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Many Americans Unaware of Deadly Danger of Atherosclerosis
By Spectrum Staff
Most
people don’t realize they suffer from atherosclerosis until
they have a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis, or hardening
of the arteries, is a silent killer, often with no visible signs
or symptoms. Atherosclerosis often starts early, with two of every
three of us already suffering from plaque buildup in our arteries
by the age of 35.
According to Michelle Plasari, president of the Senior Center for Health and
Security, “As we get older, arterial plaque can build up and restrict blood
flow. The pressure from these deposits causes the artery walls to thicken and
stiffen, until eventually the arteries become blocked and closed. These blockages
can lead to heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, stroke and aneurysms.”
The Senior Center for Health & Security is a nonprofit educational organization
that seeks to enhance the lives of older Americans.
Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of coronary heart disease and stroke, and
it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Together, heart disease
and stroke kill more Americans every year than all cancers combined.
The risk factors of atherosclerosis are many, including smoking, elevated cholesterol,
high blood pressure, unhealthy eating habits and a family history joining aging
as the primary culprits. Because plaque tends to build up slowly in the arteries,
atherosclerosis usually has no symptoms until the artery becomes severely narrowed
or completely blocked.
A recent Harris survey found that despite its threat, only about half of Americans
understand the deadly danger of atherosclerosis. While aware of the risk factors
and consequences, most Americans are uninformed about the condition itself.
“The first thing people can do about atherosclerosis is to educate themselves.
They should understand the risk factors that contribute to the progression of
atherosclerosis and learn what can happen if the buildup of plaque in their arteries
is allowed to progress. Next, do what they can to reduce their risks for the
consequences of the disease,” said Plasari.
Plasari explained that people should start their educational plan by talking
with their doctors. To learn if they’re at risk, she recommends that people
get their blood pressure, blood sugar and levels of good and bad cholesterol
checked.
“Doctors will most likely recommend ways to improve the health of arteries,
such as to stop smoking, eat a heart-healthy diet and exercise more. If these
aren’t enough, they might recommend medication. Various medicines can slow,
or sometimes even reverse, the effects of atherosclerosis,” she said.
Various educational tools are available, including a video (www.seniorsforcures.org)
which provides a journey deep inside the body to see how risk factors like high
levels of bad cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure can help contribute
to the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
“Making healthy lifestyle choices and talking to your doctor are good first
steps in the fight against atherosclerosis,” said Plasari.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
