It is a chronic disease leading to cholesterol buildup and cholesterol nodules forming on the inside of the leg arteries. Atherosclerosis causes a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels and their narrowing. As a result, blood circulation in the legs is impaired, the access of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is reduced. This can lead to serious complications – up to the amputation of gangrene and legs. On average, every second man who has reached the age of 45 years, and every second woman over 55 years old has nodes in the arteries.
Types of diseases:
Pathologies related to the nature of arterial lesions:
Atherosclerosis without vasoconstriction – changes in the walls of blood vessels that do not interfere with blood circulation, stenosing atherosclerosis – narrowing of the arterial fissure, obliterating atherosclerosis – significant narrowing or complete induration of the artery, as a result of which tissue necrosis develops.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis of the arteries of the legs:
Smoking is one of the main risk factors. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, diabetes mellitus, decreased glucose resistance, arterial hypertension, low physical activity, overweight and poor diet, meeting in males over 50 years old, hereditary tendency, chronic stress and emotional stress.
Atherosclerosis prevention and measures to prevent complications:
Quitting completely is the most important and first step! Blood pressure control: 140/85 mm Hg. Blood sugar control: glucose in the stomach should be 3.9 – 5.8 mmol/l, cholesterol reduction: proper nutrition and/or medication, total blood cholesterol – 3.5-5.1 mmol/l, constant physical activity: at least 30 minutes a day. The most useful thing is a daily walk. This improves the circulation of the legs. Healthy eating: Reducing fats, increasing vegetables, fish and fibre-rich foods
Regular preventive examinations to the doctor, especially taking into account persons with chronic diseases or hereditary factors. If atherosclerosis is diagnosed, it is necessary to strictly follow the treatment recommended by the doctor and vascular surgeon!
