Atherosclerosis: Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disorder that causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries. The plaque is made of substances found in the blood, such as calcium, cholesterol, and fat, (“What is Atherosclerosis”). This buildup can eventually lead into other serious diseases. One disease that atherosclerosis leads to is coronary heart disease, which is the number one fatal disease for males and females in the United States, (“10 Important Facts”) . Atherosclerosis is a developmental disorder, meaning the buildup takes place as the person ages. The exact cause is still unknown, but certain traits and tasks have proved to be leading factors in the buildup. The more risk factors a person has, the more likely they will develop the disorder, (“Who

Atherosclerosis takes place in the arteries, which are the blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, (“What is Atherosclerosis”). The inner layer of the artery is the tunica interna, which is composed of endothelium. The development of plaque starts when certain risk factor cause damage to that inner layer of endothelium. Those risk factor can include smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, (“What Causes Atherosclerosis”). The plaque will start to build up and harden, eventually narrowing the artery. The buildup of plaque can rupture and then the blood platelets from the rupture can come together to form a blood clot, which will narrow the artery even more. If the buildup continues to develop, the artery will eventually be blocked off. Once it is blocked, the oxygen-rich blood cannot flow through the artery to the body, (“What Causes

Some treatments include lifestyle changes, medicine, and surgery or procedures. “The goals of treatment include: lowering the risk of blood clots forming, preventing atherosclerosis-related diseases, reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaque, relieving symptoms, and widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteries,” (“How is Atherosclerosis Treated”). Making healthy-heart lifestyle changes will lower the risk factors that aid in the development of atherosclerosis. Some of these changes include heart-healthy eating, a healthy weight, and to quit smoking. If these changes are made at the right time, they can delay or prevent the disorder, (“How is Atherosclerosis Treated”). While making healthy lifestyle changes is beneficial, some changes may not be enough to lower certain risk factors. Doctors will then prescribe different medications to lower a certain risk factor. Medications are used to lower blood pressure, control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots, (“How is Atherosclerosis Treated”). When lifestyle changes and medication are not working, surgery or a procedure must be done to treat severe atherosclerosis. The most common procedure and surgeries used are percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and carotid endarterectomy. PCI, or coronary angioplasty, is a procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked artery. This procedure helps to