One of the diseases that lead to the thickening, hardening, and narrowing of the numerous arteries is arteriosclerosis. It is a pathological disorder that affects with age, and it destroys the vascular system. However, severe or extreme arteriosclerosis causes heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases despite ageing, which can cause some rigidity of the arteries.
This blog article is about arteriosclerosis, explaining its causes, core components, and also preventative measures to maintain healthy artery functions. Scroll down to read!
What is Arteriosclerosis?
This kind of vascular disease occurs when the arteries—the blood vessels that carry oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body—are harmed by things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and certain genetic influences. The three types of arteriosclerosis are:
- Atherosclerosis
- Monckeberg’s arteriosclerosis
- Arteriolosclerosis
What Causes Arteriosclerosis?
Knowledge of the risk factors for arteriosclerosis is essential to develop preventative approaches. Arteriosclerosis develops and progresses due to several significant factors:
- Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure.
- High Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) problems.
- If a person is a chain smoker.
- Diabetes patients.
- Ageing factors.
- Genetic or family issues.
How can you prevent Arteriosclerosis?
Generally, there are some risk factors such as age or family issues that cannot be obtained by any person. But on the other side, if a person prevents things that can lead to arteriosclerosis and can slow down the progression. Some of the steps are:
- An excellent diet that is well-balanced is important for preventing arteriosclerosis. At this point, you should concentrate on consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Limit the amount of cholesterol and saturated and trans fats that you consume.
- High blood pressure and the increased cholesterol levels are well connected to obesity. Arteriosclerosis is prevented or can be reduced by healthy eating and also regular exercises.
- Being open to keeping physical activity is the true core of heart health. Every week, an attempt should be made to engage in more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as swimming, brisk walking, or cycling. Additionally, work out with strength training two or more times a week.
- Arteriosclerosis and numerous other cardiovascular diseases are among the main risks associated with smoking. Giving up smoking is one of the best ways to improve arterial health. You could also enrol in smoking cessation programs or rely on medical specialists like cardiologists.
- Control of blood pressure and its regular monitoring is a critical factor in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. Optimal blood pressure can result from a healthy lifestyle that involves a low-sodium diet, physical activity, and also stress management.
- Make sure to have your cholesterol levels checked often and also partner with a healthcare professional for adequate control. This may also entail dietary changes, drugs or a combination of both.
- If you have diabetes, efficient control of blood sugar by taking medication, making lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring is essential. The risk of arteriosclerosis complications can be decreased by effective diabetes management.
- However, chronic stress may lead to many cardiovascular problems. Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises and the activities that you enjoy doing in your routine.
- Although moderate alcohol use is generally associated with cardiovascular benefits, excessive drinking can lead to hypertension and also other related ailments. If you plan to drink, do it in moderation.
All Summed Up!
Arteriosclerosis is a chronic condition with severe consequences for cardiovascular functioning. Luckily, people can do many things to avoid or at least limit its consequences by engaging in lifestyle changes and also making the right choices.
Accordingly, if faced with such problems in life related to health, pay attention to these signs. You are very welcome to visit the expert cardiologist at the German Heart Centre. In this case, you will have proficient advisory services and the best treatment for your heart condition.