Arterial plaque can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether. Clogged arteries greatly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Because of these dangers, it is essential to be aware, no matter how old you are, of the causes of artery plaque and treatment strategies to prevent serious consequences.
Plaque that accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, a material involved in blood clotting. In response to plaque buildup, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.
Each artery is a muscular tube lined by smooth tissue and has three layers: the intima, the media, and the adventitia. The largest artery is the aorta, which branches into a network of smaller arteries that extend throughout the body. The arteries’ smaller branches are called arterioles and capillaries.
Plaque often starts to develop during childhood or teenage years. Then, clogged arteries develop in middle age or later. It depends on where arterial plaque accumulates. Clogged arteries in different parts of the body can lead to multiple medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
In many instances, clogged arteries do not cause any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs. At other times, especially when the artery is blocked by 70% or more, the buildup of arterial plaque may cause symptoms that include chest pain, also known as angina. This reduced blood flow to the heart is caused by plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.
Clogged arteries in carotid artery disease may cause stroke precursors known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIAs may produce symptoms such as dizziness, numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, and blurred vision. Clogged arteries in peripheral artery disease may cause:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book an appointment with Michoes Medical Centre today to discuss your risk factors for clogged arteries.
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