Does atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta require treatment?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Thoracic aortic sclerosis may require treatment. Thoracic aortic sclerosis refers to atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta, a non-inflammatory condition characterized by thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, loss of elasticity, and formation of plaques within the vessel walls. Active treatment is recommended if patients with thoracic aortic sclerosis also have risk factors such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia.
In general, thoracic aortic sclerosis may require treatment.
Thoracic aortic sclerosis refers to atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta, a non-inflammatory condition characterized by thickening and hardening of the arterial wall, loss of elasticity, and plaque formation within the vessel wall. If a patient with thoracic aortic sclerosis also has risk factors such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hyperlipidemia, these conditions should be actively treated to control disease progression and prevent complications. When these risk factors cause endothelial injury in the thoracic aorta, excess lipid components in the blood may deposit into the aortic wall. Over time, through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis, atherosclerotic plaques form beneath the vascular endothelium. However, in elderly individuals, thoracic aortic sclerosis may represent a normal physiological degenerative change. If there are no accompanying risk factors such as elevated blood lipids or high blood pressure, regular follow-up observation and periodic re-evaluation may be sufficient.
In daily life, diet should be light, with reduced intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods such as organ meats, fatty meats, and egg yolks. Increasing consumption of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels.
