Risk factors for arteriosclerosis

Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
Updated on September 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

The etiology of atherosclerosis is not yet fully understood, but the main risk factors include age and gender. The older the age, the higher the probability of occurrence, and the probability in men is higher than in women. Abnormal blood lipids, with the main treatment target being low-density lipoprotein, hypertension, smoking, glucose tolerance abnormalities, and obesity are all possible risk factors. Additionally, we cannot ignore family history; if there is a history of early-onset coronary heart disease in the family, then this risk factor is also very high. Moreover, personality is related, with Type A personalities being more prone to atherosclerosis. Dietary habits are also related; patients who often eat high-calorie, high-animal-fat, high-cholesterol foods are prone to develop the condition. There are also patients taking oral contraceptives, who are likely to develop atherosclerosis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
1min 40sec home-news-image

The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is the most common and most important among a group of vascular diseases called arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arteriosclerosis include thickening, hardening, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the arterial walls. The characteristic of arteriosclerosis is that the affected arterial lesions start from the intima, with various lesions coexisting, including local accumulation of papyraceous and complex carbohydrates, proliferation of fibrous tissue, and formation of plaques due to calcification, along with gradual degradation of the arterial media. Secondary lesions include intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque rupture, and local thrombosis formation. Modern cellular and molecular biology techniques show that arteriosclerotic lesions are characterized by migration of macrophages, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and abundant formation of fibrous, collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans as connective tissue matrices, as well as intra- and extracellular lipid accumulation. Because the lipid accumulation in the intima appears yellow and mushy, it is called arteriosclerosis. Although arteriosclerosis is only one type of arteriosclerosis, it is commonly referred to simply as arteriosclerosis due to its frequent occurrence and significant clinical relevance.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What medicine to take for arteriosclerosis?

Drug therapy is an important component of the treatment for atherosclerosis and mainly includes the following types. The first is to regulate blood sugar and lipids, keeping them under control to slow down the process of atherosclerosis. The second involves taking antiplatelet medications to prevent the formation of blood clots, especially since some plaques, particularly soft plaques, are prone to rupture. For some patients who have already formed blood clots, thrombolytic therapy might be considered, but this is not typically necessary for all patients. Additionally, because high blood pressure can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, some patients also need to take antihypertensive drugs. For patients with narrowed blood vessels and severe symptoms, such as angina, vasodilators, including nitrates, might be used. Therefore, the treatment choices may vary depending on the severity of the condition, and the modes of drug therapy differ. (Note: Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
43sec home-news-image

How to prevent arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease related to aging, poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperlipidemia or diabetes. Atherosclerosis can be effectively prevented. To prevent atherosclerosis, the following should be adhered to: First, maintain good lifestyle habits, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and eat less spicy and greasy foods. Second, control blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels. When issues such as elevated blood pressure and lipids arise, it is necessary to use medication under the guidance of a doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
38sec home-news-image

The earliest lesions of arteriosclerosis

The earliest lesion of atherosclerosis is the formation of lipid spots and streaks. The so-called lipid spots are small yellow dots that appear on the arterial intima. Under pathological observation, these are small areas of macrophages containing lipid droplets, forming a cluster of foam cells. As this small yellow dot develops, it gradually turns into a yellow streak made up of layers of macrophages containing lipids. The intima also comprises smooth muscle cells and lipids, as well as an infiltration of T cells, resembling a yellow streak on the intima.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
32sec home-news-image

How long can one live with arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis has a certain impact on survival and longevity, but it is not an absolute determinant. People with mild arteriosclerosis have fewer sudden incidents of cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, thus they may have a longer survival period. However, if arteriosclerosis leads to myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction, it will also affect their lifespan, but there is no absolute conclusion.