What Distinguishes Atherosclerosis From Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is an issue that occurs in the arteries or blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood. In this condition, the fat and cholesterol globules get stored in the arteries that make the lumen of the arteries narrow. One of the risk factors of arteriosclerosis is old age.

Difference Between Atherosclerosis And Arteriosclerosis

If the walls of the arteries are not elastic they cannot manage the disturbance that happens in the blood flow during high pressure that is caused mainly when you get angry, play sports, or overexert. The blood pressure keeps rising as you age and thus worsens the condition.

On the other hand, atherosclerosis happens due to high cholesterol levels and storage of lipids, white blood cells, calcium, and clumps of platelet in the lumen that blocks or narrows the arteries.

The risk factors of atherosclerosis include diabetes, heavy smoking, hypertension, obesity, genetics, alcohol consumption,  and high levels of bad cholesterol. Some common symptoms of the disease are vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision, etc. There are high chances that you might overlook the symptoms until the condition worsens.

What is the difference between atherosclerosis and atheroma?

Atherosclerosis is generally a genetic disease that is a result of high cholesterol levels and poor exercise. It is a fatal condition in which arteries are affected. In this condition, there is an increase in the cholesterol, calcium, lipid, and white blood cells in the lumen that blocks the arteries. The condition has symptoms such as vertigo, palpitations, dizziness, etc. It can be treated with surgery and other treatment methods.

Atheroma, on the other hand, is a build-up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, inflammatory cells, and connective tissue. This build-up is created over a period of time. Atheroma is a condition that restricts blood flow by narrowing the arteries severely. In some cases, the pieces of its buildup can get broken which results in the production of the blood clot that also blocks the artery walls. If this condition worsens, it can lead to major health issues such as heart attack.

What is the detection of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis can not be self-diagnosed. Your doctor will perform a physical exam on your body to assess your condition. The doctor will have to listen to your arteries and check whether the pulses are weak or absent. Several tests need to be performed which includes the following:

• Angiogram- In this test, the doctor inputs a dye into the arteries so that they are visible in the X-ray.
• Blood tests are done to check your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels as they are associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography or MRA or CT scan needs to be performed in order to find any narrow or hardened arteries.
• A stress test is done in which the patient needs to exercise to examine his heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
• The ankle-brachial index is done to compare the level of blood pressure in your lower leg and arm.
• Chest x-rays are done to understand the symptoms of heart failure.

What are the 3 stages of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is divided into different stages:

First stage- The fatty streak is the first stage of atherosclerosis which can be found in young children of 10 years. A yellow streak is found along major arteries in this stage. The streak is a combination of muscle cells, macrophages, and cholesterol.

Second stage- This stage is the developed version of the first stage and is known as fibrous plaque. It is found within the inner layer of the vessel. It is a composition of muscle cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. These cells already include cholesterol in them.

Third stage– This is a more dangerous stage. When the second stage gets worse and fibrous plaque breaks apart, it spreads connective tissue and cholesterol below it and it is considered as an injury by your body. In order to maintain the scene, your body sends a team of blood-clotting cells to the affected area. This restricts the blood flow due to the initial blockage and blood clots.

Can you live a long life with atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis generally happens in the 20s or 30s. In the early stages, it can be treated and your cholesterol can come back to normal. It starts to get worse by the age of 40 since that is the age when almost everyone has cholesterol in their arteries. The plaque buildup starts by age of 45 in men whereas in women the symptoms of atherosclerosis can be found after the age of 55. As you age the condition becomes worse. Obviously, you cannot change your age or your family history but you can always change your lifestyle and shift to a healthier one. Eating healthy along with a proper workout routine and non-consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can decrease the risks of atherosclerosis and you can live a long and healthy life.

What are two of the hallmark signs of atherosclerosis?

There are various signs of atherosclerosis but these are so common that they can get overlooked. Here are the most common two signs of atherosclerosis.

• One of the most common signs you can look for if you have a risk of atherosclerosis is chest pain when you are active. The feeling of tightness in your chest. However, it can go away with rest.
• Another common symptom of atherosclerosis is shortness of breath, fatigue, or feeling dizzy most of the time.

Can apple cider vinegar remove plaque from arteries?

According to reports, apple cider vinegar has a positive effect on your lipids and cholesterol. It improves your good cholesterol levels and removes bad cholesterol from your arteries and protects your heart from the risks of strokes. Vinegar also improves the functioning of your liver which is good for cholesterol. You can take up to two tablespoons of vinegar with water for a healthy heart. However, a healthy diet is required alongside vinegar.

Is atherosclerosis permanent?

There are various stages of atherosclerosis. The early stages of the disease are treatable in several ways including medications and therapy. On the other hand, if not treated at its early stage the disease can get worse and cannot be reversed and may stay for life long and can put your heart at the risk of heart attacks or strokes. It can lead to life-threatening situations.

What distinguishes high blood pressure from conditions such as arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, does not have any active symptoms. It can only be determined if you check the levels of your blood pressure by measuring it. On the other hand, arteriosclerosis is a condition that affects arteries or blood vessels by making them stiff and thin whereas, in atherosclerosis, the condition gets worse due to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances and the plaque buildup takes place within the arteries. In the case of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, blood flow is at risk.

What foods should you avoid if you have atherosclerosis?

You can limit the risk of atherosclerosis by avoiding some food items in your diet. Here is the list:

• White bread
• Frozen waffles
• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Cookies
• Buttered popcorn
• Muffins
• Snack crackers
• Doughnuts
• Cakes
• Egg noodles
• Dairy products such as full-fat milk.
• Fatty meat
• Chicken wings
• Lunchmeat
• Fried meat, poultry or fish
• Hot dogs and sausages
• Bacon
• Butter
• Cream
• Palm, coconut, cottonseed, and palm kernel oils

Can exercise reverse atherosclerosis?

Exercise is considered as the key factor to a healthy heart along with a healthy diet. Exercise can help your body by making your muscles use more oxygen in an effective way and improves your blood circulation as well as promotes the growth of new blood vessels. A proper workout routine can reduce your high blood pressure levels which is one of the major risk factors of atherosclerosis. A good 30 minutes of everyday exercise is enough to make your body healthy. More physical activity shows better results along with exercise. You can include aerobic exercise or physical activity in your everyday routine for a healthy heart. Aerobic exercise includes walking, cycling, cross country skiing, elliptical machine, running, jogging, swimming, aerobic dance, stair climbing, etc. A healthy Life can definitely affect your condition in a positive way.

Conclusion

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are dangerous diseases and can be treated in their early stages. These conditions do not really show any active symptoms that can tell you about your condition. In fact, they have the most common symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, etc. The risk factors can be your age or family history or increased cholesterol levels. While you cannot control your genes or age, you can definitely control your cholesterol by opting for a healthy lifestyle that includes a regular healthy diet along with the required amount of physical activity. Early stages of these conditions can be treated through medications and lifestyle changes but once these start to develop in your body, they may cause life-threatening situations. It is best to consult your doctor as early as possible.

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