Diseases of Arteries
Definition
It is a
condition characterized by progressively increasing thickening of and reduction
in elasticity of vessel wall.
Aetiology
1.Age:
Middle age and elderly.
2.Heredity
and genetic predisposition.
3.
Diabetes mellitus.
4.Hypertension.
5.Diet
with high contents of fats in various forms.
Pathology
1.It is
a degenerative disease.
2.The
inner lining of the arterial wall becomes thicker, so that the lumen becomes
narrower.
3.There
is deposition of fat on the inner lining of the arterial wall, which further
reduces the size of the lumen.
4. Due
to involvement of the small arteries, the
blood supply to muscles and organs, which causes their dysfunction.
5.Loss
of the fat deposits from some areas results in formation of scar. The rough
surface of such scars predisposes to the
development of blood clots(thrombi).
6.Such
an effect on the valves of the aorta may result in aortic stenosis or aortic
incompetence.
Clinical features
The
clinical features vary,according to the blood vessels involved, as shown in the
following table:-
|
Blood
vessel |
Features |
|
Coronary artery |
.Angina pectoris. .Myocardial
infraction. |
|
Cerebral artery |
.Hemiplegia. .Monoplegia. .other
cerebrovascular accidents. |
|
Leg arteries |
.Intermittent claudication. .peripheral
vascular disease.
.Gangrene. |
|
Aortic valve |
.Aortic stenosis
or incompetence. |
Treatment
1.Reduction in the dietetic content
of the following:-
.Oil.
.Ghee.
.Animal fat.
2.Giving
up the following:-
.Smoking.
.Drinking.
3.Adequate
exercise.
4.Control of diabetes.
5.Surgical
treatment of the arterial occlusion ,if involves a critical organ.
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