How is coronary atherosclerosis treated?

Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
Updated on June 16, 2025
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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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The earliest lesions of arteriosclerosis

The earliest lesion of atherosclerosis is the formation of lipid spots and streaks. The so-called lipid spots are small yellow dots that appear on the arterial intima. Under pathological observation, these are small areas of macrophages containing lipid droplets, forming a cluster of foam cells. As this small yellow dot develops, it gradually turns into a yellow streak made up of layers of macrophages containing lipids. The intima also comprises smooth muscle cells and lipids, as well as an infiltration of T cells, resembling a yellow streak on the intima.

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How to check for arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is a relatively common disease in our daily life. After being diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, the following tests should be considered: Firstly, blood tests, such as lipid panels, are necessary to determine the levels of blood lipids. Based on the results, medication might be required for treatment. Secondly, arterial Doppler ultrasound is useful as it can effectively detect the presence and severity of arteriosclerosis. Thirdly, arterial angiography is recommended when there is a strong suspicion of arterial narrowing due to arteriosclerosis, leading to coronary heart disease or other conditions. This test helps in determining the severity of the arteriosclerosis and in deciding the treatment plan.

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Can arteriosclerosis be treated with moxibustion?

Arteriosclerosis can be treated with moxibustion. Moxibustion is a traditional disease treatment method in Chinese medicine, which can treat many diseases clinically. For patients with arteriosclerosis, moxibustion therapy can improve some clinical symptoms caused by arteriosclerosis. However, one should not rely solely on moxibustion for the treatment of atherosclerosis, as the mechanism of atherosclerosis is due to the disorder of lipid metabolism and the hardening of arterial walls caused by increased blood lipids. Treatment should include medication and dietary adjustments such as low-salt, low-sugar, and low-fat diets, and avoiding fatty meats, animal offal, and seafood high in cholesterol.

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What foods to eat for arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis has become increasingly prevalent as living standards improve. This is directly related to unreasonable adjustments in dietary structure. People in this demographic should focus on a diet low in fats, sugars, and oils, and consume more vegetables and fruits as well as foods high in dietary fiber. Suitable fruits and vegetables include apples, oranges, tomatoes, kelp, kiwis, grapefruits, seaweed, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and peas. These foods contain high levels of vitamins, trace elements, and dietary fiber, which can purify the blood and help reduce high cholesterol and alleviate the progression of arteriosclerosis.

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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.