Essay On Atherosclerosis

The risk factors related with atherosclerosis can be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. It is essential to recognize the difference between the two since treatment can be used to hinder the modifiable variables. Non-modifiable risk factors include: age, gender, race or ethnicity, and family history. The physiologic changes related with age add to the advancement of atherosclerosis and CVD in adults. As an individual ages, the veins and arteries become less flexible and the walls of the blood vessels can form an excess of fibrous connective tissue, which will in turn lead to scarring of the arterial walls. Along with age, sex is an imperative issue in the advancement and development of atherosclerosis. Men have a more serious threat
Additionally, cigarette smoking is connected with stimulating platelet activity, increasing the coagulation on arterial walls and causing a blockage. Lastly, some modifiable factors of atherosclerosis include disorders that may accelerate CVD if not treated or maintained. One of these disorders is diabetes. People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have high levels of triglycerides and LDL; they also have decreased levels of HDL. Since diabetics have higher blood glucose levels, the endothelial cells diminish the creation of nitric oxide, a vasodilator. The endothelium also secretes thromboxane A2, a coagulation enhancer. Additionally, with high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream, the glucose connects with the endothelium of the blood vessel wall and inhibits the cells to produce endothelin, a vasoconstrictor. Therefore, diabetes advances atherosclerosis severely by vasoconstriction and clot formation, increasing the risk for a heart attack, MI, or peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Another disorder that can accelerate CVD is hypertension. Hypertension is an increased arterial blood pressure normally with a reading above 140/90 mm