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to Circulatory
Arteriosclerosis
& Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis
refers to several diseases that involve both arteries of different sizes
and layers of the walls of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis come from the
Greek words that mean "hardening of the arteries, " the term originally
signified the tendency of arteries to become hard and brittle through the
depositing of calcium in their walls. This is not, however, an important
characteristic of the most familiar form of arteriosclerosis, called atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
is a diesase of the arteries that is caused by fatty deposits on the inner
walls. This causes loss of arterial elasticity, and narrows the artery.
The constriction of the artery minimizes the smooth flow of blood causing
major organs to not receive enough blood. Blood clots may occur in the
arteries leading to the heart or brain causing a heart attack or a stroke.
There are many risks that can increase the chance of getting Atheriosclerosis.
Here a a few risks:
-
1. aging:
brings about degenerative arterial changes such as dilatation, tortuosity,
thickening and loss of elasticity.
-
2. physical inactivity:
increases the chances of complications developing, but the disease effects
both the active and sedentary.
-
3. lifestyle:
considerations can contribute depending upon diet, stress levels etc.
-
4. cigarette smoking:
increases the chances of developing this disease as well as many others.
-
5. diets:
rich in saturated fats, cholesterol, and calories appear to be chiefly
responsible for high blood cholesterol, and such diets are therefore believed
to promote atherosclerosis.
-
6. a family history:
of premature atherosclerotic disease appears to indicate either a propensity
to higher levels of the risk factors for atherosclerosis or an increased
susceptibility to them. Inborn errors in lipid metabolisms also increase
susceptibility.
-
7.hypertension:.
High blood pressure is critical in the atherosclerotic process, which does
not normally occur in the low-pressure pulmonary arteries and veins, despite
their being bathed by the same blood concentration of lipids.
Back to Diseases
of the Circulatory System