Atherosclerosis is characterized by the thickening of artery walls due to fatty materials, leading to restricted blood flow and potential complications such as heart disease and stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and an unhealthy diet, while prevention focuses on lifestyle changes. Treatments involve lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical procedures to manage symptoms and reduce risks.

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