Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become clogged up with fatty substances known as plaques or atheroma. These can be fatal and restrict the blood flow around the body by causing the affected arteries to narrow, this can damage organs and prevent them functioning. Another risk is if a plaque ruptures it can cause a blood clot which in turn can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Risk of Atherosclerosis is increased by:
Smoking.
A high-fat diet.
Lack of exercise.
Being overweight or obese.
Diabetes.
High blood pressure.
High Cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis is also more common in men because hormones produced in the female reproductive cycle like oestrogen provide some protection against the effects of the condition.
Atherosclerosis can be treated through a lifestyle change like a healthier diet or more exercise, or through medicine such as ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure or statins to lower cholesterol. It can also be treated through surgery.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atherosclerosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Risk of Atherosclerosis is increased by:
Smoking.
A high-fat diet.
Lack of exercise.
Being overweight or obese.
Diabetes.
High blood pressure.
High Cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis is also more common in men because hormones produced in the female reproductive cycle like oestrogen provide some protection against the effects of the condition.
Atherosclerosis can be treated through a lifestyle change like a healthier diet or more exercise, or through medicine such as ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure or statins to lower cholesterol. It can also be treated through surgery.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atherosclerosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx