What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arterial blockage, What are their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods? Arteries are large blood vessels that carry blood carrying oxygen and essential nutrients from the heart to all parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis differs from arterial blockage. Hardening is a condition in which fats and cholesterol accumulate inside the arterial wall, narrowing its lumen. Atherosclerosis occurs when an artery is partially or completely blocked. We will explain the difference between the two.
What is atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition caused by the accumulation of calcium, fats, and cholesterol within the arterial walls. This leads to a loss of elasticity and a gradual narrowing of the lumen, which in turn reduces blood flow over time.
What is arterial blockage
Atherosclerosis is a severe condition that occurs when an artery becomes partially or completely blocked, often as a result of a blood clot, suddenly blocking blood flow.
Symptoms of Hardening and Blocked Arteries
Atherosclerosis may not show symptoms in its early stages, but the following symptoms may appear as the condition worsens:
- Chest pressure and pain (angina).
- Shortness of breath.
- Cramps and heaviness in the legs when walking.
- Slow wound healing.
- Skin discoloration.
- Hair loss in the legs.
- Tingling in the face or extremities.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Loss of appetite.
- Swelling in the hands and feet.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding.
Symptoms of blocked arteries include:
- Chest pain (angina).
- Tightness in the center of the chest or on the left side.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Excessive sweating.
- Extreme fatigue.
Causes of Hardening of the Arteries
Atherosclerosis occurs as a result of the buildup of fatty plaques and cholesterol on the artery walls, which gradually narrows and blocks them, reducing blood flow over time.
Factors that increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, high levels of bad cholesterol, and obesity.
What are the causes of blocked arteries
The following factors increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease:
- Atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty plaques) is the most common cause of blocked arteries.
- High blood pressure affects the walls of arteries, causing damage and eventually leading to blocked arteries.
- Diabetes impairs the body's ability to break down fats, increasing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
- High levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides cause the accumulation of fatty plaques.
- With age, arteries become less flexible and more susceptible to blockages.
- Constant stress can increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
What is the difference between hardening and blocked arteries
Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition in which fats and cholesterol build up in the walls of arteries, making them stiff and narrowing their passages. Atherosclerosis occurs when these deposits build up, narrowing the arteries and blocking blood flow.
Treatments for Atherosclerosis
The treating physician prescribes certain medications that address the causes of the condition, such as:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to reduce the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
- Medications to lower high blood pressure, such as beta blockers.
- Medications to lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers.
- Medications to control diabetes.
He may prescribe surgical interventions, such as:
- Bypass surgery, which creates a new blood flow to bypass the blocked portion.
- Angioplasty with stent placement, which expands the blocked artery with a metal stent.
Tips to Prevent Atherosclerosis
Here are some tips to prevent atherosclerosis through lifestyle changes, including:
- Quitting smoking.
- Following a healthy diet.
- Following a low-fat diet.
- Monitor blood cholesterol levels.
- Monitor blood sugar levels.
- Exercise regularly.
How to treat blocked arteries
Blocked arteries are a critical condition that requires rapid intervention when blood flow is suddenly cut off, which can lead to tissue death. Treatments prescribed by a doctor include:
- Drugs to dissolve clots if diagnosed early.
- Blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and heparin, to prevent blockage.
- Inserting a therapeutic catheter to remove the clot.
- Dilating the blocked artery with a balloon or stent.
- Surgery to remove the clot or create an arterial bypass.
Natural herbs to treat hardening and blockage of the arteries.
In cases of hardening of the arteries and preventing blockage, some herbs can improve blood circulation and arterial health, including:
- Garlic, because it is considered one of the most powerful foods that reduce harmful cholesterol and prevent the accumulation of fats in the artery walls.
- Turmeric, because it contains curcumin, which reduces inflammation and protects the walls of blood vessels.
- Ginger, because it improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
- Green tea, because it is rich in antioxidants that reduce cholesterol.
What is the test that reveals blocked arteries
Tests that detect blocked arteries include coronary angiography (CABG) and coronary CT angiography (CT angiography).
These are direct techniques that reveal blockages and their severity. Other tests, such as a stress test and echocardiogram, can be performed to determine how the blockage affects heart function.
Summary of the Difference Between Hardening and Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, critical condition characterized by the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and calcium in the walls of arteries, causing them to harden, narrow their passages, and lose their elasticity.
Atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of these deposits, which narrow the artery. In advanced cases, it may develop into a complete blockage of the artery, preventing blood flow, or it may be caused by a blood clot, leading to a sudden or acute blockage.