Atherosclerosis. A common disease, manifested in the proliferation of large and medium arteries of connective tissue (sclerosis) in the wall in combination with fat impregnation of their inner shell (athero-). Because of the thickening, the walls of the vessels become denser, their lumen contracts and clots are often formed. Depending on the zone in which the affected arteries are located, the blood supply of one or another organ or part of the body with its possible necrosis (infarction, gangrene).

In the areas of the arterial wall affected by atherosclerosis, cholesterol accumulations along with cells and fibers of fibrous (scar) tissue are always found, and in this connection it was believed that cholesterol is the cause of atherosclerosis. However, as the scientific knowledge about atherosclerosis expanded and deepened, it became clear that cholesterol can not be considered either the only, or even the main, of its causes. Cholesterol in large numbers is produced and contained in organs such as the brain, adrenal glands; It is a part of the envelopes of the vast majority of cells of a living organism: it is extremely rich in cholesterol and fatty tissue.

Atherosclerosis occurs most often in men aged 50-60 years and in women over 60 years of age, but recently and streets are much younger (30-40 years). There is a family tendency to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is also predisposed: arterial hypertension, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, increased lipid levels in the blood (a violation of the metabolism of fat and fatty acids). The development of sclerotically altered vessels is facilitated by a sedentary lifestyle, excessive emotional overstrain, sometimes - personality traits of a person (psychological type of "leader"),.

Prevention of atherosclerosis requires switching to food containing little fat and cholesterol, quitting smoking; it is necessary to regulate blood pressure with diet and, if necessary, drugs; It is also important to exercise and maintain a normal weight. When the clinical signs of atherosclerosis have already appeared, it can slow down its progression, and in some cases also cause the reverse development of atherosclerotic changes, using means that reduce the cholesterol content.

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