DEFINITION

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the blood vessels where lipids and cellular debris are deposited on the inner walls of medium and large arteries. As a result, the artery walls become thicker than normal, lose their elasticity and may become obstructed.

DESCRIPTION

The arteries play a vital function in the human body, supplying blood to the organs and tissues of the body. Atherosclerosis begins when the cells lining the arteries are damaged. Small deposits containing a mixture of cholesterol, fatty cells and tissue (called plaques), cling to the damaged walls of the arteries. This can cause the arteries to become hard and brittle and lose their elasticity. Eventually the plaque will become calcified in that area. In some cases a piece of the plaque may break off and enter the circulating bloodstream, causing an embolism. Eventually the artery will become completely blocked and the blood flow will be insufficient. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke in people aged over 65 years. Other risk factors for Atherosclerosis include being male and having a family history of the condition. Lack of physical exercise is also thought to play a role.

CAUSE

Atherosclerosis may be related to any of the following causes.
1) Hypertension.
2) Abnormal Cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol can increase plaque formation.
3) Smoking. Smoking causes the blood pressure to increase and irritates the walls of the arteries.
4) Diabetes. Insulin resistance interferes with the metabolism of lipids in the liver, causing a potential increase in plaque formation.
5) Obesity. Obesity usually results in insulin resistance, which can cause plaque formation.
6) Elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid (protein) in the blood. Elevated levels weaken the arterial wall and increase the risk of cell damage.
7) Infections. Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and other infections may cause inflammation of the blood vessels and lead to Atherosclerosis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat Atherosclerosis. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. Atherosclerosis is not usually noticed until symptoms of stroke or heart disease begin to appear. Therefore prevention of Atherosclerosis is best accomplished by addressing the underlying causes.
1) Always stay on the medications prescribed by your Doctor.
2) Keep within a healthy weight range.
3) Control any medical problems such as diabetes or hypertension.
4) Maintain a healthy diet.
5) Exercise for 30 minutes at least twice a week.
6) Quit smoking.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Follow the Diet Hints and ask your Pharmacist for advice. See the Atherosclerosis Diet topic on the Healthpoint.
2) If you need information about your prescribed medication, ask your Pharmacist.
3) Avoid refined sugars, which may increase damage to arterial cells.
4) Ask your Pharmacist for advice about maintaining a healthy weight. See the Weight Management - Meal Plan topic.
5) Smoking is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Ask your Pharmacist for assistance with quitting.
6) Exercise regularly. Regular walking is a gentle but effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness. Check with your Doctor first for a fitness assessment.
7) If dietary intake is inadequate vitamin supplements may be of benefit.

DIET HINTS

- Limit fats and oils in the diet. In particular avoid saturated fats found in animal products (including dairy foods) and hidden fats in pastries, biscuits, fried foods, snack foods, cream and chocolate. Mono and polyunsaturated oils such as olive, avocado, canola and sunflower oils may be beneficial when consumed in moderation.
- Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Include several servings of wholegrain cereals, breads, pulses and legumes (beans, peas, lentils etc) daily.
- Eat plenty of cold water fish (including salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, swordfish and sea mullet).
- Avoid refined sugars (sweets, soft drinks, foods with large amounts of added sugar etc.).
- Onions, garlic and spices such as turmeric are thought to have some role in protecting against Atherosclerosis.
- Drink in moderation (Men: less than 4 standard drinks per day, Women: less than 2 standard drinks per day).

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

- Vitamin C, taken in conjunction with Vitamin E may help to reduce the risk of Coronary Artery Disease.
- Garlic is thought to assist Atherosclerosis by reducing cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in the blood.

ORGANISATIONS and SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Heart Foundation of Australia topic on the Healthpoint.

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