Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is hardening and narrowing of arteries due to accumulation of cholesterol rich deposits lining the arteries over time. Causes include family history, increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure, inflammation from arthritis, lupus etc., obesity, diabetes, and smoking As plaque gets bigger, it causes blockage which might result in decreased blood flow to the body.

Symptoms

• Symptoms relating to heart include pain in chest, arms, neck and jaw and shortness of breath
• Symptoms relating to arteries supplying brain and rest of the body include numbness/weakness of arms, drooping of facial muscles, paralysis, severe headache, leg pain while walking

Diagnosis

• It starts with physical examination, measuring blood pressure, ECG to see the heart’s electrical activity, blood tests to look for the rise of cholesterol or blood sugar, stress tests and angiogram.

Treatment

• Medications and lifestyle changes can slow down plaque accumulation.
• Invasive techniques like angioplasty, bypass surgery and fibrinolytic therapy can be useful.