Arteriosclerosis
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and parts of the body. The term (atherosclerosis) is used when oxidized fatty and fatty substances accumulate on the walls of the arteries. Which limits blood flow to the body’s organs. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, including the arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys.

When this happens, various diseases may result, including:

• Coronary heart disease.

• heart attack.

• Carotid artery disease.

• Peripheral arterial disease.

• Chronic kidney disease.

• It occurs due to the accumulation of fat deposits, cholesterol and other substances in the blood on the wall of the arteries. The exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, as studies show that it is a slow and complex disease that may begin in childhood and develop faster with age.

  Symptoms often do not appear in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Symptoms may first appear when exposed to physical or emotional stress (times when the body needs more oxygen). Symptoms depend on which arteries are affected and how much blood flow is blocked:

• On the heart: chest pain (angina), cold sweats, dizziness, extreme fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, and weakness.

• In the legs: Pain, aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs when walking or climbing stairs are the main symptoms of peripheral artery disease, and they disappear after rest.

• In the arteries leading to the brain: problems with thinking and memory, weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face, and vision problems.

• In the arteries leading to the kidneys: May cause high blood pressure or kidney failure.

• Arteries that supply the intestines: severe pain after meals, weight loss, and diarrhea.

• How to prevent atherosclerosis:

  Follow healthy eating habits such as: cooking meals that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.

  Do physical activities (such as brisk walking for 30 minutes) daily.

  Take medications as prescribed and keep medical appointments.

  Get rest and sleep at least 7-8 hours at night.

  Stress control.

  Quit smoking of all kinds, and avoid passive smoking.

  Instructions for people with atherosclerosis:

  Follow the treatment plan, and take all medications regularly as prescribed by your doctor.

  Consult your doctor when changing the amount of medication or skipping a dose.

  Ask your doctor about medications, supplements, or foods to avoid.

  Talk to your doctor when planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  Ensure that blood cholesterol levels are at a healthy level.

  Do a diabetes test to monitor its levels in the blood.

  Do regular blood pressure checks to make sure it is in the healthy range.