Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis involves the deposition of cholesterol and calcium, and the build-up of inflammatory cells in arterial walls, leading to the narrowing and hardening of the artery. As arteries lose their elasticity, a person can experience increased blood pressure and ischaemia (oxygen deprivation). An occlusion in a (i) coronary artery can cause angina or myocardial ischaemia (ii) cerebral artery can cause a transient ischaemic attack or a stroke (iii) artery of the lower limb causes peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Risk factors: smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and family history.

Symptoms of PVD: cramping pain in the leg, aching muscles, numbness and weakness of the legs.

Who to consult: Counselling (quit smoking), dietician, exercise physiologist, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath.

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Tags: atherosclerosis, cholesterol, calcium inflammation, artery, heart, blood pressure, hypertension, angina, heart attack, smoke, smoking