What is atherosclerosis of blood vessels?

Many have heard of this disease, but noteveryone will answer what it is, what is atherosclerosis of the vessels, how does the disease manifest itself? Let's try to understand the insidious disease, understand its essence, in order to avoid development.

Atherosclerosis: Definition

Atherosclerosis of vessels (brain, for example)- chronic degenerative disease of arterial vessels, which arises due to a violation of lipid (ie fat) metabolism, and as a consequence, deposits on the walls of the vessels of cholesterol plaques. Further, the connective tissue proliferation and the deposition of calcium salts, this leads to the deformation of the vessel and the narrowing of the lumen in it up to complete blockage.

It is easy to guess what will be the consequence of such blockage - impaired circulation of blood in internal organs, a violation of their functioning, complete defeat.

Atherosclerosis can develop in any arteries. For example, often there is atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. That is, these are the same vascular lesions, their deformity and blockage in the lower limbs - legs. In this case, atherosclerosis most often affects the femoral arteries, tibia and popliteal (in the popliteal fossa).

Causes of atherosclerosis

Conditionally they can be divided into two groups: the causes are influenced and those that can not be influenced by medical methods.

Unchangeable Reasons

Genetic predisposition (heredity).
Floor. Until the age of 50, men at risk of developing atherosclerosis are 4 times more likely than women. After 50, the likelihood of developing this disease is equalized among men and women.
Age. With age, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases. Significantly increased risk in the age after 45 years.