Arteriosclerosis - causes, symptoms & treatment options
Arteriosclerosis is a disease in which the walls of the blood vessels thicken and harden due to deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances.
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Arteriosclerosis is a disease in which the walls of the blood vessels thicken and harden due to deposits of fats, cholesterol and other substances.
With arteriosclerosis, deposits form, so-called plaques, which constrict the blood vessels and obstruct the blood flow. Atherosclerosis primarily affects the arteries, the large blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the organs and tissues. These changes increase the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, there are usually no symptoms. However, as soon as the plaques narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, various symptoms can occur, depending on which arteries are affected. Arteriosclerosis of the coronary arteries that supply the heart leads to chest tightness (angina pectoris) and possibly shortness of breath and fatigue. In the case of arteriosclerosis of the arteries supplying the brain, symptoms such as dizziness, speech disorders or sudden paralysis may indicate an impending stroke. In the legs, peripheral arteriosclerosis often causes pain when walking, numbness or wound healing disorders.
The main cause of arteriosclerosis is a long-term elevated cholesterol level, in particular LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, also known as ""bad cholesterol""), which is deposited in the artery walls and forms plaques. Other risk factors for arteriosclerosis include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet with too much saturated fat, sugar and salt. Genetic factors can also increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, especially if close relatives suffer from cardiovascular disease.
As the disease progresses, the deposits and increasing hardening of the arteries mean that the blood no longer flows sufficiently to the organs and tissues. This can lead to an undersupply and permanent damage to the affected organs. If the coronary arteries are narrowed, the risk of angina pectoris and heart attack is particularly high.
The treatment of arteriosclerosis depends on the severity of the disease and includes both medicinal and non-medicinal measures. Drugs such as statins lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of plaques, while antihypertensives help to control blood pressure. Blood thinners such as aspirin are used to reduce the risk of blood clots. In addition to drug therapy, a healthy lifestyle plays a key role. A balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugar, regular exercise and abstaining from smoking are basic measures to lower cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel as well as plant sources such as linseed and walnuts, are particularly important for arterial health. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, lower cholesterol levels and have a vasodilating effect. A high-fibre diet with wholemeal products, fruit and vegetables is also very important, as fibre helps to bind cholesterol in the intestine and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
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