Lipoprotein: How This Cholesterol Carrier Can Predict Heart Disease?
Studies are showing that testing cholesterol levels alone might not be sufficient in understanding cardiovascular risk
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries get blocked because of the deposition of fatty substances, and abnormal cells on the walls of arteries. Though anyone can suffer from atherosclerosis, there are a few risk factors that put a person at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis.
A block in the arteries is actually caused by the narrowing and thickening of the walls of arteries because of the deposition of fatty substances such as cholesterol along with other cellular waste. The substances that get accumulated along the arteries form a build-up called plaque or atheroma. Plaques are primarily dangerous because they narrow the arteries, restrict the blood flow and can hinder the functioning of several organs. Moreover, plaques can rupture and result in a blood clot that again blocks the blood supply to the heart. These conditions either trigger a heart attack or a stroke affecting the brain.
Atherosclerosis is a slow disease that takes really long time to progress and causes complications. In a few people, plaque formation may start during childhood and may advance rapidly during the 30s. In others, it does not really pose a threat until the 50s or 60s. With all advances in surgical and operative procedures, people who initially show the symptoms of heart attack can prevent the complications in advance. However, people in whom any signs are not seen at an early stage are at a greater risk.
Following are the stages of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a silent condition and may not show any symptoms until the affected artery is sufficiently blocked to disturb the blood flow and deprive the organs and tissues of sufficient blood supply. However, with a partial block of arteries, the following signs may be seen:
There are several diagnostic methods used to confirm atherosclerosis. When you present to the doctor for clinical evaluation, a physical examination is first conducted. When you present to the doctor, a detailed history is taken. Physical examination is conducted. Subsequently, your doctor may recommend you any of the following tests:
Cholesterol-lowering drugs: The primary cause of atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of arteries. Moreover, there are various cholesterol-lowering drugs (containing statins and fibrates) that you may be prescribed for getting cholesterol under control. However, these drugs are just to bring cholesterol down to a safe level. To maintain good cholesterol levels, you should have a healthy diet control and involve regular physical activity in your daily routine. Other medications that are used to treat this condition include
Following lifestyle modifications are vital for the management of Atherosclerosis-
1. National Institute of Health- Public access. Atherosclerosis [Internet] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826222/. A (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826222/)
2. Stat Pearls. Atherosclerosis [Internet] [Updated on August 10, 2020] Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/)
Studies are showing that testing cholesterol levels alone might not be sufficient in understanding cardiovascular risk
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that our body can't make. Read on to know how you can get these nutrients.
According to a new study, retired professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to suffer from a serious neurological disease like dementia. Here, we list a few other causes behind the development of this condition.
Swollen ankles are usually harmless. But, at times, it may indicate some serious health disorder. Read on to know more.
A new study brings hope that a novel therapeutic approach to halt and reverse plaque build-up and the progression of atherosclerosis may be coming soon. Read on to know more.
Precautionary measures should be taken in a timely manner, and vitals should be kept under check.
The risk of acquiring a heart disease increases manifolds if one or both parents suffer from a condition. There are individuals as young as 30 years of age who die of sudden heart attack or show signs of heart ailments.
What are the benefits of EECP over the conventional angioplasty or bypass surgery to treat angina and blockages?
We spoke to Dr Sanjay Mittal, Director Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Heart Institute at Medanta The Medicity to know more about EECP.
Did you know balsamic vinegar has some amazing health benefits?
Cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions that can gradually claim your life.
Leg pain could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins +7 other medical conditions.
Researchers have found that a class of drugs originally developed to treat atherosclerosis - the build-up of plaque inside your arteries, raising the risk for heart disease -- could be repurposed to treat pancreatic cancer.
Fancy eating chocolates every day? You may soon have the recommendation of doctors to indulge a little as researchers have found that a dark chocolate bar daily could reduces the risk of developing diabetes and heart diseases.
Aged Garlic Extract can stop heart disease from progressing and in some cases, even reverse artery plaque accumulation, according to a new study.
A Mediterranean diet can prevent arteries from clogging and prevent heart disease.
Japanese study identifies genes linked to peripheral artery disease
Here is how cinnamon can help boost your heart's health.
Studies are showing that testing cholesterol levels alone might not be sufficient in understanding cardiovascular risk
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that our body can't make. Read on to know how you can get these nutrients.
According to a new study, retired professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to suffer from a serious neurological disease like dementia. Here, we list a few other causes behind the development of this condition.
Swollen ankles are usually harmless. But, at times, it may indicate some serious health disorder. Read on to know more.
A new study brings hope that a novel therapeutic approach to halt and reverse plaque build-up and the progression of atherosclerosis may be coming soon. Read on to know more.
Precautionary measures should be taken in a timely manner, and vitals should be kept under check.
The risk of acquiring a heart disease increases manifolds if one or both parents suffer from a condition. There are individuals as young as 30 years of age who die of sudden heart attack or show signs of heart ailments.
What are the benefits of EECP over the conventional angioplasty or bypass surgery to treat angina and blockages?
We spoke to Dr Sanjay Mittal, Director Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Heart Institute at Medanta The Medicity to know more about EECP.
Did you know balsamic vinegar has some amazing health benefits?
Cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions that can gradually claim your life.
Researchers have found that a class of drugs originally developed to treat atherosclerosis - the build-up of plaque inside your arteries, raising the risk for heart disease -- could be repurposed to treat pancreatic cancer.
Fancy eating chocolates every day? You may soon have the recommendation of doctors to indulge a little as researchers have found that a dark chocolate bar daily could reduces the risk of developing diabetes and heart diseases.
Aged Garlic Extract can stop heart disease from progressing and in some cases, even reverse artery plaque accumulation, according to a new study.
A Mediterranean diet can prevent arteries from clogging and prevent heart disease.
Japanese study identifies genes linked to peripheral artery disease
Here is how cinnamon can help boost your heart's health.
Peripheral vascular disease is a life-threatening condition and can cause limb amputation. Learn everything about the disease from our expert.
Leg pain could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins +7 other medical conditions.