Arteriosclerosis & Risk factors
A number of factors can contribute to arteriosclerosis:
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- • High cholesterol
- • High blood pressure
- • Insulin resistance or diabetes
- • Obesity
- • Smoking or use of other tobacco products
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Risk factors that contribute to arteriosclerosis include:
Family history: People with a family history of heart disease or arteriosclerosis are at higher risk for the condition.
Symptoms Of Arteriosclerosis
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- • Chest pain or angina.
- • Pain in leg, arm, and anywhere else that has a blocked artery.
- • Shortness of breath.
- • Fatigue.
- • Confusion, which occurs if the blockage affects circulation to brain.
- • Muscle weakness in legs from lack of circulation.
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Read Related:
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2.Arteriosclerosis vs Atherosclerosis | What distinguishes Atherosclerosis from Arteriosclerosis
Diagnosis For Arteriosclerosis
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- Blood test: Blood tests check the levels of certain fats, cholesterol, sugar and protein in the blood that could indicate heart conditions.
- CT scan: X-rays and computers are used to create images of the aorta, heart and blood vessels. This provides a more detailed picture than an ultrasound.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help to determine if parts of the heart are enlarged, overworked or damaged.
- Stress testing: Used along with an EKG, the test can show changes to the heart’s rate, rhythm or electrical activity as well as blood pressure.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound device can measure blood pressure on various points of arm or leg, which will help to determine any blockages and how quickly blood flows through arteries.
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Treatment For Arteriosclerosis
Treatment for arteriosclerosis includes a healthy diet, exercise and medication to control or possibly reverse condition. Medications to treatment are based on the location of enlarged blood vessels and other underlying conditions may include.
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- • Cholesterol medications can protect heart arteries
- • Aspirin can prevent platelets from forming blood clots.
- • β-blocker medications can reduce blood pressure and heart rate and diminish chest pains, the risk of heart attack and irregular heart rhythm.
- • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can lower blood pressure and lower the possibility of heart attack.
- • Calcium channel blockers and diuretics (water pills) can reduce blood pressure.
- • A clot-busting drug may dissolve blood clots.
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Complications Of Arteriosclerosis
If arteriosclerosis is not diagnosed and treated, it could develop into atherosclerosis
and cause serious health problems, including:
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- • Coronary artery disease: Narrowed arteries near the heart may lead to chest pain, heart attack or heart failure.
- • Peripheral artery disease: Narrowed arties in the arms or legs may cause circulation problems that make it difficult to feel heat and cold, and cause gangrene that can lead to limb amputation.
- • Carotid artery disease: Narrowed arteries near the brain may cause transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
- • Aneurysms: A bulge in the wall of an artery, if it bursts, can cause a slow leak or life-threatening internal bleeding.
- • Chronic renal failure: Narrow arteries near the kidneys can prevent effective kidney function.
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