Definition
Figure 1. Gradual Artery Blockage
Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease that is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining (intima) of arteries that restricts or blocks blood flow, to a specific organ or region of the body. Figure 1 shows normal and diseased arteries.
If the plaque surface becomes irregular or ulcerated, it may accumulate small blood clots and plaque contents. The particles (emboli) travel in the circulatory system, ultimately blocking flow through tiny blood vessels. Blocking the flow to sensitive organs, such as the brain, may lead to organ ischemia ( oxygen deprivation). Ischemia to the brain is referred to as a stroke.
Causes
The exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, but inflammation of the intima is associated with the development of disease. It occurs normally as people grow older, and it may begin earlier in individuals with a strong family history of vascular disease.
Warning Signs
There may be no warning signs in some individuals, although there are well recognized symptoms of atherosclerosis that occur when a blockage or small emboli affect the blood flow to various organs. Depending upon which artery is narrow or blocked, your symptoms might vary.
| If the diseased artery supplies your… | You might have symptoms of… |
|---|---|
| Heart (coronary arteries) | Coronary artery disease (chest pain, heart attack) |
| Brain (carotid artery) | Stroke, or TIA’s |
| Lower extremities | Peripheral vascular disease, including muscle pain with walking or a threatened limb |
| Kidneys | High blood pressure and or kidney failure |
Treatment & Prevention
You may not be able to prevent atherosclerosis, but you can slow down its progression by adopting a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a healthy, low-fat diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight gain as you age.
- Get plenty of regular exercise.
- If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, see your doctor regarding medication, and follow the treatment plan.
- Control and reduce stress.
- Stop smoking.
What is VascularCures doing about it?
VascularCures is funding the following vascular surgeon scientists and their research projects:
- Richard Powell, MD is investigating how smooth muscle cells in the artery wall may contribute to atherosclerosis. Find out more...
- Robert L. Raffai, PhD is studying the basic causes of atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease. Find out more...
- Rong Wang, PhD is learning to control blood vessel growth, which offers possible new therapies for preventing blood vessel growth in cancer and restoring impaired blood flow in vascular patients. Find out more...
- Alan Dardik, MD, PhD is studying the effects of atherosclerosis and its treatments. Find out more...
