The main culprit of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease is atherosclerosis, especially for middle-aged and elderly people. So, what is atherosclerosis?
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of lipids and calcium salts in blood on the inner wall of blood vessels. Long-term accumulation changes the structure of blood vessels and eventually forms plaques in blood vessels. There is atheroma in the deep softening of the block, which is atherosclerosis.
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The dangers of atherosclerosis
1) Coronary atherosclerosissclerosis: If the diameter of the coronary artery is narrowed up to 75% after examination % or more, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and even sudden death may occur;
2) Cerebral atherosclerosis: It can cause cerebral ischemia, cerebral atrophy or rupture of cerebral blood vessels;
3) Mesenteric atherosclerosis: It can be manifested as abdominal pain after a full meal, indigestion, constipation, etc. In severe cases, the necrosis of the intestinal wall can cause blood in the stool, paralytic bowel Obstruction and other symptoms;
4) Renal atherosclerosis: It often causes nocturia, resistant hypertension, and renal insufficiency in severe cases;
5) Lower extremity atherosclerosis: Severe vascular stenosis may cause intermittent claudication, disappearance of dorsal artery pulse, and even gangrene in severe cases.
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Risk factors for atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is caused by a combination of factors, the main risk factors are obesity, heavy smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and genetic factors > and so on.
How can atherosclerosis be prevented?
1) Scientific and healthy diet: Arrange a reasonable diet, eat a light diet, eat low-sugar, low-salt, low-cholesterol, low-fat food, eat more low-sugar fruits and Foods rich in fiber, often eat vegetables, avoid overeating;
2) Second, avoid alcohol and tobacco;
3) Control weight gain: Generally, a body mass index (BMI) of 20 to 24 is considered normal weight, or waist circumference is the standard, generally women ≥80cm, Males ≥85cm are considered excessive;
4) Appropriate exercise: Physical activities should be carried out gradually, such as walking, Tai Chi and other physical activities. Do not work hard;
5) The law of life: Arrange work and life reasonably, combine work and rest, and get enough sleep;
6) Actively treat diseases related to this disease, such as hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, gout, diabetes, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome and related endocrine diseases, etc.;
7) Regular review of blood lipids and arterial ultrasound (carotid artery, subclavian artery, upper extremity artery, lower extremity artery), coronary CTA, cranial artery CTA, vascular Angiographic examination.
Author: Feng Gaoke, Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wuhan University People’s Hospital
Editor: Chun Yujun