Serious Causes Linked To Poor Circulation

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes plaque accumulation in the arteries. This contributes to a narrowing of the arteries that reduces blood flow. In the initial stages of atherosclerosis, most patients do not have symptoms. Symptoms generally begin in middle age, and they vary depending on which arteries are affected. When the coronary arteries are affected, patients could experience shortness of breath, angina, and heart rhythm irregularities. These may be symptoms of ischemic heart disease, one of the major complications associated with atherosclerosis. If the carotid arteries become narrowed as a result of atherosclerosis, patients are at risk of a stroke. Stroke symptoms include sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, loss of coordination, breathing problems, and a sudden, severe headache.

When atherosclerosis leads to plaque accumulation in the peripheral arteries, patients could notice numbness or pain in their arms or legs. Many patients with atherosclerosis do not know they have it until they experience a medical emergency such as a heart attack or a stroke. Patients with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, may be given medication to control these risk factors. Treatment methods for atherosclerosis focus on weight loss and other lifestyle changes, and doctors may prescribe medications to reduce the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Patients with severe atherosclerosis might need to have surgical intervention such as a coronary artery bypass procedure.

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