The atheromatous plaque is divided into three components

• Atheroma: It is a nodular accumulation of the soft, flaky material at the center of the large plaques.

• Layers of cholesterol crystals

• Calcification at the outer base of older lesions.

The atheromatous plaque is made up of cholesterol, calcium and other materials in the blood. The plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. As a result of this the blood to the organs are reduced. This can lead to heart attack, stroke or even death.

Clinical types

Coronary artery disease: In this the plaque builds in the coronary arteries. It is also known as heart disease.

Carotid artery disease: It occurs if the plaque builds up in carotid arteries. Carotid supplies oxygen rich blood of brain. If there is blockage of this artery it leads to stroke.

Peripheral arterial disease: It occurs when the plaque builds up in major arteries which supply leg, arms and pelvic areas of the body. If these arteries are blocked there will be numbness, pain and dangerous infections

Risk factors of atherosclerosis

• Old age.

• Family history of atherosclerosis

• Lack of physical activity

• Smoking

• Unhealthy eating habits

• Diabetes

• Heavy alcohol use

• High fat diet

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

 Tests and diagnosis of atherosclerosis

• Ankle/brachial index

• Aortic arteriography

• Arteriography

• Cardiac stress test

• Carotid duplex

• Doppler study

• Intravascular ultrasound

 Treatment:

• Avoid fatty foods. Eat well-balanced meals which are low in fat and cholesterol

• Eat more of fruits and vegetables

• Avoid alcohol intake

• Exercise regularly for 30 minutes.

• If there is high cholesterol and triglycerides medications should be taken to lower the levels.

 Complications of atherosclerosis

• Coronary artery disease

• Damage to the organs like kidneys, brain, liver and intestines

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Transient ischemic attack