❶ Cholesterol Vs. Vessels

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of death and disability, both in Russia and in the world. Its occurrence is due to the deposition of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and the development of various complications in the future. Location: Location:

Atherosclerosis is a lesion of the arteries that occurs as a result of the deposition of cholesterol in the vascular wall with the replacement of connective tissue growth and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

The disease is widespread, the first plaques are found already in children. A number of factors contribute to its occurrence. The risk of atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries increases with age (for men over 45 and women over 55 and menopause). Not the least important is heredity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus. The increase in the number of risk factors contributes to the "rejuvenation" of atherosclerosis.

The mechanism of occurrence of atherosclerosis was elucidated experimentally, the beginning of the research was laid by N. E. Anichkov and S. S. Khalatov. It has been proven that the development of atherosclerosis is closely related to the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Cholesterol enters the body from the outside and is formed in the internal organs. About 300-400mg of cholesterol comes from food, most of it, about 700mg, is produced endogenously, mainly in the liver. Then it enters the bloodstream in the form of very low density lipoproteins. Circulating through the vessels, cholesterol is exposed to specific enzymes (lipoprotein lipases) and is converted into intermediate and then low density lipoproteins. The transformations are completed in the liver with the formation of high density lipoproteins.

In their effect on the vascular wall, lipoproteins are diametrically different. High density lipoproteins have an antiatherogenic effect, that is, they prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. They are also antioxidants.

The opposite effect is possessed by lipoproteins of intermediate and low density, they are the most atherogenic. This is due to the violation of their transformation by macrophages. The altered lipoproteins accumulate inside the macrophage, and the so-called foam cells are formed, which are then destroyed and cholesterol is released again. At the same time, they contribute to damage to the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium), which in turn causes the replacement of connective tissue around the lesion. Accumulations of cholesterol in the center form the "lipid core" of the atherosclerotic plaque.

Depending on the location of the plaques, they can cause various symptoms due to vasospasm, constriction, or thrombosis. Heart attack, stroke, embolism, arterial thrombosis of the extremities - all these are manifestations of atherosclerosis. Relatively rarely, cholesterol is deposited in the eye area, forming xanthelasmas, or in the cornea causing the appearance of a senile ring.

Ultrasound is used to detect atherosclerotic vascular lesions, angiography is more effective. A biochemical study usually reveals a violation of the ratio of blood lipids.

The development of atherosclerosis can be slowed down. Modification of risk factors - smoking cessation, alcohol abuse, diet, weight loss and adequate physical activity contribute to the normalization of lipid metabolism. Medicines can be used - statins, fibrates, antioxidants, enterosorbents, nicotinic acid. Sometimes plasmapheresis and immunosorption are used.