The risk of heart attack and blood flow blocking is deemed the most dangerous of conditions, causing stroke in millions of people. During these pandemic times, many individuals, especially senior citizens, have witnessed a stroke or seizure due to increased blood pressure in their bodies.
The blockage in arteries is one of the most common conditions in patients with heart disease or stroke. The reason behind severe pain in the chest and not enough oxygen transported to other body organs is blood clots formed near t the arteries, which is an essential organ in our system.
Strokes are why arteries cannot transfer and bring back enough oxygenated blood to the heart and other vital organs. A blocked artery could sometimes also lead to coagulation (blood clot), which is a massive reason behind heart failure or internal bleeding during anticoagulation therapy.
Arteries inside our body have a thin layer of cells forming a lining and helping them smooth and easy blood flow throughout the body. The thin layer of the cell is known as the endothelium, but it could easily be destroyed due to our way of living, such as smoking, consuming foods with more fat and high cholesterol, high glucose level, etc.
A lifestyle that involves more fat consumption could destroy the endothelium, which leads to the forming of plaque over the walls of the artery that are mainly built up cholesterol, hardening the arteries. Hence, blocking the flow of blood. The whole process and the prevailing condition is known as Atherosclerosis.
The arteries’ blocking occurs when the plaque or accumulated cholesterol simultaneously causes the arteries to harden up over time. At some point in time, the plaque pieces may even break open, and the platelet particles from the blood may gather in the areas affected. The blood then begins to form, clotting at the spot, causing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Although the chances of atherosclerosis occurrence are likely to affect all the arteries, majorly, those large and higher pressure arteries are likely to get involved.
What are the symptoms to look for?
Primarily, atherosclerosis is witnessed in older individuals, but according to sources, the beginning of the sickness could be seen earlier during the adolescent period. The beginning of the conditions appears when streaks of white blood cells become visible on the artery walls.
Generally, symptoms aren’t visible until the plaque begins to accumulate and disrupt blood flow throughout the body. The restricted flow of blood through the arteries leads to the blood clot, which takes several years to process and becomes a severe concern. Although there are no specific symptoms, it indeed depends on which artery does the condition takes place.
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Renal Arteries
Renal Artery is responsible for supplying blood to the kidney, and the blockage of this artery would mean an occurrence of chronic kidney disease. The development of this condition in a person would show signs such as; loss of appetite or swelling in hands and feet.
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Coronary Arteries
Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. If these arteries fail to transport blood towards the heart, it could cause a heart attack or angina in an individual. The potential symptoms are:
- chest pain
- vomiting
- Anxiety
- Faintness
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Carotid Arteries
These arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the brain, and the restricted flow to the same would lead to a stroke in a person. The condition requires immediate medical attention. The potential symptoms of this condition include:
- weakness
- difficulty breathing
- Paralysis
- Headache
- Numbness in the face
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Peripheral Arteries
These arteries are responsible for supplying blood to arms, legs, and pelvis, and the restriction of these arteries would mean a feeling of numbness in these parts or the limbs. The condition could end up transforming into a heart attack or stroke in severe cases.
Potential Treatment
Atherosclerosis could be cured if detected in the early stages, and the prevention of plaque from disrupting the blood flow could treat the condition permanently. But there are specific steps that could be followed, such as some changes in lifestyle, consumption of medication, or surgery.
- Try to avoid smoking as much as you can
- Keep the consumption of alcohol in check.
- Indulge in the habit of regular exercise
- Consume a healthy and nutritious diet
- Try to control your weight and keep it constant.
Moreover, a medical expert will advise you with a medication that will deter your health and condition. Generally, statins are one o the medication prescribed to these patients to control their bodies’ cholesterol levels. The patients’ prominent need is to continue their prescribed medication and discontinue it only when advised y your physician.
At times, medication and change in lifestyle do not ensure a permanent solution, but surgery could help keep blood flow consistently through the arteries. Your physician would recommend a stent to widen the blood vessel, a bypass surgery so that the blood could be kickstarted in the areas affected, or perform surgery to remove the built-up plaque on the walls.
There are complications involved if a person has atherosclerosis, leading to other conditions such as aneurysm, stroke, peripheral artery disease, kidney failure, palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, etc. There are a group of people who are more prone to this condition, and these include;
- a family history of cardiovascular disease
- a history of tobacco smoking
- Involvement in lower physical activity
- high blood pressure
- obesity
- stress
- high alcohol intake
- higher consumption of saturated fat, high cholesterol, salt, and sugar
- Older People
The best way to prevent this condition as a senior is to practice a healthy ad enriched with nutritious food and lots of exercises during the earlier stage of life. The illness could be threatening, and a person must seek immediate medical attention if suffering from atherosclerosis.
