Atherosclerosis Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

5. Muscle Weakness In The Legs

Muscle weakness in the legs due to atherosclerosis is caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the leg muscles.

This narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs can cause a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD may result in leg muscle weakness, cramping, and pain, particularly during physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

As a result of decreased blood flow, the leg muscles may also undergo muscle atrophy and weakness over time. In severe cases, this may lead to difficulty walking or even at rest.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

When the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis narrow and harden, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Since the vessels become obstructed or damaged, blood flow to the penis is reduced, making it challenging to achieve or sustain an erection. As atherosclerosis advances, it worsens the impairment of erectile function.

3. Coldness Or Numbness In The Extremities

When atherosclerosis occurs, it can lead to coldness or numbness in the extremities due to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can impede blood flow to those regions.

This can result in a deficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, or coldness. In critical situations, atherosclerosis can cause tissue damage or even tissue death (known as gangrene) in the affected areas.

2. Paralysis On One Side Of The Body

Paralysis on one side of the body can be the outcome of blocked arteries caused by atherosclerosis.

When the blood flow to a specific part of the brain is disrupted due to the build-up of plaque, it can cause a stroke that leads to brain cells dying due to the insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients.

The extent of the paralysis will depend on which area of the brain is affected by the stroke.

1. Difficulty Speaking

Atherosclerosis can cause difficulty speaking due to the development of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

This condition, known as aphasia, can vary in severity depending on which part of the brain is affected by the stroke.

Some individuals may experience difficulty expressing their thoughts coherently or finding the right words to use, while others may have trouble understanding spoken or written language.

Treatments And Care

Atherosclerosis is a serious medical condition that requires treatment due to its potential to cause significant harm to critical organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys.

As a progressive disease, atherosclerosis can lead to the development of blood clots, reduced blood flow, and eventual organ failure.

This disease can cause angina, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, cognitive impairment, and kidney failure.

It is imperative to treat atherosclerosis promptly to prevent further complications, slow or halt its progression, and improve an individual’s overall health and quality of life.

Below are atherosclerosis treatments worth knowing about.

10. Natural Supplements

Some studies have suggested that vitamin C supplementation may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis by reducing LDL cholesterol oxidation, improving endothelial function, and inhibiting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in arteries.

L-lysine and proline are amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. L-lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning that it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplements.

Studies have suggested that supplementation with L-lysine and proline may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis by promoting collagen synthesis, inhibiting the formation of plaque in arteries, and reducing inflammation.

Several studies have investigated the use of a combination of vitamin C, L-lysine, and proline as a natural supplement regimen for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The idea behind this combination is that vitamin C may help to enhance the production of collagen, while L-lysine and proline may provide the necessary building blocks for collagen synthesis.

Studies have shown positive results with this combination in animal and cell culture studies, suggesting that it may help to reduce plaque formation, improve endothelial function, and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation.

9. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can greatly assist in addressing atherosclerosis, particularly during its preliminary phases.

Quitting smoking, frequent physical activity, adhering to a well-balanced diet, reduction of weight, management of stress, and regulating other underlying health problems are all practical measures in promoting improved overall health and possibly even reversing the advancement of atherosclerosis.

Lifestyle changes can considerably minimize susceptibility to severe health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

(continued next page)