What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is also known as hardening of the arteries. The deposits themselves, however, are by no means made of calcium, although the so-called atherosclerotic plaques may contain calcium salts that contribute to the hardening of the vessels.

As the disease progresses, the arteries become increasingly thickened and hard. This narrows their cross-section: the passage through the “pipes” becomes smaller. In addition, vessels that are naturally flexible lose their elasticity.

As a result, blood flow and circulation are restricted, and with them the supply of oxygen to the affected areas. If hardened arteries rupture, blood clots can form and block the vessel completely. This leads to emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes.

Atherosclerosis can still be influenced well in its early stages: a healthy lifestyle combined with certain medicines is enough to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Treatment in Switzerland includes a medical examination and blood tests to measure cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Depending on the symptoms the patient describes, the doctors arrange further examinations:

  • ECG (electrocardiogram)
  • Stress ECG (to detect coronary heart disease)
  • Ultrasound of the cerebral vessels (to show the condition of the vessels of the neck and brain)
  • Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram)
  • Computed tomography of the heart (cardiac CT)
  • Imaging to detect insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle in coronary heart disease (for example cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), SPECT or cardiac PET)
  • Coronary angiography (the blood vessels are made visible using X-rays and a contrast agent)
  • Imaging of the head (for example computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI))

Risk factors for atherosclerosis: smoking, obesity, lack of exercise.

An increased risk of atherosclerosis can lead to changes in the blood vessels as early as adolescence. The more risk factors come together, the higher the likelihood. Other typical risk factors for atherosclerosis are:

  • smoking,
  • obesity,
  • lack of exercise.

Lifestyle therefore plays an important role. Underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes also increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. This is why it is important to begin treating such conditions as early as possible.

Older people have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis. Women over 70 and men over 60 are affected more often than younger people. Many of them do too little exercise, eat an unhealthy diet or already have existing conditions.

Atherosclerosis: Prevention, Early Detection, Prognosis

There are a number of things you can do to prevent atherosclerosis. A healthy diet is just as important as sufficient physical activity and giving up habits that damage the blood vessels:

  • Follow a low-cholesterol diet and, if necessary, reduce excess weight. Eat only a little meat, sausage, fast food or ready meals, as these hide harmful fats and other additives that strain the metabolism. Instead, eat wholegrain products, pulses, fish and plenty of vegetables and fruit.
  • Endurance sport, three to five times a week for 30 minutes, has been shown to lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Cycling, jogging, walking, cross-country skiing and swimming are all beneficial. These sports also help you lose excess weight and keep it within a healthy range.
  • If you smoke, try to stop. There are many ways to give up smoking. If you cannot do it on your own, seek help from professionals. Smoking is one of the greatest risk factors for atherosclerosis and many other diseases.

Because symptoms appear only at later stages, you should have regular check-ups for atherosclerosis, all the more so if you belong to a risk group. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Atherosclerosis: How Is It Treated?

The treatment of atherosclerosis depends on the stage of the disease. Drug treatment mainly uses vasodilators, medicines that improve fat metabolism and medicines that prevent blood clots. If cholesterol levels are too high, medicines that regulate them are used. Natural ingredients help in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. We hear more and more about the beneficial effects of flavonoids, linked to their ability to remove excess free radicals and prevent their formation, to protect LDL lipoprotein fractions from oxidation and to inhibit inflammation.

When conservative treatment is not sufficient, invasive treatment is introduced. The methods used include widening the vessel with a stent, removing the atherosclerotic plaque, and bypass surgery (creating a route around the narrowed section of the vessel using a vascular prosthesis). Diet plays a complementary role alongside these forms of treatment. The main rule is to limit fats, especially animal fats, as well as simple sugars and salt. You can obtain detailed dietary recommendations from a dietitian.