Narrowed arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis, is caused by a buildup of substances in the arteries, and usually affects the medium or large arteries. This restricts blood flow through the arteries, resulting in a range of complications, including heart attack and stroke. A number of different conditions and lifestyle factors can contribute to this arterial buildup, some of which patients can change in order to prevent arteriosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, cholesterol, cellular waste products, and other substances build up in the blood and accumulate on the inner walls of arteries, partially or completely blocking blood flow. When hardened, this is referred to as plaque. Plaque may also form as a defensive mechanism by the body when arteries are damaged by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or other factors. Ruptured plaques cause the most damage to arteries because they can result in blood clots that narrow the arteries to the point where blood cannot pass through them at all.
There is not one definite cause of narrowed arteries, but there are a number of different conditions and lifestyle choices that can increase a person's risk for developing atherosclerosis. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, a family history of any of the previous conditions, an unhealthy diet which is high in fat, lack of exercise, smoking, and heavy use of alcohol can all contribute to a person's risk. Some degree of arteriosclerosis is natural as a person ages, but most of the time lifestyle factors are implicated in narrowed arteries that cause serious problems.
Atherosclerosis usually develops slowly, and fatty deposits build up over the years. This process can start in childhood, so parents need to be aware of the risk factors for narrowed arteries so that they can help their children to become healthy adults. People affected by this condition may not realize it until middle age or later because there may be no symptoms unless blood flow is significantly slowed or blocked. It is important to take action to stay healthy before the arteries are damaged.
Since lifestyle factors often cause this condition, a person can lower his or her risk of developing narrowed arteries by making some lifestyle changes. This is particularly important for people who have some of the risk factors already, such as a family history of heart disease. Preventing atherosclerosis is much easier than treating it. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and keeping fit can help to prevent risk factors from becoming causes of narrowed arteries.