CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

Atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis) also known as arteriosclerotic vascular

disease or ASVD. Comes from the Greek words athero - meaning gruel or paste and
sclerosis meaning hardness - and is a hardening of the arteries - it is the most
common cause of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which an artery wall
thickens as a result of the accumulation of fatty materials such as cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms until it severely narrows
or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have the disease until they have a
medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke. Some people may have signs and
symptoms of the disease. Signs and symptoms will depend on which arteries are affected.
These symptoms take some time to develop, as the disease must progress to the
point where an artery is severely narrowed or completely blocked.
Common locations for narrowing and hardening of the arteries to occur include
the:

Heart

Brain

Legs, pelvis, or arms

Kidneys.

Symptoms of Atherosclerosis in the Heart: If the arteries that supply the heart with
blood (called the coronary arteries) are affected, you may have symptoms that include:

Chest pain or chest discomfort (angina)

Pain in one or both arms, the left shoulder, neck, jaw, or back

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Faster heartbeats

Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)

Abnormal heartbeats

Feeling very tired.

45

In some people, the first symptom is a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a
coronary artery becomes blocked, most commonly by a blood clot.
Causes and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis: Why does atherosclerosis occur in
the coronary arteries of some people but not others? An interplay of many factors including
hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol,
family history of heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle are involved.

46