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Atherosclerosis
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Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries due to thickening of the arterial wall caused by fat, fibrous tissue and salts being deposited on it. This condition is sometimes referred to as hardening of arteries.
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atherosclerosis is caused by the decomposition of yellow fatty streaks containing a high proportion of cholesterol, waste products from the cells, calcium, iron, and fibrin, in the inner coat of the arteries. These deposits are referred to as atheromatous plaques and form beneath the epithelium. When this plaque increases in size it blocks the lumen of the artery. In cases where the plaque breaks through the endothelium, its rough surface causes a thrombus to develop. If this clot breaks away it may block an artery in another location causing other complications. A blocked artery causes the tissue it supplies to suffer oxygen starvation and will be severely damaged or dies.
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Many factors are known to contribute to atherosclerosis. A raised level of fat, especially cholesterol in the blood, smoking, hypertension, a high level of salt in the diet and diabetes are some of the factors. The most common treatment for atherosclerosis is based on diet and lifestyle modification. The diet modification involves consuming less saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar, fish, the use of onions and garlic and increasing the intake of foods high in fibers e.g. fruits and vegetables. Smoking and alcohol is to be avoided while exercising regularly is to be encouraged. Herbal remedy is another form of atherosclerosis treatment.
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