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Hardening of the Arteries

Build-up of fatty material and calcium deposition in the arterial wall resulting in partial or complete occlusion of the arterial lumen.

Symptoms of Hardening of the Arteries

The following features are indicative of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • sudden weakness
  • numbness of the face, arms, or legs
  • confusion
  • trouble speaking
  • breathing problems
  • dizziness
  • trouble walking
  • loss of balance or coordination
  • sudden and severe headache
It is possible that Hardening of the Arteries shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Hardening of the Arteries

The following are the most common causes of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • smoking
  • high amount of fats and cholesterol in the blood
  • high blood pressure
  • high amounts of sugar in the blood

Risk Factors for Hardening of the Arteries

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • high levels of C-reactive protein in the blood
  • damage to the arteries
  • high levels of triglycerides in the blood

Prevention of Hardening of the Arteries

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Hardening of the Arteries. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • heart-healthy eating
  • regular physical activity
  • quit smoking
  • weight control

Occurrence of Hardening of the Arteries

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Hardening of the Arteries cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Hardening of the Arteries most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 35-50 years

Common Gender

Hardening of the Arteries can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Hardening of the Arteries

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Hardening of the Arteries:
  • Blood tests: To measure the levels of certain cholesterol, sugar, fats, and proteins in the blood
  • Electrocardiogram: To detect and record the heart's electrical activity
  • Chest X ray: To take the pictures of the heart, lungs and blood vessels
  • Ankle/Brachial index: To check the blood flow
  • Echocardiography: To create a moving picture of the heart
  • Computed tomography scan: To analyse the hardening and narrowing of large arteries
  • Stress testing: To analyze how heart work hard and beat fast
  • Angiography: To see whether plaque is blocking the arteries

Doctor for Diagnosis of Hardening of the Arteries

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • Cardiologist
  • Neurologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Vascular specialist

Complications of Hardening of the Arteries if untreated

Yes, Hardening of the Arteries causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Hardening of the Arteries is left untreated:
  • stroke
  • gangrene

Procedures for Treatment of Hardening of the Arteries

The following procedures are used to treat Hardening of the Arteries:
  • Vascular bypass surgery: To re-establish the flow around the diseased artery
  • Angioplasty with or without stenting: Reopens the narrowed arteries and improves blood flow
  • Endarterectomy: Removes the fatty deposits

Self-care for Hardening of the Arteries

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • Stop smoking: Helps maintaining healthy heart
  • Physical activity: Exercise regularly helps preventing symptoms from worsening
  • Eat healthy foods: Eat heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Lose extra pounds: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis
  • Manage stress: Practice muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Hardening of the Arteries

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Hardening of the Arteries:
  • Yoga or deep breathing: Relax and reduce the stress levels that can cause atherosclerosis
  • Use of Cod liver oil: May keep heart healthy
  • Use of Fish oil in the diet: Help to keep heart healthy

Patient Support for Treatment of Hardening of the Arteries

The following actions may help Hardening of the Arteries patients:
  • Cardiac rehabilitation: Join cardiac rehabilitation program that increases the strength and endurance
  • Heart-to-Heart Cardiac Support Group: Helps in overcoming the emotional effects of a heart attack

Time for Treatment of Hardening of the Arteries

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Hardening of the Arteries to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Hardening of the Arteries.

Related Topics

Atherosclerosis

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