Atherosclerosis is a medical condition that occurs when the arteries thicken or harden. The arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. The thickening is usually due to the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of the artery. This plaque is formed by deposits of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, fibrin, and calcium. Read on to learn about this condition, including its management options.

Causes
The exact cause of atherosclerosis remains unknown. However, it is understood that the condition develops with damage or injury to the inner layer of the artery. This damage can be due to other health conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Inflammation caused by illnesses like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and lupus can also be reasons for causing damage to the arteries.

If an injury occurs in an artery, blood cells and other substances can accumulate in that area, leading to the creation of plaque, as mentioned earlier. This plaque is also susceptible to rupturing, which can cause a blood clot.

Risk factors
While the reasons remain unknown for the disease, knowing certain risk factors can help in preventing the development of the condition. These risk factors include:

• Sleep apnea
• Lack of exercise
• Family history of heart conditions
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• High levels of C reactive protein called CRP (an indicator of inflammation in the body)
• Unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits
• Diabetes

Signs and symptoms
As the artery narrows down, the symptoms of the condition begin to surface, indicating that the blood supply to the organs and tissues in the body has been significantly reduced. In some cases, a blood clot can completely block the blood flow, which can further lead to heart issues such as an attack or a stroke. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:

• Chest discomfort or pain
  Chest pain or pressure, also called angina. One can experience this sign as the part of the heart’s muscles does not get enough oxygen.
• Cognitive dysfunction
  If the condition develops in the arteries that lead to the brain, then the person may experience numbness or weakness in their arms and legs. One can also experience difficulty speaking or slurred speech, drooping muscles of the face, and sometimes, temporary loss of vision in one eye. These symptoms together are termed a transient ischemic attack or TIA, which, when left untreated, can lead to a stroke.
• Claudication
  If the arteries leading up to the arms and legs develop atherosclerosis, then a person can experience leg pain while walking, which is also called claudication. There can also be decreased blood flow in the affected area.
• High blood pressure
  Atherosclerosis, which develops in the artery leading up to the kidneys, can lead to high blood pressure and even kidney failure in some cases.

Treatment options
Some treatment methods can help slow or even reverse, in some cases, the condition and manage symptoms. Some of the surgical options include:

Angioplasty with stent
It is also called a percutaneous coronary intervention, and this surgery helps in removing the blockage from the artery. A catheter or a thin, flexible tube is put inside the blood vessel, which is guided to the blockage. A tiny balloon on the tip of the catheter is used to blow into it so that it helps in opening up the artery. After this, there is a mesh tube called a stent that is used to help keep the artery open.

Fibrinolytic therapy
Also known as a thrombolytic treatment, the therapy involves using prescriptions that help to dissolve clots formed in the blood vessels and unblock the blood flow in the artery.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
When a person’s heart has multiple narrowed arteries, doctors may recommend an open-heart surgery to create a new path for blood flow. This involves taking a healthy blood vessel and using it to create a new route for blood to flow around the blocked artery. By doing so, the blood can perform its normal functions without obstruction.

Endarterectomy
In this method, the plaque is removed from the walls of the narrowed arteries. Besides atherosclerosis, this option is also used in treating carotid artery disease or peripheral artery disease.

Remedies and tips
There are no specific remedies to manage atherosclerosis, however, there are some lifestyle changes suggested that can be helpful.

• Follow a healthy meal plan
  Eating healthy food is key to building an illness-free body. Nutrition plays a vital role in the function of all the organs in the body. So, one needs to include heart-healthy foods in the meals, such as flax seeds, cruciferous vegetables, beets, oats, nuts and seeds, and leafy greens.
• Maintain a regular exercise routine
  Exercise at least five times a week to ensure a healthy and active lifestyle. It helps in improving the blood flow, reduces the risk of conditions that can cause atherosclerosis, and also helps lower blood pressure.
• Engage in stress management activities
  Mindful breathing and meditation are some of the practices that can be followed to manage stress. If required, speak to a professional for help.