Today, in our country and around the world, many people suffer from atherosclerosis. This disease does not develop overnight but is the result of a long process. It can take decades before atherosclerosis causes any complaints.
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries and blood vessels, which is very dangerous because the blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and cells, including the tissues of the heart muscle. During atherosclerosis, the walls of the arteries become stiff. It is a slow and progressive disease; it is not reversible, but it is preventable.
If the artery is in good health, it is flexible and strong. Atherosclerosis is caused by damage to the artery walls, mainly and most importantly by high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking.
Over time, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in the artery walls and cause fatty deposits, plaques. As the arteries become narrower as a result, blood flow can be significantly reduced and, over time, the likelihood of blood clots becomes high.
If the atherosclerosis narrows the arteries surrounding the heart or a blood clot forms, then a permanent chest pain can develop and eventually coronary heart disease may develop.
Atherosclerosis can also narrow the arteries in the neck, where the clot deprives the brain of essential nutrients and oxygen, and can cause mini-strokes and strokes. There are several symptoms of this disease, such as slurred speech, dizziness, loss of control over movement and other activities.
Atherosclerosis can also narrow the arteries in the arms and legs, leading to peripheral artery disease. Leg pain can also develop and increase during rest and walking. In severe cases, peripheral arterial disease can also cause necrosis of the tissues of the leg, which may result in amputation of the leg.
Many factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol, an unhealthy diet, smoking, too much alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle.