Atherosclerosis: Causes, Effects, and Prevention

Atherosclerosis is a condition which emanates from the development of plaque
that builds in the arteries walls. Plaque is made of fat, calcium cholesterol and
other substances in the blood. It develops as a result of hardening narrowing the
arterial walls, limiting blood flow of oxygen into the organs and other parts of the
body (Gimbrone & García-Cardeña, 2016 ).
Atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular section of the blood system is a region which deals with permeation blood to circulate
and allow transportation of the nutrients in the body. These nutrients contain oxygen in the
oxygenated form, they provide nourishment and help in body defense mechanism. The circulatory
system entails the lymphatic system in the lymph. The blood circulatory system entails two
components which entail systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation. Many diseases often affect
the circulatory system, such as the cardiovascular diseases development of cardiovascular-related
diseases are referred to as lifestyle disease as they develop over longer periods. Atherosclerosis occurs
as a precursor of many of these diseases due to the building of small plaques on the arterial walls
leading to a deficit of oxygen blood on the tissues of the heart. The circulatory systems there are many
other diseases which affect the cardiovascular and lymphatic system of the body (Monahan‐Earley,
Dvorak & Aird, 2013).
Cardiovascular system
Changes during Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis occurs due to the narrowing of the arteries due leading to
accumulation of plaque on the artery walls. The arteries carry the blood from
the heart to other parts f the body. They are covered by thin layer of cells
which enables it to be smooth allowing blood flow. Development of
atherosclerosis occurs when the endothelium is hampered, leading to the
development of harmful cholesterol to build on the artery wall. The body acts
by sending the white blood cells to clean the cholesterol but at times they
became stuck on the affected sites (Tabas, García-Cardeña & Owens, 2015).
Over a long duration of time, the plaque continues to build up coupled with a
mixture of cholesterol, macrophages, calcium and the blood substances. At
times the plaques grow to a certain size and cease leading to an individual
having no problems (Bennett, Sinha & Owens, 2016). However, if it ends up
clogging the artery, it disrupts the blood flow which can lead to life-
threatening states such as strokes and heart attacks as observed in figure 1.
There is a need for taking action towards reducing the effects of the disease. Steps undertaken include;
Heart-healthy eating: adoption of healthy eating habits such as consumption of different fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean
meats, seafood, and fat-free or low-fat milk is essential. Heart-healthy diet entailed in low sodium levels address sugar and solid fats are
essential for management and prevention.
Physical activity: There is a need to being physically active, as this improves the overall fitness levels and health state. Regular
physical activity is essential.
Quit smoking: cessation of smoking is vital. Smoking damages the blood vessels and tightens raising the risks of developing
atherosclerosis.
Weight control: Management of weight control is essential. Overweight and being obese are key factors which can lead to
development and accumulation of cholesterol and accumulation of plaque on the walls thus leading to the state of the disease,
(Parhofer, 2015; Kubota & Iso, 2018).
- The exact causes of the condition remain largely unknown,
however, certain traits have been developed and habits which
may increase the risks for the disease.
- Major risks factors linked to this include unhealthy blood
cholesterol levels. This entails high bad cholesterol and good
cholesterol.
- High blood pressure has been considered to be a factor,
pressure levels above 140/90 mm/Hg over a long time have
been linked to the development of the condition (Zhang et al.,
2016).
- Smoking has been linked to these. Smoking damages and
tightens the blood vessels, raising the cholesterol levels and
elevating blood pressure.
- Insulin resistance also has been linked to these. Insulin
resistance development may lead to the development of
diabetes.
- Overweight or obesity state has been associated with the
development of the condition, further, lack of exercise and
Factors leading to Developments of atherosclerosis do not have any signs or symptoms
until there are narrowing and total blockage of the artery walls. Effects
associated with the disease entails;
Coronary Arteries: The coronary arteries supply oxygenated blood
to the heart. The occurrence of plaque narrows the arteries leading to
symptoms of angina, occasioned by chest pain and discomfort.
Carotid Arteries: The carotid supplies the oxygen-rich blood to the
brain, in the situation of plaque narrowing on these arteries,
occurrences of stroke can occur, symptoms entail, weakness,
confusion, breathing issues among others
Peripheral arteries: Plaque can build on the arteries supplying blood
to legs, arms, and pelvis, leading to numbness, pain, and infections.
Renal arteries: Blockage or renal arteries can lead to the
development of chronic kidney disease affecting kidney function,
(Chinetti-Gbaguidi, Colin, & Staels, 2015).
Effects of Atherosclerosis
Prevention of
References
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Figure 1A Showing the normal artery
with blood flow while the insert shows
cross-section of a normal artery,
figure B shows artery with plaque
development builds up.