Cause And Effects Of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a fatal disease where plaque forms in the arteries. Plaque hardens, and as it builds up, the arteries becomes thinner causing inadequate oxygen and blood flow to organs and other parts of the body. Plaque is formed from fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other affluences found in the blood. It can have an impact on any artery in the body depending on which arteries are affected. This disease can vary for each affected person. Different diseases may develop overtime. Some of the diseases that may possibly develop include coronary heart disease, angina, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. Angina is a chest pain or discomfort that can be produced when the arteries are narrowed by 50%

The carotids arteries are found in the brain, neck, face and scalp. Peripheral arteries reduces blood flow of the limbs. Atherosclerosis can harm large and medium sized arteries. It may perhaps partially or fully block the blood movement of an artery in organs such as the heart, brain, pelvis, legs, arms or kidneys. Health defects that is caused by atherosclerosis are referred as cardiovascular disease. Scientist believe plaque builds up and becomes the inner lining of the artery. When plaque occurs, part of it can possibly break off or a blood clot can form on the plaque’s surface resulting into a heart attack or stroke. The damage is due to High cholesterol, High blood pressure and cigarette smoking. Smoking quickly speeds up the growth of plaque in the arteries of the heart, brains and legs. Fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances stimulates the cells of the artery wall (the endothelium) to produce more substances resulting to more cell production in the inner layer of the artery wall where plaque begins to form. Fat builds within and around the cells. Bad cholesterol (LDL) passes through the endothelium triggering white blood cells to absorb the bad cholesterol. Cells and cholesterols gathers up the artery

When there is limited blood flow, oxygen supply is reduced. A blood clot will eventually form blocking the artery, stopping blood flow. With limited oxygen supply to the heart muscle a heart attack can happen or, if part of the brain is not receiving enough oxygen it will contribute to a stroke. Atherosclerosis is known to be categorized as a chronic disease which means it develops silently over time. It is the first stage of coronary heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women that are from any race in the United States. It is a slow progressing disease that can begin as early as childhood. According to the American Heart Association it was stated that it is normal for arteries to harden as you get older, however it can have a dramatic effect for some people. Coronary Heart disease can take place rapidly up to 80-90% of Americans in their thirties. For others it doesn’t become harmful until their forties or fifties (American Heart Association, 2014). Other major factors that can provoke the potential risk of this disease may include: insulin resistance- (if the body can’t use insulin properly), diabetes, overweight or obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets- (Foods with high saturated and trans-fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar), older age- (genetic or lifestyle factors), or