atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup is called plaque.

1. ATHEROSCLEROSIS

2. Introduction
• Atherosclerosis is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as
the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol.
• It is also known as Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease or ASVD).
• It is commonly referred to as a hardening or furring of the arteries.

3. Cont….
• It is caused by the formation of multiple plaques within the
arteries.
• It can restrict blood flow.
• These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot.
• Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can
affect arteries anywhere in your body.
• Atherosclerosis is a preventable and treatable condition.

4. Definition
A process of progressive thickening and hardening of
the walls of medium-sized and large arteries as a
result of fat deposits on their inner lining.

6. Causes of Atherosclerosis
• Damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery that
may be caused by
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
An irritant, such as nicotine
Certain diseases, such as diabetes

7. Risk factors
A family history of
early heart disease
An unhealthy diet Diabetes
High blood
pressure
High cholesterol
High levels of C-
reactive protein
(CRP), a marker of
inflammation
Lack of exercise Obesity
Sleep apnea
Smoking and other
tobacco use
Hardening of the arteries occurs over time. Aging is a risk factor for
atherosclerosis. Other things that may increase the risk of atherosclerosis
include:

10. Signs and Symptoms
• Chest pain (angina).
• Atherosclerosis in the arteries leading to brain, have symptoms
such as
Sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs,
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech, or drooping muscles in
face.

11. Cont….
• Atherosclerosis in the arteries in arms and legs, produces
decreased blood flow is called peripheral artery occlusive
disease (PAOD) have symptoms such as leg pain when walking
• Sometimes atherosclerosis causes erectile dysfunction in men.
• high blood pressure or kidney failure.

12. Tests and diagnosis
Blood tests.
Doppler
ultrasound
Ankle-brachial
index.
Other imaging
tests.
Angiogram.
Electrocardiogram
(ECG).
CT and MRI

13. Treatments and drugs
• Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising,
are often the first line of defense in treating atherosclerosis.
• Medication or surgical procedures may be recommended as well.
• Cholesterol medications- cholesterol medications includes drugs
known as statins and fibrates.
• Anti-platelet medications such as aspirin, to reduce the likelihood
that platelets will clump in narrowed arteries, form a blood clot and
cause further blockage.
• Anticoagulants- An anticoagulant, such as heparin or warfarin can
help thin blood to prevent clots from forming.

14. Cont…..
• Blood pressure medications- Medications to control blood
pressure such as beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers can help slow the
progression of atherosclerosis
• Certain medications to control specific risk factors for atheroscleros
s, such as diabetes.
• Surgical procedure- Angioplasty and Bypass Surgery ( Coronary
Artery Bypass Graft Surgery)
• Thrombolytic therapy- Insert a clot dissolving drug into artery at The
point of the clot to break it up.

15. Prevention
• Quitting smoking
• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Checking and maintaining a healthy blood pressure
• Checking and maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood sugar
levels

16. Complications
• Coronary artery disease
• Carotid artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Aneurysms
• Chronic kidney disease.

17. Summary
So far today we have
discussed about atherosclerosis.

18. Expected Questions
Short
• Describe the Atherosclerosis.

19. References
• Jacob Anthikad, Biochemistry for nurses
• Pankaja Naik, Essentials of Biochemistry
• Satyanarayan, Essentials of Biochemistry
• A. C. Deb, Biochemistry

20. THANK YOU