What is Cerebral Arteriosclerosis?

Cerebral arteriosclerosis is a condition which occurs when the blood vessels which carry blood and nutrients get thickened and stiff. It can sometimes restrict blood flow to the organs and tissues. The healthy arteries are flexible and elastic but over time the wall of the arteries get hard. Atherosclerosis is specific type of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the build up of fats, cholerstrol and other substances in the arteries restricting the flow of blood.

Symptoms

Mild form of atherosclerosis usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. The symptoms do not appear until an artery is so clogged that it can’t supply the adequate blood to the organs and tissues of the body. A blood clot may completely block the blow flow which can even trigger heart attacks or stroke at times.

Symptoms depend upon how severe or moderate atherosclerosis you have:

• Chest pain or pressure : If  you have artherosclerosis in the heart arteries

• Sudden numbness, weakness in arms or legs, difficulty in speaking or drooping muscles in the face: If you have artherosclerosis in the brain arteries.

• Pain in the leg when walking : if you have artherosclerosis in the arms and legs arteries.

• High blood pressure or kidney failure: If you have artherosclerosis in the arteries of kidneys

• Erectile dysfunction, low blood flow to the vagina :  if you have artherosclerosis in the arteries leading to the genitals

Causes

The exact cause of the condition is not yet but it may start with damage or injury to the inner later of an artery. The condition may begin from the childhood.

Treatment

The best treatment for the condition includes eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Medications or surgical procedures can also be done to treat the condition. Drugs which can slow or even reverse the effects of atherosclerosis include: Cholesterol medications, anti platelet medications, beta blocker medications, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, water pills and other medications.

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