What is Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease?

Arteriosclerotic heart disease has been identified as one of the highly common ailments affecting the heart’s arteries. This is usually brought about the build up of plaque or the mixture of fibrin, cholesterol and platelets, unto the walls of the arteries, thereby impeding the normal circulation and flow of blood. Once the arteries become overly narrowed, the walls would gradually lose its elasticity, which results to the low and slow flow of blood, requiring the heart to pump faster to compensate. This condition can lead to a more of serious and often fatal complications such as stroke, heart attacks and also death.

Arteriosclerotic heart disease can be diagnosed through the manifested symptoms, physical examination, as well as the medical history of the individual. Among the most common symptoms include a decrease in the pulse rate and blood pressure, a bulge in the knee or abdomen, persistent pain in the legs and chest pains. Like other heart diseases, arteriosclerosis is usually developed due to poor lifestyle and diet. Among the common contributing factors include gender, as men are more prone to this medical condition, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol and blood pressure, stress, obesity and aging.

However, there are a number of steps that can be taken to minimize the risks of contracting arteriosclerotic heart disease or managing it if you already have this condition. One major help includes a major lifestyle change and healthier food choices. For people with this heart condition, it is advisable to increase the intake of magnesium and calcium. Stress should also be avoided as well as smoking along with following a regular exercise regimen complemented with a well balanced diet.

For people with this condition, it is generally best to consult the doctor and have regular check ups to monitor the condition as well as evaluate its severity. There are a number of prescription drugs to help manage arteriosclerotic heart disease. However, it is still best to maintain a healthy lifestyle so as not to aggravate the condition and further clog up the arteries. For preventative measures, herbal and holistic approaches may be adapted as preventative measures.