The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Written by Chen Ya
Geriatrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Arteriosclerosis is a common and important type among a group of vascular diseases known as arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arterioscleroses include thickening and hardening of arterial walls, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the lumen. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis characterized by lesions starting from the arterial intima, subsequently involving the accumulation of lipids and complex carbohydrates, bleeding, thrombosis, proliferation of fibrous tissues, and deposition of calcium, along with gradual degeneration and calcification of the arterial media. Since the lipids accumulated in the arterial intima appear yellowish and mushy, it is termed atherosclerosis.

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How long can one live with arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis has a certain impact on survival and longevity, but it is not an absolute determinant. People with mild arteriosclerosis have fewer sudden incidents of cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, thus they may have a longer survival period. However, if arteriosclerosis leads to myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction, it will also affect their lifespan, but there is no absolute conclusion.

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Arteriosclerosis has what manifestations?

Arteriosclerosis symptoms vary depending on the affected organ. Coronary arteriosclerosis primarily manifests as angina, while cerebral arteriosclerosis mainly results in cerebral embolism, potentially causing symptoms such as hemiplegia. Chronic cerebral ischemia can lead to cerebral atrophy and progress to vascular dementia. Aortic arteriosclerosis often displays no specific symptoms. Renal arteriosclerosis can cause refractory hypertension, and if a renal artery thrombosis occurs, it may lead to pain in the kidney area, oliguria, and fever. Chronic kidney ischemia can lead to kidney atrophy and progress to renal failure. Mesenteric arteriosclerosis can cause symptoms like indigestion, decreased intestinal tone, constipation, and abdominal pain. Arteriosclerosis in the limbs, often seen in the lower extremities, can cause symptoms such as coldness in the legs, numbness, and the typical intermittent claudication.

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How to eliminate atherosclerotic plaques?

Arterial plaques associated with atherosclerosis are generally impossible to completely eliminate, but it is feasible to prevent the progression of the disease and strive for stable reversal. Achieving stability and reversal involves a balanced diet, appropriate physical and athletic activity, maintaining a positive mood, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and actively controlling hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Additionally, some medications that stabilize plaques may be necessary, mainly including lipid-modifying statins. For patients with soft plaques who are at risk of acute cardiovascular events, it may also be necessary to take anti-vascular medications. For those already showing signs of organ ischemia, interventional or surgical treatment may even be needed. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How is coronary atherosclerosis treated?

Coronary atherosclerosis is treated generally through the following three aspects: The first aspect is general preventive measures, which include four sub-aspects. First is actively controlling risk factors related to the disease, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Second is a reasonable diet, controlling the total caloric intake in the diet to reach a normal weight range, which can be simply measured using BMI, or waist circumference, with over 80 cm in females and 85 cm in males being considered overweight. Third is appropriate physical labor and sports activity. Fifth, rational arrangement of work and life, advocating quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, regular work schedules, maintaining an optimistic and pleasant mood, avoiding emotional excitement and excessive fatigue, balancing work and rest, and ensuring adequate sleep. Medicinal treatment includes five items: one is adjusting blood lipids, commonly using statin drugs; second look at antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin and clopidogrel; third involves thrombolysis or anticoagulation, for instance, warfarin and low molecular weight heparin; fourth involves using drugs that improve myocardial remodeling and prognosis, such as valsartan and ACE inhibitors; additionally, there is treatment for ischemic symptoms, and if angina occurs, nitrate drugs like nitroglycerin can be used, as well as others like metoprolol. Lastly, the third major category is interventional and surgical procedures. If there is significant coronary artery narrowing, greater than 90%, procedures like stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery can be performed. These three major aspects comprise the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis.

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Treatment of Arteriosclerosis

The treatment of arteriosclerosis includes general preventative measures, pharmacological treatment, interventional procedures, and surgical operations. General precautions involve a balanced diet, with some patients needing to lose weight, increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and adopting a low-fat diet. Additionally, it is advised that patients engage in appropriate physical labor and sports activities, while also maintaining an optimistic and calm mindset. Pharmacological treatment is quite specialized, mainly including lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapies. Then, there are cases with clear symptoms, such as renal artery stenosis or coronary artery narrowing, where interventional treatments can be considered. For those unsuitable for interventional procedures, surgical treatments, such as bypass surgery, might be considered.