What is Arterioclerosis ?

Atrerioclerosis:

Overview :

Arterioclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from heart to the rest of the body become thick and stiff. Sometimes restricting blood flow to organs and tissues. Healthy
arteries are flexible and elastic,but over time, the walls in arteries can harden,a condition is commonly called hardening of the arteries.

Atheroclerosis refers to the buildup of fats,cholesterol and other substances in artery walls which can restrict blood flow.

Symptoms :

Atheroclerosis develops gradually.Mild atherosclerosis usually doesn't have any symptoms.A person won't have atherosclerosis symptoms until an artery is so narrowed or clogged that it can't supply adequate blood to organs and tissues.Sometimes a blood clot completely blocks blood flow and can cause a heart attack.Symptoms of moderate to severe atherosclerosis depend on which arteries are affected.
For example:

• Arterioclerosis in your heart arteries :a person may have symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure.

• Arterioclerosis in the arteries leading to brain :a person may have signs and symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs, difficulty in speaking,temporary loss of vision in one eye.

• Atheroclerosis in the arteries in arms and legs :a person may have symptoms such as leg pain when walking.

• Atheroclerosis in the arteries leading to kidneys :a person develop high blood pressure or kidney failure.

Causes :

Arterioclerosis is a slow,progressive disease that may begin as early aschildhood.Although the exact cause is unknown,atherosclerosis may start with damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery.The damage may be caused by:

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• High fat (lipid) in blood.
• Smoking and other sources of tobacco.
• Insulin resistance, obesity or diabetes.