Atherosclerosis, also known as Ateriosclerotic Vascular
Disease (ASVD), is a disease that results when an excessive buildup of plaque
forms and adheres to the lining of the body’s arteries. As the plaque lingers, it begins to harden,
causing these blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow from the heart to
the body’s tissues and organs. This limited ability to receive oxygenated blood
can cause serious cardiovascular complications such as strokes, myocardial
infarctions and even death if not treated properly or in a timely manner.
ASVD begins to form when the endothelium, a thin layer of
cells lining the lumen of the artery, is damaged. Damage to the endothelium can result from
high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol levels. The impaired layer
allows LDL cholesterol to accumulate along the wall. In response to this foreign buildup, the body
sends white blood cells called macrophages to act as a defense system and rid
the body of the cholesterol. However, what was initially meant as good can lead
to bad. Occasionally, some of the
macrophages will remain in the damaged area, and as they conglomerate with the
cholesterol, plaque begins to form. The
continual presence and flow of blood through the artery contributes other
substances such as fat and calcium to the buildup. While the limited flow of blood through the
body is unsafe, the true danger occurs when a piece of plaque breaks away or
when a thrombus forms. If either of
these blocks the artery, the flow of blood discontinues, significantly reducing
the oxygen supply to the body. Were this
to occur in either of the two coronary arteries, the heart is deprived of
oxygen and undergoes cardiac ischemia.
Prolonged, the tissues of the heart die and myocardial infarction
occurs. Further, the same idea is
applied when the brain’s arteries are blocked, and the brain receives an
insufficient supply of oxygen. Without
the essential oxygen, the brain tissue dies and a stroke ensues.
While atherosclerosis might initially seem trivial, it has the potential to substantially
affect your health. So the question is, will you let it?
For more information visit the link below:
“Atherosclerosis – 3D Animation
|| ABP ©.”
YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 04 Sept.
2015.
Rooke, Jennifer. Atherosclerosis. Digital image. Advanced Lifestyle Medicine. N.p., n.d.
Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
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