Atherosclerosis(also called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) is a specific throw in of arteriosclerosis.
The two terms are often used interchangeably.
There are many risk factors that may come into play when a person has atherosclerosis.
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Hypertensive atherosclerosis could result in a stroke or heart attack due to a blockage or a rupture.
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What Is Atherosclerosis?
This build-up can eventually constrict or occlude the artery and reduce blood flow.
Chronic (long-term) elevation of blood pressure can speed up the process of developing atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis Can Effect Other Parts of the Body
Atherosclerosis affects more than the heart.
Depending on which arteries are affected, the risk factors vary.
Once there is a blockage of the artery, symptoms commonly include the following.
Furthermore, many factors that cause hypertension also play a role in the development of high cholesterol.
This physical stress aggravates and accelerates atherosclerosis, particularly in the heart and brain.
This process is called atherosclerosis.
Today, scientists are uncovering information that suggests these two disease entitieshypertension and atherosclerosishave common mechanisms.
More research is needed to better understand the link between hypertension and atherosclerosis.
This cause-and-effect relationship tends to have a spiraling effect.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of hypertension does not necessarily mean that a person has atherosclerosis.
There are two categories of hypertension.
Having untreated high blood pressure of 140/90 increases the risk of getting atherosclerosis two- to three-fold.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests for atherosclerosis include the following.
This test cannot be used to predict the future risk of a heart attack.
The images show very detailed information about different parts of the body.
To diagnose atherosclerosis, a CT scan is taken of the heart to evaluate the presence of calcium deposits.
Before the procedure, a dye is swallowed to enable a clear view of the organs or tissues.
MRIAn imaging test that involves strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images.
This test is sometimes referred to as an exercise or treadmill test.
Echocardiogram or nuclear scansThis provides better detection of heart disease.
Medications to control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels are instrumental in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
The most common bang out of medication used to lower cholesterol arestatin drugs.
Examples of statin drugs include:
Antihypertensive Therapy
Many different types of drugs treat hypertension.
Each throw in is differentiated according to its own category.
Common types of antihypertensive drugs include the following.
Lifestyle changes found to help slow the progression of atherosclerosis include the following.
Be sure to report any symptoms or changes in your health to your practitioner right away.
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