Atheromatosis of the aorta is a disease characterized by the deposition of fat, calcium and other elements in the wall of the aortic artery, which reduces its size and as a consequence also reduces the arrival of blood to the tissues irrigated by it.
It is a diffuse process, which simultaneously affects several arteries of the body, including the aorta.
Although the development of atheromatosis is slow and progressive, the disease can become severe if the process is not interrupted, since the obstruction of the artery can cause death of the tissues fed by it.
In addition, atheromatosis leaves the inner surface of the irregular artery, which facilitates blood clotting location.
This clot can break off and cause thrombosis, leading to acute clogging of the artery, with ischemia (suffering) or necrosis (death) of the tissues.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism, stroke ("stroke") are some of these consequences.
The risk factors for the development of atheromatosis are:
- Age between 50 and 70 years;
- Male;
- Dyslipidemia (high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides);
- Smoking;
- Arterial hypertension;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Family history.
It is important to remember that in order for first symptoms caused by lack of blood appear, it is necessary that about 75% of the artery caliber is obstructed. Therefore, the sooner atheromatosis is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
What should be done, once the problem has been detected, is to stop the disease to prevent its manifestations, by control of risk factors, that is, quitting smoking, maintaining weight within normal limits, controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension, diabetes, among others.
The diagnosis of atheromatosis can be made by any physician and usually must be accompanied by the surgeon or vascular surgeon.
