Atherosclerosis

What is atherosclerosis?

• found in 80-90% of Americans over 30

• the deposit of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances)

•buildup along the inner walls of the arteries

Signs and Symptoms

•Coronary Artery Disease: upper body pain, shortness of breath, weakness

•Cerebrovascular Disease: vision, dizziness, balance, walking, headache

•Peripheral Artery Disease: discomfort in legs, hair loss, thickened nails, cold skin, gangrene

The Causes• family history (cannot find specific genes associated

with risk)

•diet/ high cholesterol

•high blood pressure

• smoking

•exercise

•diabetes

The Main Effects

•heart attacks

• stroke

•death

Organs Involved/Effected

•Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow in:

•arteries in heart

•brain

•pelvis

•kidneys

• limbs

Body Systems Involved/Effected

• Integumentary System

•Nervous System

•Respiratory System

•Muscular System

•Urinary System

Cure Development

•Angioplasty: opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (mesh tubes are sometimes used)

•Coronary artery bypass grafting: uses arteries or veins from other areas in your body are used to bypass your narrowed coronary arteries

•Carotid endarterectomy: is surgery to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries in the neck

Preventative Measures

•don’t smoke

•exercise

•healthy foods

•normal weight

• reduce stress

The Future of the Disease

•T cells attacking bad blood cells

•possible vaccines

• studying DNA