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| Arterial narrowing or atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. Major risk factors include smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This condition can lead to severe complications such as stroke and heart attack, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups for prevention. |
INFOPINTAR - Arterial narrowing also known as atherosclerosis is a potentially deadly condition. This process occurs when plaque a mixture of fats, cholestrol and other substances builds up on the walls of the arteries. Consequently, the arteries become narrow and hard restricting blood flow that carries essential oxygen and nutrients to the body's organs and tissues.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary risk factors for arterial narrowing include unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholestrol also contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Health Impacts
1. Stroke: When the arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked or burst, it can cause a stroke. A stroke can lead to irreversible brain damage, significant disability or even be fatal. Symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg particularly on one side of the body as well as difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
2. Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is completely blocked by a ruptured plaque or blood clot. This causes damage to the heart muscle that can be fatal. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea and dizziness.
Prevention and Management
Prevention is key to avoiding arterial narrowing. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet rich in fiber, regular exercise and quitting smoking is crucial. Additionally, routine monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholestrol is recommended. For those already diagnosed with atherosclerosis, treatment may include medications to lower cholestrol, antihypertensives and antiplatelet drugs to prevent blood clots.
Arterial narrowing is a serious condition that requires medical attention and significant lifestyle changes to prevent more severe complications like stroke and heart attack. By understanding the risks and preventive measures, we can reduce the risk and maintain better cardiovascular health.