Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis causes deposits of fat and chalk to form in the arteries - so-called plaques. The vessel wall changes, becomes stiffer and thicker, the inner opening becomes narrower. The blood can no longer flow through it as well. This leads to circulatory disorders. In the worst case, an additional clot of blood plates (thrombus) forms. This can lead to a complete vascular blockage, a heart attack. Arteriosclerosis can affect all arteries. Circulatory disorders of the heart and cerebral arteries are particularly frequent and dangerous. Arteriosclerosis is the main cause of heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attack or heart failure and stroke.
Symptoms
What To Expect
The patients symptoms depend on the affected vascular segment. For example, vascular hardening in the leg area can lead to circulatory disorders that increase under stress. After a certain amount of walking, affected patients often feel a pain in their legs, especially in their calves. It is typical that the pain eases off when the patient stands still for some time. Soon after continuing walking, the pain sets in again. In other vessel sections, especially those of the carotid artery, arteriosclerosis-induced constriction of the brain-supplying arteries leads to symptoms such as dizziness, impaired balance, impaired memory and even a stroke due to circulatory problems.
Made Worse By
An unhealthy diet with too many animal fats is often a factor in the worsening of the disease. The consumption of nicotine is also responsible for the promotion of arteriosclerosis. The most important risk factor for arteriosclerosis are high blood pressure, diabetes and poor blood fat values.
How Common
Arteriosclerosis often occurs in people in the western world. Overall, it is estimated that more than 10% of the population in such countries suffer from peripheral occlusive disease. Men are twice as likely as women to have a narrowing of the aorta and/or the arm/leg arteries or even the carotid artery.
Diagnosed By
During a medical examination the doctor will ask you about your lifestyle. This way he can create an individual risk profile. He'll ask you if you smoke, get regular and sufficient exercise, how your eating habits are, or wether you have previous illnesses that promote the disease. He also checks for cardiovascular diseases in family members (family history). Through a blood test the doctor can determine whether elevated blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) and blood sugar levels are present. In addition, if arteriosclerosis is suspected, the doctor will determine your blood pressure, weight and possibly your abdominal girth. Furthermore, he will feel your pulse, which is weakened in the case of relevant constrictions.
Caution Seek professional advice, especially if already taking medication for a circulatory condition.
Products that may help Arteriosclerosis
No Herbs Found For Arteriosclerosis
Remedies that may help with Arteriosclerosis
Garlic for High Blood Pressure
The fact that garlic lowers blood pressure is also due to allicin. Garlic is a naturally effective alternative to blood pressure-lowering drugs.
- Eat 1-2 fresh garlic cloves a day.
- Or take a garlic tablet.
Beetroot Juice for High Blood Pressure
Half a liter of beetroot juice a day lowers blood pressure. Beetroot contains nitrates, which widen the blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure.
- Get beetroot or pomegranate juice.
- Drink 125 ml a day.
Ginkgo Treatment for High Blood Pressure
Ginkgo reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The plant is often used specifically for high blood pressure.
- Take ginkgo tablets.
- Or a half tsp of fluid extract.
- Mix with water.
- Take twice a day for approximately 2-3 months at a time.
Ginger for High Blood Pressure
Ginger dilates the vessels and has a blood thinning effect, which can lower blood pressure.
- Cut 1 tsp of fresh ginger.
- Add into your food.
- Repeat every day.