Desired Atherosclerosis Treatment

Atherosclerosis treatment will generally start by making some lifestyle changes. Changes may include losing weight, following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and exercising regularly. The body will start to form new blood vessels around the area of the plaque build-ups. In some cases, lifestyle changes will be all the treatment that is necessary.

Your doctor may prescribe medication. Some medications used to treat atherosclerosis and reduce fats and cholesterol are cholestyramine, colestipol and nicotinic acid. You may also need to take medication to inhibit platelet clumping or reduce the risk of blood clots forming.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Some surgical procedures used to treat atherosclerosis are:

• Balloon angioplasty. A catheter flattens plaque and increases blood flow past the plaque deposits.
• Senting. A small metal device is implanted inside the artery to help keep the artery open.
• Endarterectomy. Deposits are surgically removed.
• Bypass graft. An artery or vein is used to bypass the blocked section of the artery.

Prevention of Atherosclerosis

Although it may not be possible to prevent atherosclerosis, it is certainly possible to prevent the huge build-up of plaque deposits that pose serious health problems. Some preventative measures you can take are:

• Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet;
• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet;
• Control and treat high blood pressure;
• Get the right treatment for diabetes;
• Quit smoking;
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

You should see a doctor as soon as you have any symptoms of atherosclerosis, or of resulting health complications. If you are in a high risk category, or have a history of heart disease in the family, it is worthwhile consulting your doctor about your risk of atherosclerosis. Your doctor will be able to perform some simple tests to see whether there are any results that indicate a possibility of atherosclerosis or other problems. Your doctor will also be able to give you information on atherosclerosis, what factors in your life may be putting you at risk and how you can reduce that risk.

One of the problems with atherosclerosis disease is that it is difficult to know you have it, until symptoms suggest serious complications. Atherosclerosis treatment is generally not given until complications have already arisen. It is best to take some preventative measures now and so reduce the chance of serious health problems occurring from atherosclerosis disease.

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