VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: lek. Patryk Jasielski
Atherosclerosis is currently one of the most common diseases in Polish society. Its development is the result of the interaction of various factors, mainly improper diet and low physical activity. It does not cause any significant ailments for a long time, which makes diagnosis difficult. Usually, however, there are silent symptoms that may be overlooked or wrongly attributed to age and fatigue.
Atherosclerosis belongs to the diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is the generalized presence of cholesterol deposits in the form of atherosclerotic plaques within the vessels that run through various organs and parts of the body. It belongs to chronic, long-developing diseases. The beginnings of atherosclerotic changes are already found in children and adolescents. Due to the fact that it is asymptomatic or scanty for a long time, it is sometimes ignored. However, it should be remembered that if not treated, it may lead to serious consequences.
Atherosclerotic changes often lead to a heart attack, stroke, chronic ischemia of the lower limbs or intestines. However, they can be prevented. For this purpose, you should follow the rules of he althy eating and practice sports regularly. You should not smoke cigarettes as they accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. It is important to keep your cholesterol levels under control. Atherosclerosis and excessively high cholesterol levels can be treated early enough. Here are the most common first symptoms of atherosclerosis.
Quiet symptoms of atherosclerosis
Getting tired easily
This is one of the most common first symptoms of atherosclerosis. It is sometimes explained by age or lack of training. However, it may be due to the presence of cholesterol plaques in the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen. They reduce the availability of blood to the heart, which reduces its efficiency.
Then in such a person, after covering a certain distance at a rapid pace or after climbing stairs, shortness of breath and a feeling of fatigue appear.
If pain occurs, it may contribute to the diagnosis of angina and coronary heart disease.
Dizziness, trouble with memory and concentration
Another important symptom is problems with maintaining concentration, remembering new information and dizziness. These could be signs of atherosclerosis in the arteries, e.g.carotid arteries that supply the brain with blood.
The ischemic brain works worse, which translates into worse memory and focus abilities. Dizziness appears in the presence of large atherosclerotic lesions. They are frequent, especially when the head is tilted, e.g. when hanging curtains, and result from the pressure on the occipital arteries.
This reduces the oxygen supply significantly and causes dizziness and even fainting.
Pain in legs after exercise
Pain in the legs that appears after exercise is also one of the common symptoms of atherosclerosis. It often takes the form of an expanding pain in the calves. Its conversion is characteristic after covering a certain distance.
This is the so-called intermittent claudication. The patient then has to stop for a moment to rest, and then the pain disappears.
This symptom results from atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities. Constantly reduced blood supply makes it easier for the muscles to tire and sore.
Hair loss on legs and arms
One of the more difficult symptoms to see and to associate with atherosclerosis is loss of hair on the legs and arms. It is found especially in the area of the fingers and toes as well as on the forearms and lower legs.
It results, like leg pain, from atherosclerosis. Reduced blood supply with nutrients is not enough to nourish the hair follicles. They react to this chronic condition by dying off, which leads to hair loss.
Changes on the skin
Slightly rarer, but sometimes observed symptom of atherosclerosis are changes in the skin. They also result from high cholesterol levels, a factor that contributes significantly to atherosclerosis.
The most common yellows appear within the upper eyelids. They are small yellow lumps in the form of lumps. Sometimes they appear in the elbows, under the breasts, and on the tendons of the wrist and on the Achilles tendon.
In more advanced conditions, there are discoloration of the skin in the form of brown spots and ulcers, especially on the lower legs.
In addition, the skin often turns pale due to ischemia. The legs also suffer and feel cold.
Heart rate in the back of the foot or at the ankle may be worse due to reduced blood flow through the vessels.
Abdominal pain after eating, lack of appetite
Abdominal pain after eating and a general lack of appetite are other potential symptoms of atherosclerosis that are rarely associated with it. However, if atherosclerotic plaques develop in the arteries supplying blood to the small intestine and the large intestine, such symptoms may becomeappear.
These are due to insufficient blood supply and chronic intestinal ischemia.
They work worse in such conditions. Abdominal pain occurs, usually around 30 minutes after a meal. Chronic pain discourages eating. This, along with decreased food absorption, often leads to weight loss and emaciation.
Erection problems
Another problem associated with atherosclerosis is erectile dysfunction. This is a fairly common problem among men. It is sometimes explained by overwork and fatigue. However, impotence can also result from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
The erection condition is associated with the inflow of blood through the arteries to the cavernous bodies of the penis. When atherosclerosis develops in these arteries, the blood supply is disturbed, as in other organs. This may hinder the appearance and maintenance of an erection.
Atherosclerosis often leads to apparently unrelated ailments that may be misconstrued as symptoms of other diseases or changes related to aging. However, these seemingly uncharacteristic symptoms may have a background in the development of atherosclerosis.
It is worth visiting a doctor for further diagnosis. It is also advisable to check your cholesterol regularly. Its elevated values are undoubtedly a risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis. Maintaining a he althy lifestyle can prevent the development of atherosclerosis and ensure good he alth.
