- 1. Food high in fat and cholesterol
- 2. Cigarette and alcohol
- 3. High blood pressure and diabetes
- 4. Obesity and inactivity
- 5. Heredity
- Symptoms of atherosclerosis
- Treatment for atherosclerosis
The diet high in fat and low in vegetables, smoking, genetics and physical inactivity are situations that can favor the decrease in plasticity of the vessels and the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis happens because as you get older, the arteries naturally start to get harder and narrower, and the blood has a harder time passing. In addition, the accumulation of fat further narrows the canal, decreasing blood flow and increasing blood pressure, which can have serious consequences such as heart attack or stroke.
The main causes of atherosclerosis are:
1. Food high in fat and cholesterol
Eating fat-rich foods such as cakes, cookies, processed or processed foods, for example, increases levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can accumulate on artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. The deposit of fat inside the arteries, over time, can decrease or completely block the passage of blood, which can cause stroke or infarction.
The lack of regular physical exercise, obesity and excessive alcohol intake can also increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and, thus, favor the development of the disease.
2. Cigarette and alcohol
Smoking can damage the walls of the arteries, making them narrower and less elastic. In addition, smoking also decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the body, which increases the chances of a clot forming.
Excessive alcohol intake can cause hypertension and increase blood cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
3. High blood pressure and diabetes
High blood pressure is also one of the causes of atherosclerosis, because when the pressure is high, the arteries have to make a greater effort to pump blood, which causes the walls of the arteries to start getting damaged.
Diabetes can also promote atherosclerosis due to excess blood sugar, which can damage the arteries.
4. Obesity and inactivity
Overweight or obesity means that the individual has a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, because the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol is greater. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the appearance of atherosclerosis because fat is more easily deposited inside the arteries.
5. Heredity
If there is a family history of atherosclerosis, there is an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is more frequent in the elderly, especially males, and can reach any blood vessel, with coronary arteries, aorta, cerebral arteries and arteries of the arms and legs being the most affected.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease that develops over time and is considered silent, so that the appearance of signs and symptoms only happen when there is a significant impairment of blood flow to the body, and chest discomfort, lack of air, altered heartbeat and severe pain in the arms and legs.
The diagnosis of atherosclerosis can be made through tests such as cardiac catheterization and cardiac angiotomography, requested by the vascular surgeon, neurologist or cardiologist so that the correct treatment is performed. It is important to carry out treatment to prevent complications such as aortic aneurysm.
Treatment for atherosclerosis
The treatment for atherosclerosis depends on the severity of the disease, and it can be done with a change in lifestyle including exercise, control in the diet and use of medicines to prevent narrowing of the vessels. In the most severe cases, the doctor may indicate a surgery to unblock the blood vessels.
Avoiding the use of cigarettes and acquiring healthy habits such as exercising, balanced nutrition, blood pressure control are some good tips for preventing and controlling atherosclerosis.
Learn more about treatment for atherosclerosis.
