Atherosclerosis

Definition of Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque (composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances) inside the arteries, leading to their narrowing and reduced blood flow.

What is atherosclerosis ?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This plaque is composed of substances such as cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste. Over time, the plaque accumulates, causing the arteries to narrow and stiffen. This narrowing, known as stenosis. It restricts blood flow to vital organs and tissues throughout the body. It can affect arteries anywhere in the body, but it most commonly impacts the arteries supplying blood to the heart, brain, legs, and kidneys.

What happens to atherosclerosis?

The narrowing of these arteries can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and kidney problems. The atherosclerosis often develops silently, without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, leg pain during physical activity, and neurological deficits may occur. Read: FOODS TO AVOID BYPASS SURGERY!

What are the symptoms of atherosclerosis?

Symptoms of atherosclerosis include:

1. Chest pain or discomfort (angina)

2. Shortness of breath

3. Pain, numbness, weakness, or cramping in the legs (claudication)

4. Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs

5. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

6. Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

7. Vision problems

8. Erectile dysfunction in men

9. Fatigue

10. Palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)

What is the main cause of atherosclerosis?

The main cause of atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. This process is often triggered by damage to the artery walls, which can result from factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Also, smoking, diabetes, and chronic inflammation can causes atherosclerosis.

As the plaques grow larger, they can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

What are the 4 stages of Atherosclerosis ?

The progression of atherosclerosis occurs in several stages:

1. Endothelial Dysfunction:

– Initial damage to the inner lining (endothelium) of the arteries.

– Triggered by factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and inflammation.

2. Formation of Fatty Streaks:

– Accumulation of cholesterol and lipids within the damaged areas of the arterial walls.

– Fatty streaks are the earliest visible signs of atherosclerosis.

3. Plaque Formation:

– Continued accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and cellular debris.

– Plaque forms as fatty streaks evolve into more advanced lesions.

– Plaques can protrude into the artery, narrowing its lumen and impeding blood flow.

4. Advanced Atherosclerosis and Complications:

– Plaques may become unstable, leading to rupture or erosion.

– Blood clots may form at the site of a ruptured plaque, potentially causing complete blockage of the artery.

– Complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease can result from the reduced blood flow to vital organs and tissues.

Early detection and intervention during the initial stages are crucial for preventing complications and managing the condition effectively.

What is the treatment for atherosclerosis?

The treatment for atherosclerosis aims to reduce the risk of complications, manage symptoms, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Treatment approaches may include:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

2. Medications

3. Surgical Interventions

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation

5. Regular Monitoring and Follow-up

Non invasive treatment

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) therapy and chelation therapy are alternative treatments that have been option to remove heart blockage without surgery.

EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) Therapy:

1. Improved Blood Flow: EECP therapy involves the use of inflatable cuffs placed around the legs that inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat. This rhythmic pressure helps to improve blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. 2. Symptom Relief: Individuals may experience symptom relief from conditions such as angina (chest pain) or heart failure after undergoing EECP therapy. This improvement in symptoms may enhance quality of life and functional capacity. 3. Stimulation of Collateral Blood Vessels: EECP therapy has been suggested to stimulate the formation of collateral blood vessels, which can provide alternative to bypass surgery. 4. Non-Invasive and Low Risk: EECP therapy is a non-invasive cardiology procedure that does not involve surgery or medications. It is generally considered safe, with few adverse effects reported. ECP The rapy is best alternative treatment for heart disease.

Chelation Therapy:

Chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents, such as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid). Which bind to heavy metals and minerals in the bloodstream, including calcium deposits in plaque. With the help of this non-invasive treatment for heart blockages; the EDTA solution binds with this calcium plaque which blocks the arteries, will fed away through blood. Prevent heart attack: Why Heart attack happens? When oxygen rich blood does not reach to hearts muscle due to heart blockages, the heart muscle starve for oxygen. If the heart blockage treatment is not provided at time, heart muscle damage. The blockage formation is the very slow process. With the alternative treatment for heart blockage like chelation therapy we can prevent the heart attacks. Symptoms Improvement: Some proponents of chelation therapy claim that it can lead to symptom improvement in individuals with cardiovascular disease, including reduced chest pain, improved exercise tolerance, and enhanced overall well-being. chelation therapy provides you the opportunity to flush out the unwanted plaque deposition from the arteries. which will help you to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Chelation therapy can be successful treatment for heart disease only when it administered by qualified and authorized chelation therapy doctors. Shanikrupa heartcare successfully provide treatment for heart disease without operation. We also provide treatment for heart failure patients.