arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)

ASCVD, also known as atherosclerosis, is a common and serious condition that affects the cardiovascular system. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arterial walls, leading to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Causes and Risk Factors

ASCVD is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including:

• High cholesterol levels [7]
• High blood pressure [9]
• Smoking [5]
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease

Symptoms and Complications

In the early stages, ASCVD may not show any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, it can lead to various complications, including:

• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), such as myocardial infarction, angina, and coronary artery stenosis [6]
• Cerebrovascular disease, such as transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, and carotid artery stenosis [6]
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) [10]

Diagnosis and Treatment

ASCVD can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.

Global Impact

ASCVD is a leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 18 million deaths in 2019 [13]. In the US, about 558,000 people died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 [13].

References:

[1] - Not available (not cited)

[2] - Not available (not cited)

[5] - Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis. The American Heart Association explains how atherosclerosis starts, how atherosclerosis is affected by high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and smoking, blood clots and thickened artery walls. ... Coronary heart disease (plaque in arteries in or leading to the heart) Angina (chest pain from ...

[6] - Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, otherwise known as ASCVD, is caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls and refers to conditions that include: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), such as myocardial infarction, angina, and coronary artery stenosis. Cerebrovascular disease, such as a transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, and carotid artery stenosis.

[7] - Atherosclerosis is a common disease that develops when a sticky plaque called plaque builds up in your arteries.

[9] - Mar 6, 2024 — Atherosclerosis is hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by the buildup of a fatty substance called plaque. Learn about the risks ...

[10] - Atherosclerosis is the pathological process in the coronary arteries, cerebral arteries, iliac and femoral arteries, and aorta that is responsible for coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It begins during childhood in the intima of the large elastic and muscular arteries with deposits of lipids, principally cholesterol and its esters, in macrophages and ...

[13] - To diagnose atherosclerosis, your healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart. You usually are asked questions about your symptoms and your family health history. You may be sent to a doctor trained in heart diseases, called a cardiologist. Age-related mortality attributable to atherosclerosis has been decreasing, but in 2019, cardiovascular disease, primarily coronary and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis still caused about 18 million deaths worldwide (> 30% of all deaths [1]). In the US, about 558,000 people died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 (2). Atherosclerosis is rapidly ...

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, also known as hardening of the arteries, can manifest in various ways depending on which artery is affected. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain or pressure: This is a classic symptom of coronary artery disease, where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked.
• Shortness of breath: Reduced blood flow to the lungs can cause difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
• Dizziness or loss of balance: Decreased blood flow to the brain can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting spells.
• Severe headaches: In some cases, reduced blood flow to the brain can cause severe and persistent headaches.
• Arm or leg weakness or numbness: Peripheral artery disease can cause pain, aching, heaviness, or cramps in the legs while walking or climbing stairs.
• Confusion or difficulty talking or understanding others: Reduced blood flow to the brain can impair cognitive function and communication skills.

It's essential to note that many people with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. In some cases, the first sign of a problem might be a heart attack or stroke.

According to [1], arteriosclerosis is a medical term for hardening of the arteries, and there are three types, including atherosclerosis (hardening from plaque buildup). You may have no symptoms until the disease leads to issues like heart attack or thrombosis. Medications and lifestyle changes can improve blood flow and lower your risk of complications.

[1] - Symptoms usually don't happen until an artery is so narrowed or clogged that it can't send enough blood to organs and tissues, sometimes a blood clot completely blocks blood flow, which may cause a heart attack or stroke [2].

[2] - Atherosclerosis interferes with the normal workings of your cardiovascular system. It can limit or block blood flow to various parts of your body, including your heart and brain. Possible complications of reduced blood flow include: Carotid artery disease. Coronary artery disease. Heart attack. Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms). Heart failure [4].

[3] - Atherosclerosis causes heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Learn about causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments [5].

[4] - Possible complications of reduced blood flow include: Carotid artery disease. Coronary artery disease. Heart attack. Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms). Heart failure [4].

[5] - Atherosclerosis causes heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Learn about causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments [6].

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests, which help identify the presence and extent of atherosclerosis in the arteries. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests used to diagnose ASCVD:

• Angiography: This is a special type of X-ray that uses a dye to visualize the inside of the arteries and check for blockages or narrowing. It can be performed on various parts of the body, including the heart, neck, brain, and legs [3].
• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test: This non-invasive test measures the blood pressure in the ankles and arms to detect any differences that may indicate atherosclerosis in the lower extremities [7].
• Cardiac imaging tests: These tests use various techniques such as echocardiography, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the heart and its blood vessels. They can help identify areas of scarring or damage caused by atherosclerosis [4].
• Coronary calcium scan: This test uses a CT scan to measure the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, which is a marker for atherosclerosis [8].
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This quick test checks the electrical activity of the heart and can detect any irregularities that may indicate ASCVD [5].
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test: This blood test measures the level of CRP, a protein linked to inflammation in the arteries, which is a risk factor for ASCVD [12].
• Stress tests: These tests are used to evaluate how well the heart functions under stress or exercise. They can help identify any abnormalities that may indicate ASCVD [9].

These diagnostic tests can help healthcare providers confirm the presence of ASCVD and determine the extent of atherosclerosis in the arteries. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective management and treatment of this condition.

References:

[3] Tests to Diagnose Atherosclerosis. [4] Doctors have an arsenal of diagnostic tests and tools they can access to confirm the presence of Atherosclerosis - these include an angiogram (Arteriogram), cholesterol tests, a chest x-ray, a CT ... [7] Diagnosis of atherosclerosis includes tests like ankle-brachial index, cardiac imaging, cerebral angiography, coronary calcium scan, heart function tests, and stress tests. [8] Ultrasound and Coronary Calcium Score CT scans can detect early atherosclerosis before it narrows blood vessels. [9] Sep 7, 2022 — Tests for arteriosclerosis include electrocardiogram, ultrasound, CT scan, stress test, coronary angiogram, and Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) test.

Treatment Options for Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) can be treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall health. Medications play a crucial role in the treatment of ASCVD.

• Cholesterol-lowering medicines: Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke [6]. Other types of cholesterol-lowering medicines include bile acid sequestrants (colesevelam, cholestyramine, and colestipol) and nicotinic acid.
• Blood pressure management: Medications such as diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors can help manage high blood pressure, a major risk factor for ASCVD [12].
• Antiplatelet therapy: Aspirin or other antiplatelet medications may be prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke [12].

Other Medications

In addition to cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure management medications, other treatments may include:

• Antihypertensive medications: To manage high blood pressure
• Anti-diabetic medications: To manage diabetes, a major risk factor for ASCVD
• Lipid-lowering medications: To lower triglyceride levels

Importance of Lifestyle Changes

While medications can help manage symptoms and prevent complications, lifestyle changes are essential in the treatment of ASCVD. A healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke [14].

References: [6] Bile acid sequestrants—colesevelam, cholestyramine and colestipol—and nicotinic acid are other types of medicine that may be used to reduce cholesterol levels. [12] Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain or symptoms of transient ischemic attack or stroke such as: ... Coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis in the arteries close to the heart can lead to coronary artery disease. This may cause chest pain, a heart attack or ... [14] Also important are three lifestyle habits proven to reduce heart disease: Exercise 30 minutes most days of the week;

Differential Diagnosis of Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced or blocked blood flow. When diagnosing ASCVD, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Here are some differential diagnoses for ASCVD:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD involves impairment of blood flow through the coronary arteries, most commonly by atheromas [15]. Clinical presentations include silent ischemia, angina pectoris, acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina, myocardial infarction), and sudden cardiac death.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD is characterized by narrowing of the arteries in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body [8]. Symptoms may include pain or cramping in the affected limbs during exercise.
• Carotid Artery Disease: This condition involves plaque buildup in the neck arteries [9]. It can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, which can cause damage to the heart valves and affect blood flow [13].
• Rheumatic Heart Disease: This condition involves inflammation of the heart tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect blood flow [13].

Key Factors in Differential Diagnosis

When differentiating between these conditions, it's essential to consider factors such as:

• Age: ASCVD is more common in older adults.
• Risk factors: Presence of risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and family history can increase the likelihood of ASCVD.
• Symptoms: Pain or cramping in the affected limbs (PAD), pain or discomfort in the chest (CAD), or symptoms related to carotid artery disease (such as stroke) may be present.
• Imaging tests: Results from imaging tests such as echocardiography, stress testing, and coronary angiography can help diagnose ASCVD.

References

[8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9 [13] - Context result 13 [15] - Context result 15