Atherosclerosis Awareness

WHAT IS IT?Atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerotic vascular disease) is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to an excessive build up of plaque around the artery wall. The disease disrupts the flow of blood around the body, posing serious cardiovascular complications.HOW IS IT DEVELOPED?The plaque clogs up the artery, disrupting the flow of blood around the body. This potentially causes blood clots that can result in life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The condition can affect the entire artery tree, but mainly affects the larger high-pressure arteries. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?The first signs of atherosclerosis can begin to develop during adolescence, with streaks of white blood cells appearing on the artery wall. The symptoms of the disease depend on which arteries are affected: Carotid Arteries - may experience:- Weakness- Difficulty breathing- HeadacheCoronary Arteries - symptoms include:- Vomiting- Extreme anxietyRenal Arteries- the patient may experience: - Loss of appetite- Swelling of the hands and feetPeripheral arterial disease - symptoms may include:- Hair loss on legs or feet- Male impotence (erectile dysfunction)- Numbness in the legs

ATHEROSCLEROSISThe leading cause of illness and death in the United States and most other Western countries

WAYS TO HELP PREVENT

THE DEVELOPMENT

There are several tests that assess your level of existing atherosclerosis and your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including:[] blood tests – to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood and the amount of glucose (if you are diabetic)[] blood pressure tests[] a measurement of your weight and waist size

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

WHAT TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE?