In atherosclerosis, a chronic and very widespread condition today, the arteries harden due to the buildup of lipids and calcium salts in their walls and the growth of connective tissue. As a result, blood circulation in the body is impaired.
Risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis:
Smoking
Diabetes
Poor diet
Heavy alcohol consumption
Prolonged psychological and emotional stress
Hyperlipidemia (higher-than-normal blood lipid levels)
Because the vessel wall narrows in atherosclerosis, the blood supply to the heart, brain or other organs deteriorates.
Atherosclerosis of the leg arteries leads to conditions such as intermittent claudication.
Atherosclerosis of the brain's blood vessels shows itself through reduced ability to work, memory problems and getting tired quickly. Blockage of the brain's blood vessels results in a stroke.
Information on this site is general and does not replace an examination by a doctor.