Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is a vascular disease that progresses over years. Blood lipids are deposited on the inside of the vessel wall and lead to chronic inflammatory processes. As a result, the vessel wall thickens, which can constrict or even completely occlude the vessel.
The first sign is that you can no longer master your usual walking distance without complaints. Stress-related pain or cramps in the legs or buttocks with relief at rest are typical. In later stages the pain also occurs during rest and wounds may appear on the legs.
Arteriosclerosis: How to prevent!
The reduction of personal risk factors in combination with drug therapy is the treatment of choice in the earlier stages of the disease and helps to prevent arteriosclerosis at any age. Good cooperation between patient and treating physician is important for the right therapy.
Smoking
The first thing to do is to stop smoking. From a medical point of view, individual cessation concepts, nicotine replacement therapies or drug-based smoking cessation therapies can be recommended.
Reduce blood lipids
Very few people manage to reach the recommended cholesterol levels through exercise and diet. For this reason, it is often necessary to lower cholesterol or HDL cholesterol with medication. Some patients also benefit from a medical increase in HDL cholesterol.
Normalize blood sugar
The blood sugar level plays an essential role in the success of the therapy for diabetics and should be checked and adjusted regularly.
Blood pressure
The blood pressure can be well adjusted with antihypertensive drugs. Regular exercise helps to regulate the blood pressure. Experts recommend physical activity three times a week - preferably in consultation with your doctor.
Body weight
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise help to reduce weight. This improves physical performance and above all muscle metabolism.