Pathogenesis (disease development) In the following discussion, it should be noted: Atherosclerosis should not be understood as a systemic disease because its expression varies widely and certain anatomic regions (e.g., internal thoracic artery (mammary artery)) are virtually always left out. Small lesions (injury), which can already be present in the arterial wall at a young … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Causes
General measures Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use) including passive smoking. Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day). Aim for normal weight!Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Therapy
Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Vasculitis (vascular inflammation), unspecified. Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Thrombosis Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Vasculitis (vascular inflammation), unspecified.
The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries): Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Visual disturbances up to amaurosis (blindness). Skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Trophic disorders due to decreased blood flow. Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Aortic sclerosis – remodeling of the aortic wall caused … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Neck vein congestion? Central cyanosis? (bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g., tongue). Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Examination
Diseases – see self-history – that can be or are the consequence of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries) require diagnostic clarification according to the guidelines of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). Since there are no early symptoms of atherosclerosis, a regularly recurring health examination is necessary from the age of 30, which should include the … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Prevention of cardiovascular (heart disease) complications from the spread of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries). Therapy recommendations First-line drugs: lipid-lowering agents/drugs for elevated lipid levels (drug groups depending on the form of hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) should also according to current US guidelines: In all individuals with LDL > 190 mg/dl. … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Doppler sonography of brain-supplying vessels-Doppler sonographic evidence of stenosis (vasoconstriction), plaques (abnormal deposits on blood vessels), or intima-media thickening/thickness (IMD; IMT) of the carotids (carotid arteries) indicates an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) Exercise ECG (electrocardiogram during exercise, that is, under physical activity/exercise ergometry). Ankle-brachial index (ABI; examination method … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Diagnostic Tests
Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used to prevent – prevent – arteriosclerosis. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid lower homocysteine levels. Vitamins C and vitamin E Mineral calcium Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid Secondary plant compounds alpha-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin Coenzyme Q10 Within … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Micronutrient Therapy
To prevent atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Malnutrition and overeating, e.g., excessive caloric intake and high-fat diet (high intake of saturated fat). Excessive consumption of red meat, ie. Muscle meat of pork, beef, lamb, veal, mutton, horse, sheep, goat → increase … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Prevention
The onset of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries) is asymptomatic until the onset of secondary diseases (coronary heart disease (CHD), zerobrovascular insufficiency (circulatory disorders of the brain)). Only the secondary diseases such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and apoplexy (stroke) indicate the presence of atherosclerosis. Apoplexy often announces itself as a so-called transient ischemic … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries). Family History Are there any diseases of the cardiovascular system in your family that are common? What is the general health of your family members? Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain … Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): Medical History