Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient
Handout
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
About Your
Diagnosis
Atherosclerosis causes
narrowing in the blood vessels. The inner walls of arteries and veins can become
damaged. This causes scarring where the damage has healed. Conditions such as
diabetes cause a weakening of the vessel walls, making them prone to damage.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) damages the vessels because the blood is
pumped through with greater force. Fatty deposits and cholesterol stick to the
damaged areas. These areas are called plaques. Plaques narrow the opening
in the vessel. Blood flow through narrowed vessels is impeded. Small blood clots
can form and plug the vessel. This stops blood flow through the vessel. In the
heart this means that the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen, causing pain
called angina. If oxygen is not delivered for excessive amounts of time,
that part of the muscle dies. This is called a myocardial infarction or a
heart attack. In the brain, lack of oxygen causes strokes.
Atherosclerosis is responsible for most of the coronary artery disease in the
United States. The coronary arteries are the vessels that deliver blood to the
heart muscle. Heart disease from atherosclerosis is the most common cause of
death in the United States. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain may
cause strokes. Strokes are the third leading cause of death. There are no
symptoms of atherosclerosis until there is heart disease or damage to other
organs.
There are several risk factors
for heart disease. Persons at risk
are:
Men
Women
after menopause who are not taking an estrogen
replacement
Persons older than 55
years
Persons with a family history
of heart disease
Persons who
smoke
Persons who are
overweight
Persons with
diabetes
Persons with hypertension
(high blood pressure)
Persons with a
high cholesterol level
Sedentary
persons (those who do not exercise
regularly)
Persons who have diets
high in fat and cholesterol
Living
With Your Diagnosis
Modification of
risk factors is the best approach to managing atherosclerosis and coronary
artery disease. You cannot change your age, sex, or family history of heart
disease, but you can change many of the other
factors.
Treatment
The
goal of treatment is to keep atherosclerosis from progressing. Depending on the
risk factors, medications may be needed. It is extremely important to take the
medicines on time every day. Modifying one’s diet to include low-fat and
low-cholesterol foods can help considerably. The diet should include high-fiber
foods (oat bran, for example) and fruits and vegetables. Taking vitamin C and
vitamin E supplements helps ease blood flow in the arteries. An aspirin a day
may be prescribed. Aerobic exercise is recommended. The doctor may perform an
exercise stress test to determine whether the heart is fit enough for exercise.
Exercise should be started easily, and it should be stopped if symptoms
develop.
The
DOs
•Stop
smoking.
•Lose weight if you are
overweight.
•Control your blood sugar
if you have diabetes. Keep your blood sugar concentration as close to normal as
possible through careful monitoring and attention to taking your
medications.
•Monitor your blood
pressure closely, and take your medication as directed if you have
hypertension.
•Choose low-fat,
low-cholesterol foods, and take prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications on a
regular basis.
•Exercise. Aerobic
exercise such as bicycling, swimming, and walking or jogging is needed for 30
minutes a day 3 or 4 days a week to help maintain fitness and lower
risk.
When to Call Your
Doctor
•If you have new or
worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or changes in your ability
to speak, swallow, see, or move your limbs.