Atherosclerosis
Introduction
Atherosclerosis, a chronic condition affecting millions globally, is characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. This comprehensive guide delves into its symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and diagnostic tests, aiming to enhance awareness and promote heart health.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease where plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates in the arterial walls. This plaque buildup can lead to significant health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis may remain asymptomatic for years. However, symptoms can manifest when blood flow becomes restricted. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or angina
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Confusion, if the blood flow to the brain is reduced
- Pain in limbs due to decreased blood flow
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, but several risk factors accelerate its development:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
- Unhealthy diet
Prevention Strategies
Prevention of atherosclerosis involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Key strategies include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes
Diagnostic Tests for Atherosclerosis
Early detection of atherosclerosis is crucial. The following tests are commonly used:
- Blood Tests: To check cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and markers of inflammation
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect heart-related issues
- Stress Tests: To observe heart function during exercise
- Angiography: To view blood flow through the arteries
- Ultrasound: To examine the condition of arteries
- CT Scans: To look for signs of plaque or blockages
Conclusion
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, requires early detection and proactive management. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and adopting preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk. Regular health screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals are vital for maintaining cardiovascular health.
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Biomarkers related to this condition:
The marker %sdLDL-C refers to the percentage of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. To understand this, let's break down the components. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells of your body and is n
Learn moreApoA-I, or Apolipoprotein A-I, plays a crucial role in understanding heart health and managing potential risks related to cardiovascular diseases. ApoA-I is the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. HDL is often refer
Learn moreThis test identifies 5 subclasses of HDL, 1 is identified as the large HDL subclass. Decreased levels of the large HDL subclass are associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk for CVD. Large HDL particles are functionally associated with an antioxidant
Learn moreReduced mean HDL size is associated with cardiovascular disease. Since HDL-C is primarily carried in the circulation by large, lipid-rich HDL particles, the inverse relationship between HDL size and cardiovascular risk can be secondary to those estab
Learn moreHDLs comprise a family of heterogeneous particles that vary by size, density, composition, and functionality. Two distinct HDL subfractions, large buoyant HDL2 and small dense HDL3, might exert differential effects on atherosclerosis and display
Learn moreHDL3-C subfractions are significantly and inversely associated with arterial stiffness, suggesting that HDL subfractions are likely more important than HDL-C in preventing cardiovascular disease. Broadly, HDL can be distinguished into two subfract
Learn moreHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or “good” cholesterol is known to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke by removing “bad” cholesterol from the blood. It is typically assessed through a lipid profile, w
Learn moreThe ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol/triglycerides is a calculated measure. Optimal: >0.50 Borderline: 0.25–0.50 Increased Risk: <0.25
Learn moreHDL-P, a measurement of total HDL particle number concentration, may be a better marker of residual risk than chemically measured high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, the so-called “good” cholesterol) or apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1
Learn moreHigh-density lipoproteins (HDL) comprise particles of different size, density and composition and their vasoprotective functions may differ. In the cardiovascular field, both HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and HDL particle size are independ
Learn moreWhat are Large VLDL Particles (Large VLDL-P)? Large VLDL particles, also known as very-low-density lipoprotein particles, play a significant role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. VLDL particles are primarily composed of triglycerides
Learn moreThis test measures the number of particles in each of the 8 LDL subclasses. Six of these 8 subclasses are small LDL subclass particles. These smaller particles are associated with rapid uptake into the endothelium contributing to accelerated atherosc
Learn moreLDL-P (LDL particle number) measures the actual number of LDL particles (particle concentration, nmol/L). It appears that LDL-P may be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDL-C. Lipoproteins are particles that transport fats through
Learn moreLDL patterns A and B refer to the size of LDL cholesterol particles in the blood. Some doctors believe that small LDL cholesterol particles in the blood may pose a greater risk for developing atherosclerosis and heart attacks than the absolute level
Learn moreAn average size of LDL peak subclass particles measuring less than 218 angstroms, as measured with Ion Mobility, is associated with a 1.35-fold increased risk for CVD. Contributing factors: Genetics/demographics: - Genetic predisposition
Learn moreSmall LDL-P and LDL Size are associated with CVD risk, but not after LDL-P is taken into account.
Learn moreSmall LDL subclass particles cause plaque buildup to progress much faster because they enter the artery wall more easily than large LDL particles. A predominance of smaller LDL particles, referred to as Pattern B lipid phenotype, represents an athero
Learn moreLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical biomarker in assessing cardiovascular health, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with increased risk of heart disease. LDL-C is one of the primary lipoprotein
Learn moreLipoproteins are particles that transport fats throughout the body. These particles are essential and carry a combination of proteins, vitamins, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules. The composition of a lipoprotein particle chang
Learn moreLDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is the ratio of two types of lipids in the blood. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol” and HDL stands for high density lipoprotein or “good cholesterol.”
Learn moreYour non-HDL cholesterol result refers to your total cholesterol value minus your HDL cholesterol. Your lipid panel results normally include four numbers: - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol;
Learn moreYour non-HDL cholesterol result refers to your total cholesterol value minus your HDL cholesterol. Your lipid panel results normally include four numbers: - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol;
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreSmall dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c) has been established to be highly associated with metabolic disorder. Small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c), is a distinct LDL cholesterol subclass, which is associated with raised TG and decreased HDL-c level
Learn moreThese particles are associated with an increased risk of heart disease; more of these small particles lead to greater risk. Your Small LDL particle score can vary widely, with a lower score being much better.
Learn moreTotal Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. With LDL c
Learn moreThe total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
Learn moreThe Triglycerides to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Ratio is a metric that is often used in the medical field to evaluate cardiovascular risk. This ratio is calculated by dividing the triglyceride level by the HDL cholesterol level, both of which are
Learn moreWhat is VLDL? VLDL stands for very-low-density lipoprotein. Your liver makes VLDL and releases it into your bloodstream. The VLDL particles mainly carry triglycerides, another type of fat, to your tissues. VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol, but L
Learn moreSpecial proteins, apoproteins, play an important role in moving lipoproteins around the body and facilitating their interactions with other cells. The most important of these are the apoB class, residing on VLDL, IDL, and LDL particles, and
Learn moreThis is a ratio calculated by dividing very low density lipoprotein cholesterol by triglycerides. A high ratio is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism and increased risk of CVD events. Optimal: <0.20 Borderline: 0.20 – 0.30 Increa
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