Blood Pressure And Your Health

Atherosclerosis is defined as the retainment of a waxy deposit on the insides of the blood vessels. It defines a condition in which the arteries become hard and less flexible. The arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Due to some complications such as aging, high blood pressure, and certain diseases, such as diabetes, arteries often become leathery and rigid. When that happens, blood may flow less easily through the arteries. The hardening of arteries is called arteriosclerosis. For further information, read High Blood Pressure.

Atherosclerosis causes the inner lining of the artery to be affected. Fatty materials deposit on the lining of the artery forming an increasing mass. The mass is usually called a plaque. It becomes progressively difficult for blood to flow through the artery. The formation of a plaque in an artery can lead to a number of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. If the plaque forms in an artery that leads to the heart, it may block the flow of blood to the heart, and a heart attack may occur.

The plaque may also break off from the artery wall and travel through the bloodstream. As a result, atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in the body. It can affect arteries of the neck, kidneys, thighs, and arms. In such cases, the interruption of blood flow can produce many medical conditions, such as kidney failure and gangrene (death of tissues).

Changes in lifestyle can treat atherosclerosis. Patients can reduce the amount of fats and cholesterol in their diet, quit smoking, lose weight, and become more physically active. For more serious forms of atherosclerosis, other treatments may be necessary. These include the use of drugs and various forms of surgery. Drugs are often aimed at reducing cholesterol. To reduce blood pressure, you can take the help of blood pressure medication. Blood pressure readings in the form of blood pressure units and blood pressure charts have to be maintained. So, you may get yourself a blood pressure tester or digital blood pressure cuffs. Monitoring will help you make atherosclerosis flowchart as well as find causes of high blood pressure and administer high blood pressure remedy.