Blood Pressure And Your Health
Atherosclerosis Flowchart
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.