The Hardening Of Arteries Article

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The Hardening Of Arteries

Arteriosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is a disorder that can make life a challenge, and here are some facts about it.

Author: Roberto Sedycias

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When this condition occurs, fatty materials collect along the artery walls which then develops a plaque like clogging that eventually blocks the arteries entirely. As it continues to block the arteries, it makes them narrow and thin and then the blood can no longer freely flow through them, thus being unable to make it to important places and parts of your body.

Most dangerous, if the coronary arteries get stopped up, then blood flow to the heart ceases and the entire heart slows and eventually stops. The person affected will experience chest pains, difficulty breathing, as well as a heart attack and numerous other painful and life threatening symptoms. The plaque that is situated there is really a dangerous threat as it can break and snap off and spread to other parts of the body causing massive damage to the tissues as well as blocking or killing them. This can lead to a stroke or a heart attack, as well as many other issues that lead to failure of organs and eventual death.

When one has this condition they are at a high risk of death and dying, and some factors that put people in that high risk category are people with diabetes. People who already struggle with diabetes must be careful with their diet because they are far more likely to contract this than others.

Also those who abuse alcohol and enjoy copious amounts of it will also be at risk, similarly those with high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels, as well as a rich, fatty diet, increasing age, and who are on the very or flirting with obesity. Also, if you have a history of heart problems in the family and are a smoker, you are certainly a good candidate for contracting this condition. This condition is very dangerous for the heart bust is also just as dangerous for the lungs, brain, kidneys, limbs, and intestines.

Once the blood flow is compromised, that is when symptoms begin to make themselves apparent. For example, things like kidney disease, coronary artery disease, renal artery stenosis, hypertension, and stroke are all causes of the disorder and are likely agents that will result. Usually to determine this a doctor will perform a number of tests, such as an ankle, brachial index, a cardiac stress test, a CT scan, a Doppler study, or a variety of other kinds of tests that will help them understand what is going on inside you and to determine if you have this disorder.

Then, usually, the main treatment surrounds an aggressive lifestyle change, where you must avoid rich fatty foods, and eat balanced meals that are healthy with fruits and vitamins and all the nutrients your body needs. You will have to restrict your alcohol consumption as well as exercising daily. You will need to make sure that you spend at least half an hour exercising and if you are overweight then increase that to an hour to an hour and a half. Also, make regular doctor appointments and ensure that your blood pressure is at a healthy place at all times.

About Author

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-roberto-sedycias-1900.html