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: