The main cause of severe cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, as well as strokes are atherosclerotic plaques. They are dense clusters of lipoproteins and cholesterol on the walls of the arteries and veins that interfere with normal blood flow. Later plaques can be calcified, which leads to a significant deformation of the vessels and even to their complete blockage.
Symptoms of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery and other large vessels
In the early stages, the problem is rarely found, since the accumulation of fatty compounds on the walls of the vessels is prolonged and occurs gradually.
With atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries, including the carotid, symptomatology is practically absent, the first sign is unfortunately the stroke or transient ischemic attacks.
For the defeat of the coronary arteries are characterized by such diseases as:
- cardiac ischemia;
- heart failure.
Atherosclerosis of the vessels in the limbs is accompanied by:
- dry gangrene;
- intermittent claudication .
It is most difficult to detect clogging of the internal organs arteries (kidneys, intestines, liver), since the clinical picture with such an atherosclerotic lesion is not specific.
How to deal with atherosclerotic plaques in non-surgical ways?
In uncomplicated processes, medication is possible, conducted in conjunction with general measures:
- correction of diet;
- refusal from smoking and drinking;
- Dosed physical activity;
- with excess weight - weight loss;
- maintaining the physical and psychological condition is normal.
Recommended drugs for the therapy of atherosclerosis:
- drugs that interfere with absorption of external low density cholesterol;
- medicines that reduce the production of lipid compounds inside the body (in the liver);
- drugs that help accelerate the excretion of cholesterol and lipoproteins;
- drugs that feed the endothelium of blood vessels.
How to remove atherosclerotic plaques surgically?
To date, there are 3 types of surgery to remove lipid deposits:
- endarterectomy;
- angioplasty ;
- stenting.