Atheroma

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Atheroma
Synonyms	Atheromatous plaque, atherosclerotic plaque
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, but can lead to angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral artery disease
Complications	Coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease
Onset	Typically develops over decades
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Atherosclerosis
Risks	Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, angiography, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Arteriosclerosis, arteritis, thrombosis
Prevention	Lifestyle modification, statins, antihypertensive drugs
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, bypass surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on extent and location of plaques
Frequency	Common, especially in older adults
Deaths	N/A

Atheroma

Introduction

An atheroma is a pathological condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels, leading to the formation of plaques. These plaques can cause narrowing (stenosis) of the arteries, impeding blood flow and potentially leading to various cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Pathophysiology

Atheromas are primarily composed of lipid-laden cells, fibrous connective tissue, and calcium deposits. The development of an atheroma, or atherosclerosis, involves an inflammatory process that starts with damage to the endothelial layer of the artery. This damage attracts lipoproteins, white blood cells, and other substances that accumulate and become oxidized within the arterial wall, forming a plaque.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the formation of atheromas, including:

• High levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet

Illustration of an artery with an atheroma.

Symptoms and Complications

In the early stages, atheromas may not cause any symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms may develop due to reduced blood flow to vital organs. These can include:

• Chest pain or angina
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Sudden, severe headache (indicative of stroke)

Complications arising from atheromas can be severe and include heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, potentially leading to limb amputation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of atheroma-related conditions may involve a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as:

• Blood tests for cholesterol levels
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Stress tests
• Angiography
• Ultrasound imaging

Treatment

Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of plaque buildup and preventing complications. Strategies include:

• Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
• Medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs
• In severe cases, surgical interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery

Prevention

Preventing the formation of atheromas involves managing risk factors through:

• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Regular physical activity
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Managing stress
• Regular health check-ups to monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure

See Also

• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Stroke

References

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

External Links

• American Heart Association - Atherosclerosis