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Today, 22 November 2009

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Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

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Question

Please can I have some information on arteriosclerosis?

Answer

Arteriosclerosis, or atherosclerosis, is a term for a number of diseases in which the arterial wall becomes thickened and loses elasticity. This prevents adequate blood flow to the organs supplied by these vessels.

It effects most parts of the body, including brain, heart, kidneys and the vascular system of the extremities. In most Western countries it is the leading cause of death, generally as atherosclerotic heart disease and stroke.

Risk factors for developing arteriosclerosis include hypertension, smoking, increased blood fats, diabetes, male sex and a family history of premature arteriosclerosis.

It is generally silent, that is there are no specific symptoms of arteriosclerosis itself. Instead the symptoms are those of ischaemic heart disease, such as angina, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Prevention, and to some extent control, is by never smoking or giving up smoking, limiting fats in your diet and getting regular exercise.

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, then these need to be well controlled to limit the development of arteriosclerosis.

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