Atherosclerosis of the aorta: symptoms and treatment

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Atherosclerosis of the aorta: symptoms and treatment
Atherosclerosis of the aorta: symptoms and treatment
Anonim

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is a serious damage to the vessel that conducts blood. This phenomenon is accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol plaques. Let us find out further how it manifests itself and what is fraught with atherosclerosis of the aorta.

aortic atherosclerosis
aortic atherosclerosis

General information

Atherosclerosis of the aorta leads to stenosis, provokes disturbances in the nutrition of blood-supplying organs. The main manifestations of the condition are attacks of angina pectoris. This leads to the appearance of coronary artery disease, the development of a heart attack, aneurysm and cardiosclerosis. In advanced cases, the lesion causes disability or death.

Anatomy

The aorta is one of the largest blood vessels in the human body. The artery originates from the left ventricle, then diverges into numerous branches. They follow to all available organs and tissues. The initial site, the thoracic aorta, is responsible for the blood supply to the chest, upper limbs, head, and neck. Numerous arteries emanate from it to the indicated zones. The abdominal organs receive blood from the corresponding aorta. Its final section is divided into two branches: the left and right iliac arteries. They supply blood to the pelvic organs and legs.

Pathogenesis

Atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart is caused by a systemic lesion against the background of a violation of lipid and protein metabolism. At the same time, there is a change in the ratio of a number of compounds - phospholipids, protein and cholesterol. In addition, there is an accumulation of beta-lipoproteins.

The first stage in the development of pathology

Atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart has three stages. The first stage - the lipid (fatty) spot - is characterized by microdamage to the intima of the artery, a local slowdown in blood flow and the onset of fat deposition. This is most clearly noted in the places of branching of the vessels. In these areas, loosening and swelling of the inner wall is observed. Over time, the normal functioning of protective mechanisms is disrupted. In these areas, rather complex complexes of various compounds are formed - protein, cholesterol. They begin to accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. The duration of the first stage is different, however, pathology can be diagnosed even in infants.

atherosclerosis
atherosclerosis

Second stage

Liposclerosis is characterized by the growth of connective tissue around the areas of fixation of fat deposits. As a result, an atheromatous plaque is formed. It consists of connective tissue fibers and fats. At this stage, therapy is usually quite successful. This is due to the fact that the plaques are well exposed to dissolution. However, in this case, there is a possibility of their detachment and movement along the cavity of the vessels. Gradually, the arterial wall loses its elasticity, cracks, and manifests itself. This, in turn, leads to the formation of blood clots.

Third stage of disease progression

At the stage of atherocalcinosis, plaque thickens. They show accumulation of Ca s alts. In some cases, pathological growths that accompany atherosclerosis of the aorta and blood vessels do not cause the patient any special problems. At the same time, there is a stable development of the process, a gradual deformation and narrowing of the arteries. In any case, these growths cause a progressive violation of the blood supply to the organ that feeds the diseased vessel. There is a high probability of developing occlusion of the lumen (part of a plaque or thrombus), which is accompanied by the formation of a necrotic focus, gangrene, infarction in the artery or the organ itself.

Provoking factors

There are three categories. Risk factors can be potentially and completely avoidable or irreversible. The last category should include:

  • Age. As the years go by, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases. These or those changes are found in patients after 40-50 years.
  • Gender. It has been established that the incidence in men is four times higher than in women. The very occurrence of pathology is noted in the first 10 years earlier. After the age of 55, in both sexes, the incidence rate is compared. This fact is due to a decrease in women's estrogen levels and their protective functions during menopause.
  • Heredity. In families whose members in one generation or another were sick with atherosclerosis, there is a high risk of early onset of pathology in descendants.

Removable factors include:

  • Bad habits, smoking for example. Tar and nicotine provoke spasms in the coronary arteries and other vessels. This increases the likelihood of developing hyperlipidemia, hypertension and coronary artery disease.
  • Inactivity. With a sedentary lifestyle, there is a high risk of developing fat imbalance, diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis.
  • Unbalanced diet. If there is a large amount of animal fats in the diet, atherosclerosis of the aorta (aortic valve, mesenteric, coronary and other arteries) begins to develop much faster.
  • atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta treatment
    atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta treatment

Partially (potentially) removable factors include:

  • Hypertension. Increased pressure contributes to increased impregnation of the vascular walls with fats. This, in turn, accelerates the formation of plaques. However, against the background of atherosclerosis, the reduced elasticity of the walls of blood vessels helps maintain high blood pressure.
  • Dyslipidemia. Against the background of a violation in fat metabolism, an increase in the amount of triglycerides, lipoproteins, and cholesterol is noted. These factors accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Obesity, diabetes. The probability that atherosclerosis of the aorta of the heart will develop in such cases increases seven times. This is due to disorders in fat metabolism, which can be considered a "trigger" for the subsequent process of arterial damage.
  • Infection, intoxication. Harmful and pathogenic agents, when introduced into the body, damage the walls of blood vessels and provoke atherosclerotic changes.

General clinical picture

The most common is atherosclerosis of the aorta of the abdominal cavity and the wall of the sternum. Pathological changes occur in the channels that conduct blood to the lower extremities, kidneys, and brain. Often there is a violation in the work of the aortic valve, coronary arteries. There are two periods of pathology development: clinical and preclinical. Consider them in more detail:

  • Preclinical period. The disease in this case is asymptomatic. The patient has a high content of beta-lipoproteins, cholesterol against the background of the absence of any obvious manifestations of pathology.
  • Clinical period. Atherosclerosis of the aorta is manifested by stenosis (narrowing) of the lumen by 50% or more. In this case, there are 3 stages of pathology:
  1. Ischemic. This period is characterized by increased insufficiency in the blood supply to organs. For example, atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels develop against the background of myocardial ischemia and manifest themselves in this case as angina pectoris.
  2. Trombonecrotic. This stage is characterized by joining the process of thrombosis in altered arteries. This period may be complicated by myocardial infarction.
  3. Fibrous. At this stage, there is an increase in the connective tissue in the vessels, a significant deterioration in the blood supply to the organs.
  4. atherosclerosis of the aorta
    atherosclerosis of the aorta

Manifestation of pathology

Signs of aortic atherosclerosis depend on the location of the pathology. As a rule, changes do not appear abruptly. The course of the disease itself is long. Symptoms may be absent for a long period.

Thoracic artery injury

Against the background of this pathology, burning pressing pains appear in the retrosternal region, which radiate to the neck, upper abdomen, arms and back. They can last for several hours and even days, sometimes intensifying, sometimes weakening. Against the background of a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular walls, the work of the heart increases. This provokes myocardial hypertrophy in the left ventricle. Increased pain is noted against the background of emotional and physical stress. In some cases, they also appear at rest. Presumably the cause of pain is irritation of the nerve endings in the aortic plexus. Quite often it is possible to note existence of systolic noise. It becomes clearer when the patient puts his hands behind his head, thrown back, or after several exercises. With an enlarged aneurysm, compression of the left bronchus and trachea may occur, accompanied by difficulty in inhaling, wheezing; with pressure on the branches of the vagus nerve, bradycardia may develop. Against the background of the condition, an increase in maximum pressure is noted, while the minimum indicators practically do not change (in some cases they may decrease, which leads to a pronounced increase in pulse pressure).

Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta: symptoms

The main manifestations of the pathology of this localization are abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation. Subsequently, the patient noted the appearance of a feeling of numbness of the lower extremities, their swelling, necrosis and ulcers, hyperemia of the feet. Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta is observed in patients most often. It is the cause of abdominal ischemic heart disease, which, in turn, worsens the blood supply to the internal organs. This state is accompanied by:

  • Digestive disorders. The patient has alternating diarrhea-constipation, bloating, loss of appetite.
  • The appearance of paroxysmal pain after eating. They do not have an exact localization and pronounced expression, they are characterized as "aching". After 2-3 hours the pain goes away on its own.
  • Weight loss. Weight loss is a consequence of indigestion and is progressive.
  • signs of atherosclerosis of the aorta
    signs of atherosclerosis of the aorta

Visceral artery thrombosis

This complication is considered one of the most dangerous. In this condition, immediate medical attention is necessary, otherwise there will be necrosis of the intestinal loops and massive inflammation in the organs of the peritoneum and cavity. Against the background of this condition, peritonitis develops. In this case, the patient's life is in danger, the bill goes literally to the clock. Thrombosis is manifested by severe pain, which even antispasmodics and painkillers cannot eliminate, a sharp deterioration in the general condition.

Other complications

Atherosclerosis of the aorta may be accompanied by renal failure and arterial hypertension. Increased blood pressure is also recorded in disorders in the blood supply to the kidneys and the launch of the rening-aldosterone system. Deficiency occurs due to the replacement of organ tissues with connective fibers. With poor blood flow, gradual necrosis of cells is noted. With atherosclerosis of the aortic arch, an aneurysm occurs - this is another dangerous complication of the pathology.

Basic Therapeutic Principles

The success of the measures will depend on how timely the pathology is diagnosed, in particular atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta. Treatment is mainly directed at:

  • Decrease in cholesterol synthesis in tissues and decrease in the intake of the compound from food.
  • Elimination of the harmful effects of infectious agents.
  • Stimulating the excretion of cholesterol and its metabolites from the body.

The most important role in eliminating the causes of the development of pathology is assigned to the correction of the diet. The diet should exclude the use of cholesterol-containing foods.

atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta symptoms
atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta symptoms

How to treat aortic atherosclerosis?

The following groups of drugs are used in therapy:

  • Nicotinic acid and its derivatives. Treatment of atherosclerosis of the aorta with drugs of this category is aimed at reducing the content of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. In addition, thanks to them, the volume of high-density lipoproteins with anti-atherogenic properties increases. Contraindications to the prescription of drugs in this group are liver pathologies.
  • Fibrates. This category of drugs includes drugs "Atromid", "Gevilan", "Miscleron" and others. Medicines of this group have the ability to reduce the synthesis of their own fats. However, at the same time, they can disrupt the activity of the liver and cause the development of gallstone disease.
  • Statins. This group includes drugs such as Pravahol, Mevacor, Zokor and others. These medications lower cholesterol levels by reducing its production by the body. These funds are recommended to be taken at night. This is due to the fact that it is at this time of day that cholesterol synthesis occurs. Against the background of the use of these medicines, there may be a violation of the liver.
  • Sequestrants of bile to-t. This group includes such drugs as Cholestyramine, Cholestide, etc. Treatment of aortic atherosclerosis with these drugs is carried out in order to reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in the body. The side effects of these drugs are constipation and flatulence.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of atherosclerosis is indicated in the presence of a high threat to the life of the patient. The risk of death may be associated with occlusion (blockage) of the artery by a thrombus or plaque. In such cases, an endarterectomy is prescribed. This is an open operation. Endovascular procedures are also indicated. These are dilatation of arteries with balloon catheters and placement of stents.

aortic valve atherosclerosis
aortic valve atherosclerosis

Folk recipes

Plants can be used as complementary therapy. The following are considered the most popular means:

  • Infusion of dill seeds. A tablespoon of raw materials is poured with boiling water (1 tbsp.), Infused and drunk with severe headaches 4 times a day, 1-2 tbsp. l.
  • Alcohol tincture from elecampane root. 20 g of crushed dry raw materials are placed in a dark glass container. The root is poured with alcohol (100 ml) and allowed to brew for twenty days. After the mixture is filtered and propolis tincture (20%) is added to it. It is recommended to take 25-30 drops three times a day.
  • Infusion of plantain. Dry grass (1 tbsp.) Pour boiling water (1 tbsp.) And let it brew for ten minutes. Drink the mixture in small sips for an hour.

In closing

With atherosclerosis of the aorta, it is necessary to carry out complex therapy. Measures should be aimed not only directly at eliminating the pathology, but also at reducing the number of stressful situations, stabilizing the exchange. Important conditions for successful treatment are diet, regular exercise, smoking/alcohol cessation.

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