How to treat arterial plaque
Disease description:
A while ago when I went to the hospital for a checkup, they told me there is a plaque in my arterial blood vessel. The doctor said it was quite serious. I would like to ask, how is plaque in the arteries treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The main treatments for arterial plaques include the following:
1. Medication:
Statins: Such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, etc. These medications can stabilize plaques, reduce plaque proliferation, and in some cases may even remove plaques.
Antiplatelet drugs: Such as aspirin, clopidogrel, etc. These medications prevent platelet aggregation, inhibit thrombus formation, and thus prevent the progression of vascular occlusive disease.
Thrombolytic and anticoagulant drugs: For thrombus formation in the arteries causing lumen narrowing or occlusion, thrombolytic agents (such as urokinase, alteplase) and anticoagulant drugs (such as low molecular weight heparin calcium, warfarin, rivaroxaban) may be used.
2. Lifestyle interventions:
Adjust dietary habits, mainly low-salt and low-fat diet. Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce intake of fatty foods such as fatty meats and animal offal.
Quit smoking and alcohol consumption, maintain moderate exercise, control body weight, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid strenuous exercise.
3. Surgical treatment:
If the arterial plaque has caused lumen narrowing or even impaired blood flow, surgical treatment may be required, such as endarterectomy, arterial stent placement, or directional coronary atherectomy. The choice of surgical method depends on the patient's specific condition and physical status.
