The disorder affecting most frequently the arteries is called arteriosclerosis. In time, cholesterol, platelets, fibrin and other such substances have the tendency to deposit on the arteries walls, preventing the blood from circulating normally. The plaque consisting of the above- mentioned substances causes the arteries to narrow, at the same time losing their initial elasticity and obstructing the access of blood to the heart.
Arteriosclerosis is very often confused with atherosclerosis, which is actually a distinct, subordinate group of arteriosclerosis, a particular kind of arteriosclerosis. This condition is caused by the plaque which becomes thicker, covering the inner part of an artery.
The ingredients of plaque are cholesterol, fat as well as calcium, which are all present in the blood. As time goes by, this plaque has the tendency to harden, which means that the blood flow in the arteries is diminished, depriving the heart and the other organs in the body by the normal quantity of oxygen carried by the blood flow.
When this happens, the risk of stroke, heart attack or death is extremely high. The symptoms of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are similar and so are their consequences on health, even if there is a difference between the two conditions.
Diagnosing Arteriosclerosis
In order to diagnose arteriosclerosis, a physical examination is of the utmost importance, combined with a description of the symptoms and the medical history of the patient.
The signs which may appear include:
- Weak pressure of blood in the limbs
- Weak pulse in the affected artery
- A protrusion behind a knee or in the abdomen
Arteriosclerosis may also be located with the help of ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, imaging scans and, of course, blood tests.
Symptoms Specific to Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis may have different signs and symptoms. Every artery may generate different ones. The arteries which are most affected in the body are the ones in the legs, more precisely in the area of the calf. But arteriosclerosis may also damage arteries that lead to the heart, kidneys, abdominal aorta or brain.
The symptoms appear mostly when the blood flow is restricted very badly. If the lower part of a leg, for instance, no longer receives enough blood, you will start feeling pain in that particular area. The pain will disappear normally after a short period of rest. Nevertheless, the problem might be extremely grave if the pain is not relieved after a resting period. The problem is that as soon as you restart physical activities, the pain is likely to reappear.
There are other symptoms as well:
- Angina, or chest pain, also frequent in heart disorders
- Infection, generated by defective blood supply and absence of oxygen
- Heart attack, in the case of blockage of the coronary arteries, which carry the blood to the heart
- Feebleness and vertigo, triggered by an obstruction of the carotid artery. This usually generates symptoms similar to those of a stroke
- Heart disease
- Blood pressure increase
- Obstruction of the kidney artery
- Defective blood circulation in the toes and fingers
- Erectile dysfunction
Causes Generating Arteriosclerosis
Some of the primary reasons generating arteriosclerosis are:
- High cholesterol levels
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Hereditary factors
- Diabetes
- Gender arteriosclerosis is more frequent in the case of males
- Obesity
- Stress
- Smoking
- It is more frequent in people having Type A personalities
- Old age
There are also some other elements that are likely to add to the risk of arteriosclerosis, among which chronic kidney disease, allergies, infections, use of drugs and nicotine, but also increased quantities of amino acid homocystine in the blood.
Treatments for Arteriosclerosis
First, it is necessary to determine the severity of the disorder and analyze the symptoms in order to settle for the right treatment. Medication might be prescribed, even surgery in certain cases, but, fortunately sometimes light exercise is enough. Surgery is on option only in the most severe cases.
Arteriosclerosis can be mastered and handled as long as the patient tries to live a healthy life and have a positive attitude. This approach is also efficient in the case of other disorders, being able to prevent possible complications.
In case of arteriosclerosis, the consumption of larger quantities of magnesium and calcium is highly recommended. Patients should try to relax as much as possible, avoid stressful situations, adopt a wholesome diet, give up smoking, embrace physical activities, keep an eye on their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Treatments from Nature
Nature can bring an important contribution as a remedy in case of arteriosclerosis and any other heart conditions. Medicinal herbs have amazing effects on the proper performance of the arteries, heart and the cardiovascular system in general. Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus oxycantha has proved to generate excellent results in the case of heart and other cardiovascular problems. In order to calm and relax the blood vessels and decrease high blood pressure, Passiflora incarnata works wonders. Guelder Rose bark or Viburnum opulus is an excellent tonic for the heart and it has the capacity to relax the muscles. For the stimulation of blood circulation and heart, as well as for its anti-inflammatory properties, Ginkgo biloba is the perfect choice.
Note: A patient who is under treatment must ask his doctor for advice before deciding on a change in treatment. If you intend to try natural remedies, make sure you acquire them from trustworthy companies which have a reputation in this respect.
Learn about the Native Remedies range of herbal remedies designed to treat common conditions & ailments in a holistic & natural manner.
Recommended Native Remedies Products:
