Atherosclerosis

What is Atherosclerosis?
• Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of
your arteries caused by cholesterol plaques lining the
artery over time.

• The arteries become less elastic.

• It can put blood flow at risk as your arteries become

blocked.

• It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of

an artery.

• Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may

start as early as childhood. However, it can progress
rapidly.

It is also known as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

 Causes of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelium.
Common causes include:

01 02
High cholesterol Obesity or Diabetes
If there's too much cholesterol in the blood, the
Obesity causes chronic inflammation that
cholesterol and other substances may form
contributes to atherosclerosis.
deposits (plaques) that collect on artery walls

03
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage your blood
vessel walls. Fats in the blood can collect in
these damaged areas, clogging up the arteries
04
Smoking
The chemicals you inhale when you smoke cause
damage to your heart and blood vessels that makes
you more likely to develop atherosclerosis,
The video below visually demonstrates how the arteries
become clogged by plaque.
Stages of Athersoclerosis
Endothelial damage
Atherosclerosis begins
when damage occurs to the
inner layer of your artery
wall.
Plaque Growth
More dead foam cells and
other debris continue building
up at the site of the fatty
streak. The fatty streak slowly
gets bigger and forms into a
larger piece of plaque.
Fatty Streak
A “fatty streak” is the first
visible sign of atherosclerosis.
It’s a yellow streak or patch
formed from dead cells at the
site of endothelial damage.
Plaque Rupture
The plaque ruptures in this stage,
causing major issues in your body.
The plaque has existed in your artery
for a long period and it has enlarged
and occupied more room in your
artery. However, the fibrous cap has
protected the plaque from splitting
open until now.
 Symptoms of Atherosclerosis

Some symptoms include:

 Chest pain
 Cold sweats
 Heart palpitations
 Extreme tiredness
 Dizziness
 Weakness
Treatment for Atherosclerosis
As a starting point for treatment, your doctor might advise lifestyle modifications.
To reduce the quantity of fat and cholesterol you consume, you must alter your existing lifestyle.
Increased activity can help your heart and blood vessels function better.
You might also require extra medical care, such as prescription drugs or surgery.
Medicine for Atherosclerosis
Medications can help prevent atherosclerosis from worsening.

Medications for treating atherosclerosis include:

 cholesterol-lowering drugs, including statins

 angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which may lower
blood pressure
 beta-blockers, which “rest” the heart
 antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin to prevent blood from clotting and
clogging your arteries
Complications of Atherosclerosis
01 02
Heart attack Heart failure

03 04
Blood clotting Kidney damage/failure
 What would happen if Atherosclerosis is left
untreated?

If left untreated, Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke

and in some cases, death.
 Video of Atherosclerosis

https://youtu.be/zfAqC1oPbkw
Reducing the risk of Atherosclerosis
1. A healthy diet which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, skinless chicken, seafood and fat-free
or low-fat dairy products.
2. Losing weight-Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of atherosclerosis particularly carrying too much
weigh in your middle body.
3. Being physically active- Physical activity every day and build up a total of 150 minutes of activity a week would
reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
4. Not smoking- Smoking damages arteries. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nicotine
tightens blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder. Not smoking is one of the best ways to lower the risk if
atherosclerosis complications such as a heart attack
 Thank
you! Avaleigh Granado
Sarah Francis
Suri John
Giana Schneider
Myia Maharaj
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