What Are the Treatments for Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is serious medical condition that occurs when the arteries become hardened as a result of chronic high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Arteriosclerosis can cause the arteries to become blocked, which can eventually result in heart attack. Arteriosclerosis may be treated with lifestyle modifications, various medications and surgical interventions.

Lifestyle Modifications

• In the early stages of arteriosclerosis, lifestyle modifications include eating a diet low in cholesterol and salt. A healthy diet, along with getting regular exercise, might help slow and possibly even stop the progression of the disease. Also, smokers should stop in order to prevent further artery damage.

Medications

• Medications, including those for blood pressure and high cholesterol, may be used to control conditions that have contributed to the development of arteriosclerosis. Medications such as aspirin and anticoagulants may be used to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

Angioplasty

• When arteriosclerosis becomes more advanced, surgical interventions might be needed. An angioplasty is performed by threading a catheter into the blocked artery and then inflating a tiny balloon to open up the blockage. Also, a stent might be placed in the artery so it will stay open.

Endarterectomy

• An endarterectomy is a procedure that involves surgically removing fatty deposits from the insides of the arteries.

Thrombolytic Therapy

• Thrombolytic therapy involves using a drug to dissolve blood clots present in the arteries.

Bypass Surgery

• If the artery is damaged beyond repair, a bypass operation might be needed. This surgery involves either using a blood vessel from another part of the body or a synthetic tube to completely bypass the damaged artery.