Atherosclerosis as a risk factor of a stroke

Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition whereby artery walls densify and lose their elasticity. The lumen of the arteries also narrows and as a result the blood supply to organs becomes disrupted. The entire arterial system of the body is usually affected (although unevenly).

This condition develops as a result of disrupted lipid metabolism which is accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol and some fractions of lipoproteins in the blood vessels. These deposits create atheromatous plaques. Further proliferation of connective tissue (sclerosis) in these deposits and calcification of the vessel wall lead to deformation and narrowing of the lumen up to its obliteration (occlusion).

This increases the risk of developing diseases such as a stroke, transient ischemic attack and other heart diseases.

Symptoms

This condition develops without any visible symptoms. If there are any symptoms, the best idea would be to go to the doctor and undergo diagnosis. It should be especially true for people who are in the risk group. The doctor prescribes a medication treatment course and gives advice on how to improve the lifestyle of the patient so that it is healthier. It order for treatment to bring positive results, the doctor's recommendations should be followed.

Risk factors

Many of the risk factors common for stroke are similar to the risk factors of atherosclerosis. This includes smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and genetic predisposition to heart disease. A person is able to change some of these factors independently, while others, such as age, are impossible to change.

• Age. The older is a person, the greater the risk of developing plaques in the arteries.
• High cholesterol levels in the blood can cause atherosclerosis and stroke. A lot of low density cholesterol contributes to formation of blood clots. Studies have shown that not all types of cholesterol are dangerous for the body. For example, high-density cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the body. This fact helps the doctors adjust the level of cholesterol.
• High blood pressure only aggravates the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of a stroke. There are various ways to control blood pressure and adjust it. A person needs to know his/her usual blood pressure so that the doctor can prescribe the right treatment course.
• Diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is one of the main risk factors leading to atherosclerosis and stroke. However, if a person gets qualified treatment in time, these complications can be avoided.

Treatment

Atherosclerosis is treatable in most cases. For treatment, both drug and non-drug methods are considered. A lot depends on the desire of the patient to recover and be healthy.

Here are a few tips that can help you avoid the onset of the disease and a number of its complications.

• If there are any disturbing symptoms, it is better to go to the doctor and be tested
• Strictly follow the doctor's recommendations
• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Adhere to a healthy lifestyle: exercise, diet
• Maintain psychological and physical comfort
• Eat low-calorie foods with low cholesterol levels: fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and dairy products. Preference should be given to boiled and steamed dishes.

Also see other articles on this topic:

• Aphasia - speech disorder
• Prevention of stroke
• Strength exercises after a stroke

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