Atheroma

Atheroma is a degenerative change in the walls of the arteries, which is accompanied by the formation of fatty plaques and scar tissue on them. This leads to restriction of blood flow through the affected arteries and is a predisposing factor to the development of thrombosis.

Atheroma is common in many adults. The main reasons for its appearance are: foods rich in animal fats (for example, cholesterol), refined sugar, smoking, excess body weight and a sedentary lifestyle.

Atheroma can be asymptomatic, but is often accompanied by complications associated with artery blockage in middle or old age. These complications include angina, heart attack, stroke or gangrene.

Treatment of atheroma is aimed at preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. If they occur, the intensity of the symptoms can be reduced with medications (for example, glyceryl trinitrate for angina) or by surgery - creating a shunt to bypass the blocked artery.