Symptoms and methods of treatment of atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol plaques on the inner surface of blood vessels, which leads to their narrowing. The atherosclerotic process develops in the femoral, popliteal, tibial (obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities), internal and
external carotid arteries, brain vessels and coronary vessels. Complications of atherosclerosis cause 30-50% of all deaths of people aged 35-65.
Symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis
The first manifestations of the disease can occur at an early age. They are expressed in the appearance of lipid spots in blood vessels, which later develop into atherosclerotic plaques. In the early stages of atherosclerosis, plaques do not disrupt blood flow and the disease does not manifest itself clinically.
Over time, atherosclerotic plaques narrow the lumen of vessels, which causes impaired blood circulation. The occurrence of atherosclerotic stenosis leads to a stable deterioration of blood flow.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on the localization of the process. Signs of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the head are transient ischemic attacks or stroke. With atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries, myocardial ischemia occurs, which is manifested by an attack of angina pectoris. Atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart in the elderly leads to myocardial infarction or sudden death. However, even complete occlusion (clogging) of an artery by a plaque does not always end in a heart attack. Repeated ischemia can promote the development of collateral circulation, which mitigates the effects of occlusion.
Atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities causes their ischemia and the development of intermittent limping. The atherosclerotic process in the renal arteries leads to the development of persistent arterial hypertension. Damage to the mesenteric arteries is manifested by symptoms of intestinal ischemia.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck:
- headaches;
- deterioration of memory;
- periodic dizziness;
- emotional lability;
- impaired vision;
- problems with speech.
In the later stages, small tears appear on the surface of the plaques, adhesion of platelets is observed, blood clots are formed, some can completely block the vessel lumen, which leads to myocardial infarction or stroke.
How to treat cerebral atherosclerosis
Treatment of dyslipidemia begins with non-pharmacological measures. Doctors recommend changing your lifestyle – stop smoking, control your weight, exercise, eat right (limit foods with a high cholesterol content). Diet for atherosclerosis of the leg vessels includes the use of whole grain products, a sufficient amount of vegetables, fruits, fish, and seafood.
In the absence of effect from non-medicinal measures, antihyperlipidemic agents are prescribed. The main drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis are statins. Studies have shown that drug therapy helps reduce cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 20% and total cholesterol by 26%. Mortality with regular use of statins is reduced by 22%.
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