What does significant atherosclerosis mean?

Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque can cause your arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.

What is the initial stage of atherosclerosis?

The early stage of atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) droplets, leading to the creation of foam cells (FC).

What are the four stages of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the pathologic process by which cholesterol and calcium plaque accumulate within the arterial wall….The working theory includes four steps:

Endothelial cell injury.
Lipoprotein deposition.
Inflammatory reaction.
Smooth muscle cell cap formation.

What are the 5 stages of atherosclerosis?

Atherogenesis can be divided into five key steps, which are 1) endothelial dysfunction, 2) formation of lipid layer or fatty streak within the intima, 3) migration of leukocytes and smooth muscle cells into the vessel wall, 4) foam cell formation and 5) degradation of extracellular matrix.

When does atherosclerosis cause a heart attack or stroke?

You usually won’t have atherosclerosis symptoms until an artery is so narrowed or clogged that it can’t supply adequate blood to your organs and tissues. Sometimes a blood clot completely blocks blood flow, or even breaks apart and can trigger a heart attack or stroke.

What should you know about the symptoms of atherosclerosis?

Also pay attention to early symptoms of inadequate blood flow, such as chest pain (angina), leg pain or numbness. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop atherosclerosis from worsening and prevent a heart attack, stroke or another medical emergency.

What causes hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis?

Hardening of the arteries occurs over time. Besides aging, factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis include: High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Diabetes. Obesity. Smoking and other tobacco use.

How does a doctor check for atherosclerosis in the legs?

Your doctor will measure your blood pressure and heart rate. He or she will examine you, paying special attention to your circulation. The exam includes feeling for pulses in your neck, wrists, groin and feet. Your doctor may check the blood pressure in your legs, to compare it to the pressure in your arms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbShOXhO6p8