Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is the build-up of calcium
on the inside of artery walls. Arteriosclerosis affects the circulation
of blood and can cause strokes, coronary disease (angina), and high
blood pressure. High blood pressure can also cause arteriosclerosis.
The narrowing of the arteries caused by arteriosclerosis forces
already elevated blood pressure to become even higher. As the arteries
harden and become less pliable and less permeable, cell starvation
results due to insufficient circulation in the cells. Arteriosclerosis
sufferers experience heart attack, also referred to as a myocardial
infarction (MI) or coronary occlusion (a coronary), when one of
the coronary arteries becomes completely obstructed by the accumulated
deposits, or by a blood clot that has either formed or becomes stuck
to the deposit. Older people are at greater risk for this kind
of heart trouble. When arteriosclerosis interferes with the arterial
supply of blood to the brain, a stroke or cerebrovascular accident
(CVA) occurs.
Arteriosclerosis obliterans takes place when
the lower limbs are affected. The major arteries that carry blood
to the legs and the feet become narrowed by fatty deposits. Problems
with aching muscles, fatigue, and cramp-like pain in the ankles
and legs result. The discomfort may also be in the hips and thighs,
depending on which arteries are blocked. Additional symptoms can
include numbness, weakness, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
These symptoms occur when the arteries are clogged with cholesterol
plaque. Pain is experienced if the amount of oxygenated blood is
insufficient in matching the needs of the exercising leg muscles.
General treatment for Arteriosclerosis includes
regular exercise, a diet low in saturated fatty acids, quitting
smoking, reduction of stress, and therapy for treatable diseases
such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension if present.
Other Disease Information:
Alzheimers, Arterial
Plaque, Arteriosclerosis,
Blood Clotting, Chest
Pain, Cholestasis, Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome, Circulatory
System, Coronary Disease,
Heart Attack, Disease,
Heart Disease, Inflammatory
Disorder, Mononucleosis, Obesity,
Preeclamsia, Stroke,
Vascular
Arteriosclerosis Nutraceutical Products:
Essential Seven |
