Atherosclerosis and Heart Attacks

In my previous post about "Thrombolysis in the management of heart attacks", I did mention of posting today about further managements after an angiogram, which I have decided against, choosing instead a lighter topic that affects us all, including me. 

What is Atherosclerosis?

It is a condition in the arterial coronary (heart) walls, where fatty deposits (PLAQUE) developed and progressed as we grow old. As diets play a role, a study have shown that as early as 15 years of age, fatty formation can start along the arterial wall. If and when other factors are involved in its' development, AGE definitely plays a part in its' progression, leading to a disease in the coronary arteries.

Disclaimer: image from heart research.com.au

A heart size can be likened to a fist, that is constantly pumping blood to perfuse its' muscles and throughout the body and all its' organs to function every second of our lives. Ideally, we want our hearts as healthy as possible, well perfused to do its' job properly. 

Comparing the 2 images above, we will choose the healthy one. Of course. Sadly, we can't choose. We can modify our diets, but we can't stop growing old. We don't know right now how healthy our coronary arteries are.

The cause of a heart attack

Nowadays, a patient's history can give us a clue as to the cause of the heart attack. A cholesterol result can confirm it and the angiogram will literally show us how bad are the blockages from the fatty deposits and where are they located.

From the image above, the blood flow can still be good from the narrowed part, but what usually the problem is, the plaque can rupture, and as it is an injury, blood can clot around it. The growing blood clot formation on its' own can block that part of the artery, or it can rupture and travel along and lodged elsewhere again blocking that part of the artery. Either way can cause a heart attack.

There are a lot of risk factors for Heart Disease, atherosclerosis is just one of them. This can start from a young age, progressing as we get older. Can this be modified? YES, we can modify our diet where we can delay the condition before it can become a disease.

Have anyone heard what it's called "Familial Hypercholesterolemia"?

I hope this is easy to understand, please leave a comment, additional informations, suggestions, questions or anything that I can help you with. I am a cardiac nurse, not a doctor.

This post is to raise funds for @zeddjacob's family member whose awaiting angiogram +/- angioplasty this month.

Again, thank you for your support.

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathogenesis-of-atherosclerosis

https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@steemph/thrombolysis-in-the-management-of-heart-attacks