VASCULAR SOLUTIONS - Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons Treating Peripheral Vascular Disease in Cleveland, Ohio | ||||||||
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Atherosclerosis: The Pathologic Process Responsible for Peripheral Vascular Disease | |||
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Patient Information: Atherosclerosis | ||
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Atherosclerosis is a general term referring to occlusive disease of the arteries. It comes from the Greek words athero (gruel or mud) and sclerosis (hardening or hardness). It involves deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, fibrin (a clotting material in the blood), and platelets in the inner lining of an artery. The buildup that results is called plaque. | ||
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Carotid plaque obtained during a carotid endarectomy. Note the hemoragic soft material in the center of the plaque | ||||
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Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery. Two things that can happen where plaque occurs: | ||
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1. Bleeding (hemorrhage) into the plaque 2. Formation of a blood clot (thrombus) on the plaque's surface. | ||
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If either of these occurs and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack, stroke (brain attack), or ischemic leg (lack of blood flow) may result. Atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries. The type of artery and where the plaque develops varies with each person. Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may start in childhood. In some people this disease progresses rapidly in their third decade. In others it doesn't become threatening until they're in their fifties or sixties. | ||
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A variety of risk factors affect the development of atherosclerosis. These include: smoking, hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and hyperhomocyteinemia. These factors can be treated on your own and with the help of your doctor. Age, gender and genetics also negatively influence the development of atherosclerosis and cannot be currently controlled. What Can I Do? It is important to see your doctor regularly, exercise, and avoid smoking. Careful attention to salt and fat intake is also important. These general principles will mitigate the development of atherosclerosis and retard the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. | ||
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