On Atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis involve the buildup of deposits on the insides of the artery walls, which causes thickening and hardening of the arteries. In arteriosclerosis, the deposits are composed largely of calcium; in atherosclerosis, the deposits consist of fatty substances, and artery walls lose elasticity and harden. Both conditions have about the same effect on circulation, causing high blood pressure and ultimately leading to angina (chest pain brought on by exertion), heart attack, stroke, and/or sudden cardiac death.

Although arteriosclerosis causes high blood pressure, this can occur the other way around. Calcium based and fatty deposits typically form in areas of the arteries weakened by high blood pressure or strain. The consequent narrowing of the arteries makes blood pressure even higher. As the arteries become less pliable and less permeable, cells may experience ischemia (oxygen starvation) due to insufficient circulation. The fatty plaques can be either stable or unstable. Unstable plaque allows particles to break away and cause further blockage downstream, in the smaller vessels, so it is of more immediate clinical importance.

If one of the coronary arteries get obstructed by accumulated deposits or by a blood clot that has either formed or snagged on the deposit, the heart muscle starves for oxygen and the individual may suffer from a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or angina. When the arteriosclerosis occludes the blood supply to the brain, a cerebrovascular accident or stroke occurs.

Peripheral atherosclerosis, also called arteriosclerosis obliterans, is a type of peripheral vascular disease in which the lower limbs are affected. In the early stages, the major arteries carrying blood to the legs and the feet become narrowed by fatty deposits. Atherosclerosis of the leg and foot not only can limit a person’s mobility, but can also lead to loss of a limb. People who have diseased arteries in the leg or foot are likely to have them elsewhere, mainly in the heart or brain. Early signs of peripheral atherosclerosis are aching muscles, fatigue, and cramping pains in the ankles and legs.

Depending on which arteries are blocked, there may also be pain in the hips and thighs.

Pain in the legs ( most often in the calf, but sometimes in the foot, thigh, hip, or buttocks) brought on by walking and quickly relieved by rest is called intermittent claudication. This is typically the first symptom of peripheral atherosclerosis. Additional symptoms include, numbness, weakness, and a heavy feeling in the legs. These symptoms occur because of the amount of oxygenated blood passing through the plaque-covered arteries is insufficient to meet the needs of the exercising leg muscles. The closer the problem lies in the abdominal aorta – the central artery that branches into the legs- the more tissue affected and the more dangerous the condition.

On Wednesday April 8, we'll deal with herbs and nutrients found to be beneficial against the disorder.