Atherosclerosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which there is obstruction within the arteries due to presence of plaque, as a result of which the blood flow is restricted to the organs and body tissues.

It is a type of arteriosclerosis in which there is hardening and narrowing of arteries building up or accumulation of plaque. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery of the body, but in most of the cases it affects arteries supplying blood to the heart, legs, head and neck.

There are three main types of atherosclerosis:-

• Coronary Atherosclerosis: This type of atherosclerosis affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When these vessels are narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, it can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.
• Cerebral Atherosclerosis: This type of atherosclerosis affects the arteries that supply blood to the brain and head. When these vessels are narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, it can lead to stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (also known as mini-stroke).
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): This type of atherosclerosis affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your limbs (typically your legs). When these vessels are narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, it can result in poor circulation leading to pain when walking or exercising as well as wounds healing slowly or not at all on your feet and legs from reduced oxygen levels there may also be numbness due lack of proper circulation.

• Atherosclerosis is caused by the build-up of a fatty substance called plaque in your artery walls, which limits or blocks the flow of blood to your organs.
• This build-up is often due to risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or a family history of heart disease.
• Inflammation also plays a role in its development and may be triggered by stress, poor diet, excess weight and other unhealthy lifestyle choices.

• Atherosclerosis typically has no symptoms until it narrows to the point where the blood flow is significantly reduced. Common symptoms can include:-
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain while walking
• Problems with vision or balance.
• Other potential symptoms may include:
• Pain in the neck and jaw.
• Numbness or coldness in the legs or arms.
• Fatigue
• Confusion.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Engaging in regular physical activities, and eating a nutritious balanced diet with limited salt, saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Keep your blood pressure in check: Have it monitored regularly, and take medications if prescribed by a doctor.
• Don't smoke or use any form of tobacco products: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Limit your intake or abstain if necessary to avoid further increasing your risk of atherosclerosis and its consequences.
• Control elevated cholesterol levels: Monitor regularly and maintain adequate management plan with combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions as suggested by doctor.

• Physical Exam:To check for risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. A physical exam can also help identify signs of atherosclerosis in the form of diminished pulses or bruits (abnormal whooshing sound heard with a stethoscope).
• Blood Tests:Tests may include complete lipid profile (to check cholesterol levels) to assess the risk of coronary artery disease; C-reactive protein and homocysteine tests to measure inflammation in the body; and fasting glucose tests to check for diabetes or prediabetes.
• Ultrasound:An ultrasound or ultrasound-like test uses sound waves to create a picture of your blood vessels and heart. These images can help identify areas of atherosclerosis that may be blocking blood flow in your arteries.
• Echocardiogram:An echocardiogram is an imaging test that evaluates global heart function, valves within the heart, artery size and heart chamber sizes.
• Cardiac MRI:Cardiac MRI is an imaging test that provides detailed pictures of your heart muscle layers, valves, coronary artery walls and other structures inside your chest cavity without using any radiation.
• Chest X-Ray:Can indicate narrowing or hardening of arteries away from the heart as well as other signs associated with coronary artery disease such as enlargement of the left ventricle (the main pump chamber).
• Coronary Angiography:In this procedure a special dye is injected into coronary arteries allowing them to be seen on an x-ray picture. This can show blockages that might be causing chest pain or limiting circulation due to atherosclerosis in one or more coronary arteries supplying oxygen-ridden blood for healthy functioning within the body’s organs, muscles, and tissues (including those operating inside the brain).
• Peripheral Angiography/Arteriography:Peripheral angiography or arteriography is an invasive imaging diagnostic procedure that is used to diagnose and identify arterial blockages caused by atherosclerosis. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected via a catheter into an artery and then an X-ray is taken. The results allow the doctor to see if any blockages are present.

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension):Increased pressure of the arteries due to accumulation of plaque.
• Heart attack:Blockage of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.
• Stroke:Brachial or carotid artery blockage may cause stroke.
• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats):Abnormal heart rhythm due to weakened or damaged heart muscle tissue from a plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD):Reduced blood flow to lower extremities resulting in pain, poor wound healing and decreased mobility in those affected areas due to plaque in the arteries that supply blood to them.
• Renal failure:Damage caused by hypertension leading to reduced kidney function, sometimes leading to complete renal failure if not managed properly on time.

• Take herbal supplements like garlic, ginkgo biloba, and turmeric to enhance blood circulation.
• Have cinnamon in tea or warm milk for preventing the hardening of arteries caused by atherosclerosis .
• Drinking ginger juice regularly can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body .
• Regular consumption of flaxseed oil helps to reduce inflammation that causes atherosclerosis and strengthens cardiovascular health.

• Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are full of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
• Eating lean proteins: Choose lean proteins like fish, chicken breast, legumes and tofu to reduce unhealthy fats that may contribute to plaque build-up.
• Eating healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as nuts, flaxseed oil, avocados and olive oil to help decrease inflammation which can damage blood vessels over time.

• Refined carbohydrates and sugar-sweetened beverages:White bread, pastries, cookies, cakes, candy, sugary drinks.
• Fried food:French fries, fried chicken and other fried foods high in trans fats and saturated fats.
• Red meat and processed meats:Ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and other meats high in saturated fat.
• Foods with added salt:Canned soups and vegetables, salted nuts and snack foods like chips or pretzels.

• Lifestyle modifications:Lifestyle modifications are one of the best ways to reduce the risk of Atherosclerosis and improve overall cardiovascular health. This includes increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and reducing stress.
• Medications:Medications for this condition focus on reducing plaque build-up and improving circulation. These may include cholesterol-lowering medications, anti-hypertensive medications, etc.
• Angioplasty and Stenting:This procedure involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the blocked artery to help open and widen it, allowing for improved blood circulation. A stent may also be placed to help keep the artery open.
• Atherectomy:This is a procedure that removes plaque from the arterial walls by either shaving it away or using a laser with fine cutting blades.
• Bypass Grafting:This surgery involves routing the blood around a blocked area in an artery via a synthetic graft or by connecting veins from other parts of the body to create alternate pathways for blood flow around clogged arteries or vessels.
• Thrombectomy:This is used to remove large clots inside arteries that cause blockages, which can restore flow and reduce damage to heart tissue caused by lack of circulation due to blockages.

To receive an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for this condition, it is recommended to consult a physician who specialises in cardiovascular diseases. This could include specialists such as a cardiologist or vascular specialist.

• Statins:Statins are cholesterol-lowering medications that reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
• Antiplatelets:Antiplatelets are medications that help prevent blood clotting, which can limit the progress of atherosclerosis.
• Blood Pressure Medications:These medications help control high blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke associated with atherosclerosis.
• Antioxidant Supplements:Antioxidant supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and provide overall cardiovascular protection against atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition that can last for several years, and recovery times vary depending on the severity and rate of progression of the ailment.

Generally, if atherosclerosis is detected early, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can slow down its progression and lead to recovery in some cases.

If more serious interventions are necessary, such as surgery or medications, then recovery times will be longer.

Treatment for atherosclerosis can slow or prevent further damage, but it cannot undo the damage that has already been done.

The results of treatment can help to reduce the symptoms of atherosclerosis, but they are not guaranteed to be permanent.

• Post-treatment following an atherosclerosis treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment.
• Generally, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent further complications and recurrence of the condition. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and taking preventive medication as prescribed by a physician.
• Regular follow-up with a physician or cardiologist is also recommended to ensure that any abnormal heart rhythms or other conditions are identified and treated quickly.
• Patients should take an active role in their recovery by participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs which have been proven to improve quality of life and reduce readmission rates following atherosclerosis procedures.

The cost of treatments for Atherosclerosis in India can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition, type of treatment and medications prescribed.

The average estimate is anywhere between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000. The cost also includes tests and follow-up visits to the doctor.

Costs can get even higher if more serious treatments and interventions are needed such as surgery or angioplasty.

Diagnosis is also expensive and can be upwards of Rs 5,000 - 20,000 depending on the complexity of analysis needed and number of tests required.

Common side effects of atherosclerosis treatments can include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Infection
• Impaired wound healing.
• Treatments that involve medications may cause:
• Rashes
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat.

If you are facing any of the complications related to Atherosclerosis then consult a doctor of your nearby house as they can cause complications like 'heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD)' if not treated on time in which treatment course can range from a few months to year depending on type of hardening and narrowing of the arteries.