Vascular inflammation, or atherosclerosis, is caused by the buildup of plaque in arteries and can lead to narrowed passages, blood clots, and organ damage. Lifestyle changes and medication can manage the condition, but severe cases may require surgery. Symptoms vary and can include numbness, weakness, and pain.
Vascular inflammation is a potentially serious medical condition characterized by the buildup of atheromatous plaque within the arterial walls of the body. Commonly called atherosclerosis, this inflammation is a progressive condition that develops with a variety of factors that can be genetic, behavioral, or dietary in origin. Treatment for this manageable condition often includes lifestyle changes coupled with prescribed medications to stabilize your condition and prevent further buildup of arterial plaque.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the body’s arteries. An atheroma is a fatty substance that lines the weakened arterial walls where the damage has occurred. In an attempt to heal itself, blood platelets generally collect in these weakened areas, attaching themselves to fatty plaque. Although arterial tissue can be strengthened and strengthened by platelet and plaque buildup, overall arterial function becomes impaired.
In the presence of vascular inflammation, arterial passages narrow and blood flow constricts, compromising the health of surrounding tissues and organs that do not receive the nutrients supplied by oxygenated blood. Not only is circulation impaired by arterial narrowing, but pieces of arterial plaque can break off and enter the bloodstream. Once plaque enters the bloodstream, it can travel to other parts of the body, such as the brain or heart, building up additional platelets along the way that contribute to blood clots. A blood clot not only impairs arterial circulation and function, but can increase the risk of organ damage or failure, heart attack and stroke.
There are several factors that can contribute to the onset and progression of vascular inflammation. In the absence of a definitive and known cause, behavioral factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lethargy can create the ideal conditions that favor the accumulation of arterial plaque. Individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are thought to have an increased risk of developing vascular inflammation.
Often affecting major arteries throughout the body, the symptoms associated with this condition can vary in severity and, depending on the individual, can occur in localized areas. Those with mild to moderate arterial narrowing may remain asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms, until a blockage forms and impairs circulation or organ function. Depending on the location of the inflammation, individuals may experience numbness, weakness, or pain. Other signs may include impaired neurological and motor function and a loss of muscle function or coordination.
The reduction in blood pressure due to arterial narrowing will usually present with a weakened pulse in the affected area. During a physical exam, a doctor may discover additional signs with a stethoscope that can include the presence of an aneurysm or a murmur. Finding any sign indicative of compromised blood flow usually requires a series of additional tests.
Depending on the area affected, a variety of imaging tests may be ordered, including a computed tomography (CT) scan and an ultrasound. Blood tests may be administered to evaluate cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as to check for indications of infection or disease. If vascular inflammation affects cardiovascular function, a stress test, angiogram, and electrocardiogram (ECG) may be done to evaluate electrical conductivity and the general condition and function of the heart muscle.
Lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation and adopting an appropriate exercise regimen to promote weight loss, are generally recommended for people with vascular inflammation. Implementing a healthy diet is also suggested to help lower cholesterol and reduce atheroma buildup. Medications may also be prescribed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, inhibit blood clotting, and reduce fluid retention. Severe arterial blockages may require surgery to relieve plaque buildup, through stenting or arterial bypass to restore proper blood flow.
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