What is atherosclerosis?
I always feel unwell and that my blood circulation is poor, so I went for a checkup. The doctor told me I have atherosclerosis. I would like to ask, what exactly is atherosclerosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis, is a chronic disease primarily characterized by hardening and narrowing of the blood vessel walls. It occurs in large and medium-sized arteries, especially the coronary arteries supplying the heart, the carotid arteries of the brain, and the arteries of the lower limbs. Possible causes include:
1. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Substances such as nicotine and ethanol found in tobacco and alcohol are irritants. Frequent smoking or heavy drinking can irritate the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to reduced vascular elasticity and the development of arterial hardening.
2. Lack of exercise: Prolonged inactivity or insufficient physical activity can impair circulation. If blood flow stagnates in the arteries, it may lead to hardening. This condition may also be accompanied by weight gain and obesity.
3. Hypertension: This condition mainly results from persistently elevated blood pressure against the vessel walls. If blood pressure remains abnormally high over time, it can increase blood flow velocity, placing excessive pressure on the vessel walls, which may lead to localized hardening. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and headache.
4. Hyperlipidemia: This condition is mainly caused by elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the plasma. Increased fat content in the blood can affect blood flow velocity, leading to abnormal arterial hardening.
