Plaques in the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary aortosclerosis: symptoms, timely diagnosis and methods of effective treatment

The human lungs occupy 4/5 of the chest and perform the function of breathing through gas exchange between the air in the alveoli and the blood of the pulmonary arteries. Diffuse pulmonary atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that often accompanies diseases of the cardiovascular system, causing high blood pressure in the lungs. Damage to the walls of the arteries leads to difficulty in getting air from the alveoli into the capillaries that weave around them. Cholesterol is deposited inside the highways, plaques are formed, disrupting blood flow, which leads to insufficient filling of tissues with oxygen, stagnation and the appearance of painful symptoms.

Causes

A common factor in primary diffuse atherosclerosis is Ayers syndrome - arterial sclerosis, characterized by a constant increase in the pressure of the pulmonary circulation in the medium and large branches of the vessel. Due to a lack of oxygen in the tissues and an increase in hemoglobin, the patient develops a sharp diffuse cyanosis - the skin darkens and becomes bluish in color.

Risk factors for diffuse atherosclerosis:

• genetic disorders of arterial walls;
• endothelial dysfunction;
• excessive percentage of cholesterol contained in the blood;
• persistent increase in pressure in the pulmonary vessels and capillaries;
• hypertension;
• weak immunity;
• hormonal disorders;
• diabetes;
• poor diet with high fat intake;
• damage to arterial tissue by viruses, such as herpes;
• metabolic disease;
• severe stress conditions and constantly high levels of adrenaline in the blood.

Diffuse atherosclerosis can accompany a number of diseases. Mitral stenosis causes a decrease in the opening of the same name in the heart, which prevents blood from passing freely from the left atrium into the ventricle and leads to increased pressure. Most often, this disease develops against the background of rheumatic fever.

In chronic pulmonary diseases, such as bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema can develop - a pathological change in tissue leading to loss of elasticity, the ability to fill and subside, which leads to overcrowding with air and impaired ventilation of the organ, as well as damage to the walls of the alveoli and blood vessels.

Lung fibrosis causes the formation of scarring, the irreversible replacement of lung tissue with connective tissue, which is unable to stretch and maintain gas exchange function. This leads to cyanosis, lack of oxygen in the arteries and increased blood pressure.

There may be a cough with blood, complaints of heart pain, swelling of the legs, and enlarged neck veins. But these signs can also be symptoms of other pulmonary diseases, not just diffuse atherosclerosis.

Diagnostics

The patient is interviewed and the medical history is studied. The heart is listened to for the presence of systolic (sometimes diastolic) murmur, the eyes are checked for the presence of an atherosclerotic ring on the iris, and the patient’s body is also examined to identify signs of cyanosis on the skin, and lung volume is measured (spirography).

A patient diagnosed with diffuse pulmonary atherosclerosis is prescribed a diet with a sufficient amount of protein and a reduced content of animal fats, as well as salt and sugar. Lean fish, fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits, and olive oil will be useful. A balanced diet will help you lose weight, reduce blood cholesterol and improve your metabolism.

Also, patients with diffuse pulmonary atherosclerosis, depending on the stage of the disease, are prescribed moderate physical activity, gymnastics, and a special massage.

Among drug treatments, lipid-lowering drugs are first prescribed - they stabilize lipid metabolism in the body, interfere with the absorption of cholesterol and reduce its level in the blood.

The most effective drugs are those belonging to the group of statins (rosuvastatin, lovastatin), their action is based on blocking the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Statins in a short time improve the condition of damaged vessel walls, restore the proper functioning of the endothelium, reduce blood viscosity and have anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the possibility of blood clots.

Statins are also indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system, help recovery after stroke and myocardial infarction (and reduce the risk of their development).

Drugs of the fibrate group - fibric acid derivatives (ciprofibrate, fenofibrate, bezafibrate) control the synthesis of cholesterol transport proteins in the liver, lowering the level of low-density lipoproteins in the bloodstream, and slowing down the development of diffuse atherosclerosis. Fibrates stabilize glucose metabolism; they are necessarily prescribed in the presence of diabetes mellitus among concomitant ailments. Contraindications for use are liver diseases.

Cardiologist

Higher education:

Cardiologist

Kuban State Medical University (KubSMU, KubSMA, KubGMI)

Level of education - Specialist

Additional education:

“Cardiology”, “Course on magnetic resonance imaging of the cardiovascular system”

Research Institute of Cardiology named after. A.L. Myasnikova

"Course on functional diagnostics"

NTsSSKh them. A. N. Bakuleva

"Course in Clinical Pharmacology"

Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education

"Emergency Cardiology"

Cantonal Hospital of Geneva, Geneva (Switzerland)

"Therapy Course"

Russian State Medical Institute of Roszdrav

Diffuse atherosclerosis is a serious disease of the cardiovascular system. It is accompanied by extensive scarring of myocardial tissue. The consequences of this disease are very serious. The heart begins to work poorly, the valves become deformed. The main problem of this type of atherosclerosis is late diagnosis. In the early stages of development, the disease practically does not manifest itself. Patients feel a slight discomfort, which cannot be the reason for a full-scale examination.

General information about the disease

Diffuse type atherosclerosis is considered the most dangerous type of this disease. Cardiomyocytes are replaced by connective type cells. It all starts with small lesions, and the provoking factor in the development of the disease is prolonged coronary insufficiency. The disorders caused by atherosclerosis lead to a decrease or complete cessation of blood flow in some areas of the myocardium. Muscle cells begin to die, and connective tissue appears in their place, i.e. scarring.

If we are talking about a diffuse type of disease, then the patient’s condition worsens gradually. The number of necrotic lesions increases every day. Metabolism is disrupted, some areas of the myocardium completely atrophy. The structure of muscle fibers becomes abnormal. In approximately 60% of cases, an aneurysm is found in patients suffering from this type of atherosclerosis. The presence of a pathological formation greatly complicates the process of treating the patient, because Not all doctors are able to perform a surgical operation to remove it.

In a small number of patients (less than 3%), the disease does not manifest itself until the end of life. This occurs due to the absence of any other pathologies that enhance the effect of atherosclerotic plaques on the body and myocardium. Such patients do not need specific treatment. In other cases, in the absence of therapy, patients risk dying from cardiac arrest or rupture of an aneurysm (if present).

Causes of diffuse atherosclerosis

The main factor provoking the development of this disease is atherosclerotic damage to the coronary arteries. Also at risk are patients suffering from coronary heart disease. One of the problems in treating such diseases is that patients seek help too late, when changes in the body can no longer be reversed. In addition to the listed ailments, the following factors influence the development of the disease:

• rheumatism;
• bad habits (tendency to drink large amounts of alcohol, smoking, etc.);
• being overweight;
• age-related changes in the body;
• heart muscle injuries;
• diabetes;
• unfavorable working conditions;
• frequent stress;
• congenital anomalies in vascular development;
• hypertonic disease;
• heart pathologies, congenital and acquired.

It is believed that after a certain age the development of atherosclerosis is inevitable and to some extent this is true. With age, hormonal levels change, bad cholesterol breaks down more slowly, which leads to the formation of plaques on the surface of blood vessels. According to statistics, male patients over 40 years of age most often suffer from this disease.

Patients have common features in the form of excess body weight, lack of physical activity and excessive psychological stress. Some patients harm themselves by self-medicating. Uncontrolled use of medications greatly harms the body. Without a doctor's prescription, you should not take medications that affect the condition of blood vessels, the production of liver and gastric enzymes.

How does the disease manifest?

This type of atherosclerosis is characterized by a gradual increase in symptoms. In the early stages of the disease, the person feels well. He continues to go about his business and does not experience any discomfort during physical activity. But even then, an experienced doctor can notice signs of arrhythmia and problems with the conduction of electrical impulses. When myocardial damage becomes larger, the patient will experience the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath. Even minor physical activity (climbing stairs, fast walking short distances) will cause attacks of lack of air.
2. Muscle weakness. The degree of manifestation of this symptom directly depends on the extent to which the myocardium has undergone pathological changes. With small necrotic lesions, the patient will notice a slight decrease in endurance, but then the weakness will increase, because blood flow in the muscles is disrupted.
3. Swelling. Circulatory problems caused by atherosclerosis cause fluid to accumulate in the legs. By morning the swelling disappears completely. In the final stages, trophic ulcers may appear.
4. Pain in the right side or heart area. The reasons for the manifestation of this symptom also lie in poor circulation and pathological changes in muscle tissue. Blood in the systemic circulation begins to move very slowly, so pain can be transmitted to the right side or limbs. As for unpleasant sensations in the heart, this is how various rhythm disturbances manifest themselves.

If the organ is severely damaged, the patient begins to lose consciousness. All signs of the disease appear in 10% of patients with severe impairment of coronary blood flow. Other people suffer from 1-2 symptoms. You should see a doctor immediately after you notice an arrhythmia or feel pain in your heart. They can not only signal that you have atherosclerosis, but also serious chronic diseases.

Effective diagnostic methods: ECG, ultrasound, MRI

Diffuse type atherosclerosis can be detected in a patient through a comprehensive examination. The traditional first stage is to examine the patient and collect information about his condition. The doctor must find out when the symptoms of the disease appeared, whether the patient has bad habits, and whether there are people in his family who suffered from pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Then the patient is given a referral for the following types of diagnostics:

• General and biochemical blood tests. All patients are required to undergo it. A blood study will allow you to determine the ratio of “bad” and “good” cholesterol and identify hidden inflammatory processes.
• ECG. Also included in the set of mandatory procedures. Allows you to identify heart rhythm disturbances and problems in the functioning of the myocardium. But this technique is not suitable for structural studies of muscle tissue.
• Ultrasound. It is carried out in order to assess the physical condition of the heart. The doctor will be able to find areas affected by atherosclerosis.
• MRI. It is an excellent alternative to ultrasound examination. In addition to areas of pathological density, this diagnostic method can detect abnormalities in the structure of blood vessels and hidden tumors.

The interpretation of test results should be carried out by the attending physician or the doctor conducting hardware diagnostics. It is based on the results of ultrasound and MRI that a course of treatment will be developed.

How is diffuse atherosclerosis treated?

There are 2 approaches to treating this disease: conservative and surgical. There are indications for each treatment method. Conservative therapy involves the use of specialized drugs that normalize the nutrition of the myocardium, reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and help normalize the heart rate. Patients are prescribed the following groups of medications:

• Nitrates. Needed to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. Muscle tension is also relieved, but blood flow in the collaterals increases.
• Beta blockers. They are needed to relieve excess tension from the heart and allow a person to play sports. The disadvantage of such drugs is a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable with bradycardia. Also, some patients complain of decreased vision.
• Calcium antagonists. They are used quite rarely, because make it difficult for electrical impulses to pass through. Reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
• Statins. They are one of the means of correcting the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. They are taken according to a regimen specially developed for a particular patient.

Do not forget about symptomatic treatment. If patients experience unbearable pain, they are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For severe edema, diuretics are used. While taking medications, nutritional correction can help get rid of cholesterol. The patient should give up sweets, fatty and very salty foods. You must adhere to a special diet. It is advisable to replace meat with fish.

Physical exercise has a good effect on the condition of blood vessels and the body. They should be selected by a special instructor depending on the condition of the muscles of a particular patient. You should not try to perform high-intensity exercises without the permission of the trainer, because... This way you will only harm your body more.

Surgical intervention

If medication and lifestyle adjustments do not provide results in treating the disease, then the patient is recommended to agree to surgery. The goal of surgery is to normalize blood flow and eliminate areas of ischemia. To do this, doctors can:

• install a pacemaker;
• perform bypass surgery;
• perform vascular stenting.

Separately, it is worth considering the treatment of aneurysm in diffuse type atherosclerosis. The operation is mandatory. The damaged vessel or part of it is eliminated, and in its place a prosthesis made of a special medical polymer or a piece of the vessel taken from another part of the body is inserted.

Disease Prevention

To prevent the development of heart diseases, including atherosclerosis, it is necessary to exercise. All exercises should be moderate, i.e. overstraining muscles and other organs with a tendency to deposit cholesterol will be dangerous. It is necessary to give up bad habits or minimize their impact on the body. Also recommended:

• follow a diet;
• monitor body weight and the percentage of muscle to fat;
• try to avoid stressful situations;
• consult a doctor at the first sign of any cardiovascular disease.

People who are at risk due to elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol or liver problems should especially monitor their health. They should try to compensate for the shortcomings of their own genetics with a rational approach to life.

Forecast

A positive outcome of the disease is possible if the patient paid attention to its symptoms in time and decided to see a doctor. The patient must be ready to follow the doctor’s recommendations and eliminate unnecessary habits. Without treatment, patients do not live long. If heart rhythm disturbances are added to diffuse type atherosclerosis, the risk of death increases to 93%.

The main reason why diffuse pulmonary atherosclerosis develops is the deposition of cholesterol compounds in the pulmonary artery. The narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessel causes an increase in pressure in the organ, and oxygen starvation occurs. Lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences, including the death of the patient. Why does pulmonary atherosclerosis appear? Who is at risk for this disease? What are the main symptoms of the disease, and how to recognize it in the initial stages?

To date, doctors have formed that contribute to the development of cardiovascular pathology. These include:

• genetic predisposition;
• past infectious diseases;
• pulmonary artery hypertension;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• poor nutrition and stress;
• hypertension;
• elevated cholesterol levels.

In addition, diffuse pulmonary atherosclerosis can be caused by mitral stenosis. Due to frequent strong contractions of the mitral valve, the patient’s blood supply deteriorates and the pressure in the lungs increases. Pathology also develops against the background of chronic bronchitis.

Representatives of the stronger sex are more susceptible to pathology of the pulmonary arteries. Atherosclerosis in men is diagnosed 7–10 years earlier than in women.

Impaired gas exchange due to the proliferation of connective tissue in blood vessels is another cause of the disease. Lung fibrosis affects the transfer of oxygen from the alveoli to the capillaries, and the pressure in the organ increases. Also, diffuse atherosclerosis can occur due to emphysema, kyphoscoliosis, and open ductus botallus.

It is rarely possible to prevent the development of the disease. However, patients can eliminate risk factors, completely change their lifestyle, and carefully monitor vital signs. This will help to recognize the disease in the early stages and begin appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and stages of disease development

It is generally accepted that pulmonary atherosclerosis develops over five stages. Each stage is characterized by its own symptoms, which manifest themselves both externally and during instrumental examination. However, at all stages, patients note a number of main symptoms, including:

breathing problems, such as snoring and heavy breathing with wheezing;

swelling of the limbs and changes in skin tone;

headaches, weakness, dizziness;

pain in the chest space, angina pectoris and palpable pulsation between the ribs.

Atherosclerosis of the lungs is a narrowing or blockage of the lumen in the vessels of the pulmonary circulation, which provide nutrition and oxygen to the respiratory tissues with high blood pressure. It is more common in men; the risk group is people over 45 years of age.

Atherosclerosis of the vascular network of the lungs is not an independent disease, but a consequence of diseases that increase blood pressure:

• heart disease: developmental defects, heart failure;
• lung diseases: structural anomalies, obstructive disease, fibrosis, emphysema;
• inflammatory processes of the inner layer of arteries and vessels;
• obesity;
• natural wear and tear of the vascular network;
• impaired lipid metabolism.

Pathologies lead to the formation of lipoprotein plaques in blood vessels. The process of their formation is called atherogenesis and consists of stages:

1. Minor damage to the internal lining of the aorta at the junction with the large arteries and the aortic valve. The cells expand, the vessel wall becomes loose, creating favorable conditions for the formation of plaques. At the initial stage, looseness is eliminated by proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes synthesized by the body independently.
2. With the loss of enzyme activity, the condition of the walls adjacent to large arteries deteriorates.
3. The third stage of sclerosis of the vascular network of the respiratory organs is characterized by an increase in connective tissue at the junction of the aorta and large vessels, narrowing the diameter due to the formation of plaques and blood clots.
4. Destruction of the tissue of the inner layer of the vessel, the blood clot is detached, hemorrhage occurs in the wall with the formation of ulcers, which develop into cancer - angiosarcoma, blood cancer.
5. Plaque damage to the pulmonary arteries and blood vessels, the last stage of atherosclerosis of the pulmonary aorta.

The stages of disease development occur sequentially over a long period. The body signals about illness.

Risk factors and symptoms of aortic atherosclerosis

Risk factors for the development of pulmonary artery sclerosis:

• fragility of blood vessels;
• high cholesterol in the blood;
• overweight;
• bad habits;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• diabetes;
• hyper-hypothyroidism;
• disease, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.

Factors are aggravated for reasons: genetic predisposition, lifestyle, autoimmune dysfunction; viral, infectious diseases (herpes, cytomegalovirus, chlamydia, etc.), long-term stressful conditions, hormonal imbalance associated with a person’s transition to the next age category.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the pulmonary vessels manifest themselves as follows:

Shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness can be the causes of many diseases or conditions that do not require a visit to the doctor, but indicate the need for lifestyle adjustments. The presence of three or more symptoms indicates the need to visit a doctor. Diagnosis of the pathological condition begins with collecting the patient's medical history, visual examination of the body, blood tests for cholesterol levels, prescribing OAM, X-rays using a contrast agent, duplex/triplex examination of the arteries, MRI/computed tomography. The appearance of an atherosclerotic ring on the iris of the eyes indicates a pathology in the blood flow system.

Principles of treatment and prevention

Treatment of atherosclerosis in the lungs is a process that depends on the patient and lifestyle.

The main condition for curing the patient and further preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques are:

• monitoring the patient’s weight and reducing it in case of critical indicators;
• a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, with sufficient fiber content, replacing solid animal fats with liquid vegetable or fish oils;
• rejection of bad habits;
• control cholesterol levels, if the levels are critical, take statins;
• proper rest, sleep about 8 hours a day, avoidance of stressful situations;
• maintaining blood pressure values ​​within normal limits;
• physical activity, walks in the fresh air.

When a doctor makes a diagnosis after conducting research, the patient is prescribed:

• correction of hormonal levels;
• blood thinners;
• drugs to remove bile acids that control the production of your own cholesterol;
• drugs to lower cholesterol levels, blocking its absorption from food;
• drugs that control lipid metabolism;
• medications that lower blood pressure;
• vitamin complexes to maintain the walls of blood vessels in good shape;
• treatment of concomitant vascular diseases of the heart and lungs.

The doctor, according to indications, refers the patient to highly specialized specialists: phlebologist, nutritionist, exercise therapy specialist, endocrinologist, etc. to treat concomitant disorders in the functioning of other organs.

Traditional medicine offers an alternative to drugs purchased at the pharmacy in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic plaques:

1. Lemon with honey and cinnamon: grind 5 medium lemons through a meat grinder, add 200 g. liquid honey and 20 grams of cinnamon powder. The mixture is infused for three days and taken twice a day on an empty stomach, morning and evening.
2. Onion juice. Finely chop the onion, add sugar, let it brew for three days and strain the juice. Drink the resulting liquid three times a day on an empty stomach, one teaspoon at a time.
3. Horseradish root. Infuse 2 tablespoons of grated horseradish root along with the peel into 100 ml of medical 70% alcohol, strain. Take half a teaspoon 2 times a day on an empty stomach.
4. Include 3 tbsp of flaxseed, garlic, olive and camelina oil in your diet. l. per day, fish oil in the dosage described in the annotation.
5. A mixture of olive oil, honey and lemon juice in equal proportions. Eat the resulting mixture 1 tbsp. l. daily on an empty stomach or dissolve in a glass of water and drink in the morning before breakfast.
6. Potato juice. Squeeze in a juicer, drink half a glass on an empty stomach.
7. Grind the garlic and lemon, mix, add water and leave in a dark room for 4 days. Take 2 tablespoons daily on an empty stomach.
8. Garlic and sunflower oil. Chop the garlic (10 heads per half liter of oil), add oil and leave for a week. Then you should add the juice of one lemon to the oil and take 1 tablespoon after waking up for a month. The course consists of a 2-week treatment, followed by a 2-week break, after which the medication continues according to the same regimen.

Pulmonary artery sclerosis is progressive; diffuse disorders worsen the quality of life, aggravate concomitant diseases and, in the absence of adequate treatment, will lead to death.

Failure to follow the doctor’s recommendations for weight loss, lifestyle changes, and giving up bad habits, even while taking medications, will not give the patient improvement or cure. Traditional medicine recipes without drug treatment will not be effective. Therapy must be comprehensive.

Oxygen starvation of organs and tissues gradually leads to their death and deterioration in functioning, leading to the emergence of new chronic pathologies. Plaques in arteries and veins in a neglected state require surgical intervention and long rehabilitation; you should not neglect the prescribed medications.

Life expectancy forecast

Following the doctor's recommendations, the prognosis for cure and life expectancy is favorable. A healthy lifestyle, physical activity, a balanced diet with a predominance of thermally processed plant foods, and normalization of weight eliminate the progression of the disease.

Monitoring blood counts and taking prescribed medications will allow the patient to improve their quality of life, avoid complications, and increase the number of years lived.

Atherosclerosis includes:

Atherosclerosis does not include:

• cerebral (we talked about the signs and symptoms of cerebral atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels, and you will learn about the treatment of this disease);
• coronary;
• mesenteric;
• pulmonary.

What diseases does it appear as a result of?

With some chronic diseases, the likelihood of developing this disease increases significantly:

1. Diabetes– contributes to the disruption of fat metabolism, and is the “starting” button for the onset of the development of atherosclerosis.
2. Arterial hypertension– with increased pressure, pathological processes of increased saturation of blood vessels with fatty deposits begin. All this leads to the formation of plaques.
3. Dyslipidemia– with an increased content of cholesterol and other substances in the body, fat metabolism is disrupted and atherosclerosis develops.
4. Various infections– toxic microorganisms damage vascular walls, which in turn provokes atherosclerotic changes.

Kinds

Blood pressure in this disease

Atherosclerosis and hypertension - if atherosclerosis is a pathological change and damage to the walls of blood vessels, the accumulation of cholesterol deposits on them and the formation of plaques, then hypertension is an unnoticed disease characterized by periodic high blood pressure, which in turn can provoke strokes and heart attacks and thicken vascular walls, smooth muscles of the heart.

If hypertension is a nervous disease, and atherosclerosis is a metabolic disease, then both of them are still interconnected and one can enhance the progression of the other.

Atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension - the difference between hypertension and hypertension is that hypertension is a sustained increase in blood pressure, hypertension is periodic, but both of these conditions, if they develop in parallel with atherosclerosis, lead to accelerated thickening of the walls of blood vessels, narrowing of the lumens, the formation of plaques and others destructive processes leading to strokes and heart attacks.

Other types

1. Mesenteric arteries– these arteries supply blood to the entire intestine; with atherosclerosis, the vessels become clogged, which can lead to ischemia. Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the mesenteric arteries are characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain after eating, smoking or drinking alcohol. At first, the pain is short-lived, but as the disease progresses, attacks can last up to 15 minutes.
2. Aorta of the lungs- This is a disease that develops very slowly and does not manifest itself at first. With it, plaques form on the inner walls of the pulmonary artery, which interfere with normal tissue nutrition and complicate the supply of oxygen.

   This disease can be triggered by poor nutrition, problems with the endocrine system, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, stress, various inflammatory processes, and diabetes. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pulmonary infarction and pleurisy.

   Pulmonary atherosclerosis is divided into primary and secondary. Symptoms include discomfort during physical activity, unnatural skin color, causeless cough, drowsiness.

3. Renal arteries– a chronic disease, as a result of which the renal arteries are affected, and the development of arterial and vasorenal hypertension begins and a general malfunction of the entire urinary system occurs.
4. Thoracic aorta– one of the most common forms of atherosclerosis. The disease can affect the entire aorta or its individual parts. The disease does not manifest itself for a long time, changes occur in the walls of blood vessels, connective tissue grows, the artery narrows, and plaques form that disrupt the blood supply to all organs and tissues of the body.
5. Abdominal aorta– with atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels in the body, pathological changes in the abdominal aorta and its arterial branches may begin. There is a narrowing and insufficient saturation of blood vessels.

   Abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness, belching, and nausea begin. Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta is similar in its symptoms to other diseases of the digestive tract, which makes its diagnosis and timely treatment difficult.

   We talked in detail about all types of aortic atherosclerosis, and in this article you can familiarize yourself with the methods of treating the disease.

6. Lower limbs– with pathological changes leading to narrowing of the walls of blood vessels, the formation of plaques, insufficient blood flow to the limbs, trophic processes are disrupted, which in turn can lead to the loss of the limbs’ functions, and subsequently to gangrene and inflammation.

Pathogenesis

The development of atherosclerosis is influenced by diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled use of tobacco and alcohol products, hypertension - all these factors have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

But, perhaps, the main factor is eating low-quality, high-calorie food, which may contain dangerous fats, which are subsequently broken down into low-density lipoproteins, deposited on the walls of blood vessels, leading to the formation of plaques.

While the content of lipoproteins in the patient’s blood is low, the disease proceeds without any signs, but when changes in their composition begin, in which lipoproteins are oxidized, vasoconstriction occurs and the supply of nutrients to organs and tissues significantly deteriorates, hence the symptoms arise ischemia.

Main symptoms of manifestation

Hearts

One of the most susceptible organs to blood supply is the heart.. When it is violated, angina syndrome begins to appear. Periodically occurring symptoms also include:

Upper and lower limbs

Brain

Treatment

In particularly advanced cases with clinically significant atherosclerosis, surgical intervention may be required.

For drug treatment, drugs are mainly used that slow down the production of cholesterol by the liver, dilate blood vessels, or accelerate the consumption of cholesterol by the liver for normal digestion. For atherosclerosis of the extremities, physiotherapy may be indicated.

There are three main methods for surgical treatment:

1. Vascular prosthetics– complete replacement of the damaged vessel.
2. Bypass surgery– formation of a new blood line by suturing the affected vessel to a healthy one.
3. Angioplasty– cleaning and widening the affected area with a special catheter, which the doctor inserts through the femoral artery.

Forms of pathologies of various types

Pathological changes are divided into three types:

1. Fat stripes.
2. Fibrous plaques.
3. Complicated lesions.

Fatty streaks are one of the first signs of atherosclerosis. Fatty stripes are fairly soft formations and practically do not cause destructive processes in blood vessels. They are quite difficult to detect, but when stained with a preparation containing fat-soluble dyes, they become visible quite clearly.

Fibrous plaques are thickenings protruding on the surface of blood vessels. Usually they begin to appear in the abdominal aorta, carotid artery, and then progress throughout all vessels and cause their blockage.

Complicated lesion - occurs with calcification of plaques, and subsequent necrosis. May cause thrombosis and aneurysm formation.

Video on the topic

An overview of the disease of atherosclerosis and its treatment with traditional methods can be seen in this video:

Conclusion

Atherosclerosis is an acquired disease with many forms and symptoms.. From a very early age, you need to monitor your diet and bad habits to reduce the risk of its occurrence to a minimum. If you have been diagnosed with this, do not be alarmed; in modern medicine there are many methods that can, if not completely get rid of it, then stop the progression of atherosclerosis for a long time.