the problem with these home remedies.