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Atherosclerosis prevention

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Daytime

Published: March 26, 2009

Updated: 06/15/2009 06:00 am

US AGAINST ATHERO is a campaign to increase our nation's awareness of atherosclerosis with hopes that all Americans will take steps to take care of their arteries. Through education and valuable information, we support people in becoming advocates for their own health and for the health of others.

Why We Care
In a world where so many just causes are being championed, why are we asking you to care about athero?

Consider the facts:
In 2004, 451,326 people died from coronary heart disease (CHD) and 150,074 died from stroke in the United States — more than all cancers combined.

CHD and stroke are consequences of atherosclerosis.
Other consequences of athero include peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, even erectile dysfunction (ED).

High cholesterol is a major risk factor that fuels the progression of atherosclerosis.

In 2005, almost 80 million Americans were told they had cholesterol levels that were either above normal or high.

We care because atherosclerosis affects so many of us and so many do not know.

We care because for many people atherosclerosis is in large part a result of their diets high in saturated fats, cigarette smoking, and obesity.

We care because for most people atherosclerosis may be treated.

Arm Yourself with Knowledge
If we can become informed and help spread the word about this disease, together we can make a difference.

Take the next step and join us in the fight against atherosclerosis. After all, without you, there's no us.
About Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (pronounced ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis) is the progressive buildup of plaque — fatty deposits and other cells — in the walls of your arteries. Its name comes from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (hardness).

One surprising fact about atherosclerosis, or athero as we call it, is how early the disease can begin inside us. For many, the process may start in early adulthood. As we get older, arterial plaque can build up and can eventually clog your arteries, making them stiff and inflexible.

The Consequences of Atherosclerosis
The consequences of athero can be severe and far-reaching. Clogged arteries cut off the flow of blood to the brain and heart and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. While athero is primarily a disease of medium and large arteries, in other arteries athero can cause other conditions, like peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and even erectile dysfunction.

Consider the following facts about how athero has affected us as a nation:
· Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke, which were responsible for 602,000 deaths in 2004 — more than 25% of all deaths in the United States
· Each year about 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with coronary heart disease and about 700,000 people will suffer a stroke
· More than 8 million Americans are affected by peripheral arterial disease
· For many, athero is a silent disease, with no visible signs or symptoms until it suddenly leads to a heart attack or stroke
Stable and Unstable Plaque
Because plaque tends to build up slowly in the arteries, athero usually has no symptoms until the artery becomes severely narrowed or completely blocked. There are two types of plaque that can form in the artery walls:
· Stable plaque has a thick fibrous cap made of smooth muscle cells. As plaque grows, it can reduce blood flow to the brain, heart, or other parts of the body
· Unstable plaque is much more dangerous because it has a thin cap. As a result, it may rupture, causing an acute, life-threatening heart attack
Whether the plaque in your arteries grows as stable or unstable, all plaque contains a lipid core — fatty deposits made of cholesterol and other cells. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood, also called a lipid, that is naturally produced by your body. Whether it comes from the foods you eat or from your body, healthy amounts of cholesterol in your blood are okay. The problem is that when there's too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque.
Over time, plaque can clog and narrow your arteries, which may slow blood flow and reduce the supply of oxygen to your vital organs. This process of plaque development is made worse when the lining of your arteries, known as the endothelium, is damaged by other risk factors like high blood pressure, stress, cigarette smoking, or diabetes.

Understanding Cholesterol
There are three components that are important to managing your lipid profile: LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
· LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)
LDL-C is called "bad" cholesterol because it plays a role in the development of plaque in your arteries. When there is too much LDL-C circulating in the blood, it can begin to collect in and on the artery walls, which may lead to atherosclerosis. As a rule, you want to keep your LDL-C low.
· HDL cholesterol (HDL-C)
HDL-C is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps return cholesterol to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. As a rule, you want your HDL-C high.
· Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. Increased levels of triglycerides have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. As with LDL-C, it's important to keep triglycerides low.
Getting Your Cholesterol Tested
You can't feel it or see it. So how do you know if you have high cholesterol? The only way to know for sure is by having a cholesterol screening test, also known as a fasting lipid profile. It's a simple blood test that can be performed in your doctor's office or in a lab. Talk with your doctor about your cholesterol, and then get tested.
Managing Cholesterol
If you have a cholesterol problem, there are a number of options you can discuss with your doctor. The first suggestion will most likely be to improve your diet and get more exercise. This can help you lose weight, have more energy, reduce stress and blood pressure, and control diabetes if you are diabetic. As always, talk with your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise program.
For some people, diet and exercise aren't enough. If you're in this category, be sure to ask your doctor about your options, including cholesterol-lowering medications.

For more information visit: www.athero.com

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