Archive for 2011
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease that inflames the arteries and is characterized by hardening and thickening of the walls caused by deposits of fatty substances, primarily cholesterol and other characteristics of inflammation such as leukocyte macrophages.
Causes of atherosclerosis
The cause of the development of plaque causing atherosclerosis is different harmful agents attack the innermost layer of the artery or vascular endothelium. These particles are particles characterized oxidized LDL cholesterol.
This causes an inflammatory process in which white blood cells called lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages absorb and fat bulge. Type cells became filled with fat sparkling burst all contribute to the blood, muscle cells of arteries, fibrous tissue and calcium in the formation and growth of atherosclerotic plaques in which there is bleeding inside.
The process of plaque formation is slow and obstruction that growth occurs in the lumen of the artery progresses slowly. Sometimes the younger and less plaque rupture and occlusive them are on a blood clot that can clog the entire blood vessel and preventing blood flow.
Atherosclerosis and thrombosis
Complications related to the behavior of the plate and the body suffers the reduction of blood flow. There are some obstructive unstable young plates with reduced arterial lumen by 20% that break abruptly, forming a thrombus completely cut off blood circulation.
Acute myocardial infarction and stroke are examples of acute complications of plaque rupture in both young and conditions is a sudden interruption of blood flow and causing the death of brain or heart tissue was supplied by the blocked artery.
The old plates are more stable that cause obstructions along the years and have no symptoms but until the obstruction exceeds 70%. Angina and intermittent claudication of the lower extremities are examples of complications of obstruction slow.
Prevention is aimed at minimizing and controlling modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and high cholesterol.
Treatment of atherosclerosis
Statin drugs may stabilize plaques, and used drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent thrombus formation.