Arteriosclerosis

What is it? Hardening of arteries Artery become less elastic Blood flow is restricted to tissue and organs Atherosclerosis is the build up of plaque along the arterial walls http://blog.designsforhealth.com/blog/bid/176421/Addressing-Arteriosclerosis

How do you get it? High cholesterol High blood fats (triglycerides) Smoking/tobacco products Insulin resistance due to Obesity and diabetes High blood pressure Poor diet and lack of exercise Inflammatory diseases http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/battle-arteriosclerosis/

Signs/Symptoms Usually, you will not notice any symptoms 70% of your artery is clogged at certain points. Different signs will occur if it is at different places. If it is near the heart, you can have chest pains, a heart attack, or heart palpitations. If it is near the brain, facial drooping, weakness, slurred speech due to strokes. If in the kidneys, you have high blood pressure and/or kidney failure Typically, you will experience pain and cramps in the main body part where the clog is. http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-118624588/stock-photo-arteriosclerosis-phases.html

How to prevent atherosclerosis You can prevent it by having healthy lifestyle choices. High Cholesterol-eat diet low in saturated fats Type I diabetes-Eat healthy, and exercise often. High blood pressure-Reduce salt intake, and maintain healthy weight. Physical Inactivity- Exercise at least 30 minutes/day. Obesity- Eat healthy foods and exercise often. Don’t smoke http://www.searteriosclerosis.org/curs12/alimentacion-y-arteriosclerosis

Treatments Cholesterol Medications Anti Platelet Medications Lower “bad” cholesterol levels, and higher “good” cholesterol levels. Anti Platelet Medications Aspirins that can reduce chance of platelets clogging arteries. Beta Blocker Medications Lower heart rate and blood pressure which causes less demand on heart. Water Pills Lowers blood pressure and causes blood to “thin out” to pass through artery easier. Bypass Surgery May create artificial artery, or put two different arteries together so they won’t pass through the clogged artery. Endarterectomy Remove fatty deposits in artery surgically.

Is Atherosclerosis hereditary? Not necessarily… Disease itself is not hereditary Other health risks can cause it to occur. Family History of Early Heart Disease High blood pressure High Cholesterol

Facts Approximately 4.6 million people are affected by it. Foods/herbs that can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels Black tea, calcium, fish oil, oatmeal and whole oats, barley, vitamin C http://www.botanical-online.com/arteriosclerosisdiet.htm

Review What can arteriosclerosis lead to? Heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney failure How is arteriosclerosis hereditary? Other health risks like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or family history of heart disease List two preventions for arteriosclerosis. Healthy diet low in saturated fats, high in fruits, veggies and whole grains, low sodium diet, exercise, maintain a healthy weight Why would someone have pain with arteriosclerosis? Reduce blood flow to an area that can cause cramping What type of diet should someone eat to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis? Low saturated fat, rich in whole grains, Omega 3s and fiber, high in veggies and fruits, Vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene

Works Cited Mayo Clinic Staff. "Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 10 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arterio sclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525>. Merck Manual of Medical Information. Second ed. West Point: Merck, 2003. Print.

Are there any side effects? Cholesterol Medications Stomach upset, gas, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and mild muscle pain. Beta Blocker Medications Fatigue, cold hands, headache, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and dizziness. Water Pills Dizziness, headaches, increased thirst, muscle cramps, increased blood sugar, and increased cholesterol. Bypass Surgery Excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, lung or breathing problems, and death (rare). Endarterectomy Bleeding, infection, blood clots, brain damage, and stroke or heart attack. Anti Platelet Medications Dizziness, headache, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, sore throat, swelling, and severe stomach pain.