Atherosclerosis
ENGLISH / MALTESE
Atherosclerosis and Ischaemic Heart Disease
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty material (atheroma or plaque) in the lining of your blood vessels (arteries)
Atherosclerosis is aggravated by risk factors including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes , obesity, and smoking.
It is more common as you grow older and if you have close relatives who suffer from atherosclerosis.
Arteries supply oxygen to your organs, including the heart and brain, allowing them to function properly.
Atherosclerosis of the heart (coronary) arteries is referred to as ischaemic heart disease.
What are the consequences of atherosclerosis?
The build-up of plaque becomes progressively worse until the vessel closes completely.
Atherosclerosis may be silent until it is too late, and the artery may suddenly block.
The consequences are dependent on the degree and location. Some blockages may be fatal.
Gradual narrowing of the arteries supplying your heart (coronary arteries) may lead to angina. This refers to chest pain felt on performing exercise, as your heart does not receive enough oxygen.
If the arteries supplying your heart become completely blocked this leads to a heart attack.
If the arteries supplying your brain become blocked this leads to a stroke.
Pain in your legs during exercise is also a sign of narrowing of the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to your leg muscles.
How do I know if I have atherosclerosis?
Visit your doctor if you feel any of the above symptoms.
Several tests may be necessary to diagnose atherosclerosis in the heart:
Full medical history
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram (ECG)- electric recording of the heart rhythm
Exercise stress test –An ECG is taken while exercising on a treadmill to record any abnormal changes
Computerised tomography (CT) of your coronary arteries- a scan (which involves minimal radiation) which takes cross-sectional images of your heart arteries
MIBI scan of the heart- Nuclear imaging of the heart to check the blood supply to your heart muscles.
Coronary angiogram- An invasive procedure performed via the hand or groin. Dye is injected into your coronary arteries to directly visualise narrowing of the coronary arteries.
How can I prevent and slow down atherosclerosis?
Maintain a healthy diet
Stop smoking- Local smoking cessation services are available, and you can always ask your family doctor for advice
Control blood sugar levels (in the case of diabetic patients)
Reduce alcohol consumption
Remain physically active - Taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking to local shops instead of taking the car. It is recommended to carry out around 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
Diagnose and control your high blood pressure
Control cholesterol levels
Maintain a healthy weight
What is the treatment of ischaemic heart disease?
Atherosclerosis cannot be reversed or stopped completely, however, the effects can be slowed down or optimised. This can be achieved by:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following the steps mentioned above
Taking medication which thins the blood or modifies risk factors (medication for treating diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension and high cholesterol levels)
Invasive procedures such as coronary angioplasty (during a coronary angiogram a stent (spring) is inserted to open the artery) or coronary artery bypass surgery (open heart surgery which uses another blood vessel to bypass the heart artery with atherosclerosis).
Take-Home Messages
Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of your arteries caused by fatty and calcium rich material
Visit your doctor if you suffer from chest pain while exercising
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent and slow down atherosclerosis
“Atherosclerosis of the heart leads to angina and a heart attack”
HELP AND SUPPORT
If you have any questions regarding our article feel free to contact us on info@maltaheartfoundation.org or our Facebook page.
This article was authored by Dr. Martina Cilia and edited by Dr. Neil Grech, in collaboration with the Malta Heart Foundation and Maltese Cardiac Society.