Arteriosclerosis is a chronically progressive vascular disease. Over many years, the arteries become increasingly narrowed and hardened. In the worst cases, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure.
Here you will find further information and selected arteriosclerosis specialists and centers.
Arteriosclerosis is a chronically progressive vascular disease. Over the years, the arteries become increasingly narrowed and hardened.
Arteries are the blood vessels that transport blood, which in most cases is rich in oxygen, away from the heart. The blood reaches the body's organs, muscles and tissues via the arteries. The blood contains nutrients and thus ensures that these areas of the body can continue to function.
The result of these vascular changes is circulatory disorders. Over time, they reduce the blood flow and thus cause areduced oxygen supply to organs and body parts.
The best-known cause of arteriosclerosis is atherosclerosis. Among other things, blood lipids are deposited in the vessel wall (see below).
Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are often used interchangeably, but this is not entirely correct. Arteriosclerosis is rather the consequence of atherosclerosis.
The vasoconstriction and hardening of the arteries typical of atherosclerosis is caused by so-called plaques. These are deposits of
in the vessel walls of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis is therefore also known colloquially as hardening of the arteries.
Older people in particular often suffer from arteriosclerosis. The disease mainly occurs in men over the age of 40 and women after the menopause.
The consequences of arteriosclerosis are the most common cause of death in western industrialized countries.
In principle, arteriosclerosis can develop in all arteries of the body . However, it occurs particularly frequently in places where the blood flow encounters physical obstacles. This is the case, for example, at vascular branches, such as
In addition, arteriosclerosis often develops in the coronary
The exact causes that lead to the development of arteriosclerosis are not yet fully understood. However, there are various theories and explanatory models for the mechanism of the development of arteriosclerosis, including
Irrespective of these theories, some risk factors for the development of arteriosclerosis are known. These include
In addition, diseases such as
increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. Other risk factors are a
Arteriosclerosis develops very slowly and is often asymptomatic for decades. It can take 20 to 40 years for plaques to gradually build up in the vessel walls. The increasing narrowing and hardening of the arteries then only causes the first symptoms at a late stage.
If arteriosclerosis begins in adolescence, those affected can suffer from symptoms such as circulatory disorders in the legs as early as the age of 30 to 40. In most cases, however, the first symptoms do not appear until later in life.
The exact symptoms caused by arteriosclerosis depend on the vascular sections affected.
Coronary vessels, also known as coronary arteries: These vessels supply the heart muscle. If the blood flow in the coronary arteries is reduced, those affected suffer from a feeling of tightness in the chest or left-sided chest pain(angina pectoris). Arteriosclerosis of the coronary arteries is known as coronary heart disease. In the worst case, it can trigger a heart attack .
The coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen © lom123 | AdobeStock
Carotid artery: memory impairment or dizziness can be a consequence. In the worst case, a stroke can occur. This can be recognized by symptoms such as neurological deficits and functional disorders of the nervous system such as paralysis or speech disorders.
Pelvic and leg arteries: Reduced blood flow to the calf and thigh muscles. This is referred to as peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Typical symptoms are severe muscle pain that occurs after walking short distances. Erectile dysfunctioncan also occur.
Renal vessels: This results in impaired kidney function - in the worst case with kidney failure - and high blood pressure.
In order to diagnose arteriosclerosis, the attending physician uses various diagnostic procedures. The first step is to take a detailed medical history and carry out a physical examination.
As part of the anamnesis, the doctor takes the patient's medical history by asking about their
previous illnesses. The physical examination includes listening to the heart, the aorta or the arteries in the neck with a stethoscope and measuring blood pressure.
If these examinations confirm the suspicion of arteriosclerosis, further tests and examinations will follow. These include, for example
Arteriosclerosis can be treated either
be treated. Which treatment approach is used in each individual case depends on the extent of the arteriosclerosis.
Conservative, i.e. non-surgical measures are often sufficient to treat arteriosclerosis. They slow down the progression of arteriosclerosis.
Conservative treatment usually consists of a change in lifestyle and drug therapy. Lifestyle changes include in particular
As part of the drug therapy for arteriosclerosis, for example, medication is used to inhibit blood clotting and thus prevent the formation of blood clots (thrombi). This is intended to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
In addition, medications are often used against
are prescribed.
If arteriosclerosis is already so advanced that a heart attack, stroke or blockage of the leg arteries is imminent, surgical treatment is necessary to widen the narrowed vessel. For example, a balloon dilatation can be performed or a bypass can be placed.
During balloon dilatation, a balloon catheter is pushed through the bloodstream to the narrowed area and inflated. This expands the vessel and the blood can flow freely again.
During a bypass operation, the surgeon creates a bypass that guides the blood past the constricted vascular site. To do this, he uses the body's own vessel, which is usually taken from the lower leg, or a plastic vascular prosthesis.
To prevent the development of arteriosclerosis, you should
For example, overweight people should aim to lose weight. Smokers should stop or at least reduce their nicotine consumption. Diabetics should ensure that their sugar levels are correctly adjusted. Patients with high cholesterol levels should eat a low-cholesterol diet and regularly check their cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
On the other hand, a healthy, balanced and low-fat diet and regular exercise are effective measures to prevent arteriosclerosis. For example, healthy people should walk moderately for at least 150 minutes a week.
Specialists for arteriosclerosis are internists or cardiovascular specialists (cardiologists, vascular surgeons or cardiosurgeons). The family doctor can also carry out certain examinations and then refer the patient. They will ask the patient about their lifestyle habits and carry out a risk assessment. A blood test provides information about blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The doctor listens to abnormal blood flow noises with a stethoscope.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
