Atherosclerosis is a disease that is difficult to recognize at first. Although it is conditioned by changes in our body that begin in our teenage years, it is very important to control these changes. It is mainly about measuring cholesterol levels and using atherosclerosis prevention. Left untreated, it can lead to leg amputation, stroke or heart attack.
Atherosclerosis causes e.g. excess of bad cholesterol in the blood, deposited in the walls of the arteries. Then it creates atherosclerotic plaque, i.e. deposits that make the blood vessels harder and narrower. Most often, these changes occur in the carotid arteries (which carry blood to the brain), the heart, and also those that supply blood to the legs.
Cholesterol itself is not bad – our body needs it for proper digestion of food, production of vitamin D, secretion of sex hormones and many other processes. It is produced by the liver in the amount of two grams a day, and too much of it can cause the above-mentioned unfavorable process of narrowing the arteries, i.e. atherosclerotic changes.
Unfortunately, this disease can progress in teenage people, as our blood vessels harden with age. That is why it is important to take care of the correct level of cholesterol in the blood from an early age.
Symptoms of atherosclerosis. What to look for
Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect in the early stages, but it is not impossible. At first, quite innocent symptoms appear, such as problems with memory and concentration, rapid fatigue, leg pain. Usually, too much cholesterol from this “bad” fraction does not give any clear signals, but if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is better to see a doctor.
Symptoms appear only when the lumen of the arteries narrows by half. In some people, however, they can appear in the form of skin lesions, which is still a better option than атеросклероз asymptomatic (you can react faster and start treatment). Cholesterol deposits then accumulate in the form of yellowish lumps around the elbows, eyelids, breasts (usually below). Sometimes they take the form of bumps on the tendons of the feet and wrists.
If you notice these symptoms, consult a specialist. Of course, the risk of this disease is best indicated by the level of cholesterol in the blood by checking the amount of LDL and HDL fractions. Unfortunately, there are no studies yet that would clearly indicate atherosclerosis, but it is possible to detect cholesterol deposits using an ultrasound examination. In addition, the condition of the arteries can be determined using coronary angiography and computed tomography.