A disease recently identified mainly with the elderly, today is increasingly being diagnosed in young people. We are talking about atherosclerosis – a condition involving the deposition of fatty plaques in blood vessels. What factors contribute to such a disturbing trend? What are the consequences and can the development of atherosclerosis at a young age be prevented?
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that develops gradually over many years. Initially, small lesions appear on the inner walls of the arteries, to which particles of cholesterol, fat and other substances attach. Over time, deposits form, called atherosclerotic plaques. These, in turn, narrow the lumen of the vessels, impeding blood flow and oxygen delivery to the organs.
Why is atherosclerosis affecting younger and younger people?
- Unhealthy lifestyle:
- Improper diet: Excessive consumption of saturated fats, simple sugars and salt, as well as a deficiency of fiber and vitamins, contributes to higher cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis.
- Low physical activity: L ack of exercise promotes obesity, elevated blood pressure and lipid disorders.
- Smoking: Nicotine damages blood vessel walls, accelerating the atherosclerotic process.
- Stress: prolonged stress causes endocrine disruption, which can lead to increased blood pressure and higher cholesterol.
- Genetic factors: Some people have a greater predisposition to thedevelopment of atherosclerosis due to hereditary disorders of lipid metabolism .
- Comorbidities: Diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders are major risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Consequences of atherosclerosis at a young age
- Myocardial infarction: Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery can lead to blocked blood flow to the heart and a heart attack.
- Stroke: Blockage of an artery in the brain causes hypoxia and nerve cell death, which manifests as neurological disorders and even death.
- Ischemic limb disease: Narrowing of the arteries in the legs leads to pain when walking, and in advanced cases to gangrene and the need for amputation.
- Aneurysm: A widening of the artery wall that can rupture, causing massive bleeding.
How to recognize atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis often develops asymptomatically for many years. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- Chest pain (angina pectoris)
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Dizziness
- Sudden loss of vision
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Leg pain while walking
Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
- Blood tests: Evaluation of cholesterol, sugar, triglycerides and other inflammatory markers.
- ECG: A study of the electrical function of the heart.
- Cardiac echo: Assessment of cardiac structure and function.
- Doppler ultrasound: A study of blood flow in the vessels.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Imaging studies of blood vessels.
Treatment of atherosclerosis
Treatment of atherosclerosis depends on the severity of the disease and includes:
- Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, regular physical activity, giving up smoking.
- Pharmacotherapy: Cholesterol-lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulants.
- Invasive procedures: Angioplasty, stent, bypass.
Preventing atherosclerosis at a young age
- Healthy diet: Limit saturated fats, simple sugars and salt, increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.
- Regular physical activity: at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Preventing obesity.
- Quit smoking: Nicotine is one of the strongest risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- Regular check-ups: Measurement of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Summary
Atherosclerosis is a serious disease that can lead to many complications, including heart attack and stroke. Although often associated with the elderly, it is increasingly being diagnosed in young people. Unhealthy lifestyles, stress and genetic factors are the main causes of this disturbing trend. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to preventing complications. The most important form of prevention is a healthy lifestyle, which should be introduced at an early age.
