Treatment of vascular atherosclerosis with folk remedies. What to do to avoid atherosclerosis and how to treat it

How to cure atherosclerosis with folk remedies

Some older people often experience dizziness, general weakness and persistent tinnitus. Such signs in most cases indicate the development of atherosclerosis, which can be successfully treated with the help of folk remedies.

Honey

A tincture based on natural May honey is a good remedy for this disease. To prepare it, you need to mix 25 grams of honey with 1 onion, chopped into a paste. Take the medicine in the morning on an empty stomach, and a few minutes before lunch and dinner.

In addition, another treatment method can be used here. Namely, start drinking a teaspoon of vegetable oil in the morning on an empty stomach, and in the evening eat 20 grams of honey along with three walnuts.

Such treatment will be especially effective when excluded from the diet. fatty foods according to the type of dishes made from lamb, hams, pork, soups and borscht with rich broth.

Nettle baths

A rather unusual practice, however, no less effective, is nettle baths. They are most effective in the treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis, which usually occurs in smokers due to blockage of blood vessels by nicotine. For one bath you need to collect about a bag of nettles, scatter it along the bottom of the bath, fill it with water so that it completely covers it. Wait 30 minutes. Add a little more cold water to the bath, so that the person can sit in it. Once immersed in water, stay in it for half an hour. There should be 10 such procedures in total. However, this is recommended only for those people who are used to swimming in cold water.

Clover flowers

An alcohol tincture infused with clover flowers also helps eliminate atherosclerosis in older people. It is easy to prepare it yourself, following these rules:

Place 10 grams of dried flowers of the specified plant in a jar. Pour them with 2.5 glasses of 40 percent ethyl alcohol(which can be replaced by regular vodka). Infuse the medicine for 10 days. Then strain and start drinking 3 times 20 ml of infusion per day. Continue treatment for 3 months, then take a break for six months and repeat everything again.

Sophora japonica

This recipe is very old, and therefore is passed on by healers from generation to generation. An infusion of Sophora japonica is prepared very simply: one glass of pre-crushed pods of the plant is immersed in 500 ml of vodka (40 proof) and the whole thing is infused for exactly 41 days (preferably in the refrigerator). Drink 20 ml alcohol infusion before meals, following a 3-time daily intake schedule. The period of admission is 3 months. After the specified period, the patient will stop tinnitus and the sudden dizziness will go away.

How to treat atherosclerosis

Patients who have been diagnosed for the first time, first of all, ask doctors how to treat atherosclerosis. To which the doctors tell them that this disease is curable, all that needs to be done is to follow their recommendations. In this article, you will learn about how to treat vascular atherosclerosis. Many patients are worried about whether atherosclerosis can be cured, but doctors reassure them because this disease is curable.

First of all, the treatment of atherosclerosis consists of a complete change in the usual lifestyle. Doctors strongly recommend that patients quit smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. A special place in the complex treatment of atherosclerosis is occupied by changing the diet and correct, and most importantly healthy diet. In addition, doctors recommend their patients to engage in more physical activity. Namely, go to the gym or play sports. In addition, you can attend therapeutic massage sessions. So, the main reason that provokes the development of atherosclerosis is an incorrect lifestyle. Namely overuse alcohol, smoking, unhealthy high-calorie diet. If you change this lifestyle, you can easily overcome this disease.

As for the drug treatment of atherosclerosis, it is based on the use of special medications that are aimed at dilating the affected vessels. In cases where conservative treatment methods do not have a positive effect, doctors resort to surgery. Surgery It is carried out in cases where the patient’s pain becomes unbearable. During surgery, doctors simply remove the affected vessels. As a rule, after surgery the patient’s well-being and general condition improves significantly. It should be noted that in addition to mandatory drug therapy, doctors also prescribe the use of various vitamins to support and restore the body's strength.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the treatment of atherosclerosis is a long and complex process. The effectiveness of which depends on the degree of interest not only of the patient, but also of the attending physician. Remember, at the first symptoms of this disease should immediately contact a specialist. After all, the sooner you start treating atherosclerosis, the faster you can get rid of it.

What is atherosclerosis and what are its consequences?

My blog is devoted not only to vegetative-vascular dystonia, but also to issues of a healthy lifestyle, which, in turn, is inseparable from such significant topics as proper nutrition and maintaining proper physical fitness. These factors play the biggest role in maintaining correct exchange substances in our body.

Atherosclerosis in the vast majority of cases develops as a result of metabolic disorders, begins unnoticed, does not manifest itself for quite a long time, but then “falls” on the person in the form of serious diseases that threaten his life. It is impossible to completely cure atherosclerosis; it is only possible to somewhat slow down its progression, unless, of course, it is too late. That is why it is important even for a healthy person to know what this disease is, what its symptoms and consequences are. In fact, a person may not even suspect that after some time he may develop serious vascular problems, cardiovascular disease, or a disorder cerebral circulation.

Quite recently, I did not pay attention to doctors’ recommendations to pay attention to high cholesterol. conclusions of the type “manifestations of atherosclerosis in the initial stage” special influence there was no pressure on me; I only had enough for a couple of weeks of an anti-cholesterol diet and a short attempt at Once again“quit” smoking. Until the moment I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and I learned that the cause of all my troubles was atherosclerosis. Since then, I have learned “a lot of interesting things” about this disease and now I am in a “state of war” with atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, he will still defeat me, but it won’t be as soon as he wants. I won't give up without a fight!

What contributes to the development of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease of middle and old age. Most often, men suffer from atherosclerosis; women are less at risk, but with the onset of menopause, when the female hormone estrogen no longer protects blood vessels, a woman’s chances of developing atherosclerosis increase sharply.

Atherosclerosis can develop due to hereditary predisposition, but most often the culprit of vascular damage is a metabolic disorder in the body. Diseases such as gout. diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis and obesity greatly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Don't forget that all these diseases are related to metabolism!

A separate point should be made about smoking. All other things being equal, smokers are much more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis, and in a smoker, atherosclerosis progresses much faster!

Stress and certain types of professional activity also contribute to the appearance of atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

There is a theory that atherosclerosis can develop as a complication of certain sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, syphilis), but evidence base not yet sufficient.

How does atherosclerosis develop?

Cholesterol and some other fats contained in the blood begin to gradually settle on the walls of blood vessels, narrowing their lumen and making the walls of blood vessels rigid (stenosis). Some substances (for example, nicotine or uric acid, the level of which is increased in gout) can “eat away” the walls of blood vessels, causing erosion or a small ulcer to form in this area. The body immediately tries to correct the situation and “seals” the wound with cholesterol. As a result, a atherosclerotic plaque. Over time, especially if the level of cholesterol in the blood is higher than normal, more and more fatty deposits grow on this plaque. The lumen of the vessel narrows and a disruption of the blood supply to any organ or tissue area develops.

Consequences of atherosclerosis

When the lumen of the vessel narrows by three quarters, a person begins to feel symptoms of oxygen starvation of any organ. Which one exactly? It depends on which vessel the plaque formed in. If there is a narrowing of the coronary arteries, coronary heart disease appears. if plaques form in the carotid arteries, then a cerebrovascular accident develops, if the renal artery is subject to stenosis, the kidneys suffer, and so on. But stenosis can also develop in the arteries supplying blood to the limbs, and then the muscles of the legs or arms suffer. Atherosclerosis can even affect the genitals; I don’t think I have to explain what awaits the patient in this case.

But this is a “long” scheme for the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. For the patient, everything can end sadly and much earlier than the plaque completely blocks the blood vessel. The fact is that the surface of the plaque itself may be damaged. Then blood clots begin to form in this place, which “close up” the impulse, a so-called thrombus is formed. In a short time it can block an already narrowed vessel and completely disrupt the blood supply, for example, to the heart. In this case, the patient will suffer a myocardial infarction.

Also, a blood clot or part of it can break away from the plaque and the blood flow will pick up the clot and carry it further through the blood circulation. In this case, the thrombus will certainly block some narrower vessel and in this place the oxygen supply to the tissues will again be disrupted. This is how, for example, a cerebral stroke develops. The larger the diameter of the detached blood clot, the larger the diameter of the vessel that is deprived of blood. Accordingly, the consequences for the body are more serious.

But that's not all. The “older” the plaque, the stiffer its walls - the plaques calcify over time. Old plaques with sharp edges are especially dangerous. It may happen that the plaque breaks off small piece(for example, when increasing blood pressure) and will be carried away by the bloodstream. The consequences will be exactly the same as in the case of a blood clot.

This is such a sad picture. It becomes especially sad when the patient finds out that atherosclerosis cannot be cured and atherosclerotic plaque can only be removed surgically.

This is why it is very important to lead healthy image life, eat right and monitor your cholesterol levels, especially if you are already 35 years old and especially for men.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

As I said earlier, atherosclerosis is a chronic and slowly progressive disease. For quite a long time (several years, or even decades), atherosclerosis practically does not manifest itself in any way. The first symptoms appear in the form of characteristic complications: cerebrovascular accidents (dizziness, headaches), coronary heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath, angina), renal failure or intermittent claudication (pain in the calf muscles when walking). We have already discussed these and other complications above.

Diagnosis of atherosclerosis

As a rule, signs of atherosclerosis are found by chance, during routine examinations or examinations for other diseases. This is either increased cholesterol in the blood, or a suspicion of the presence of atherosclerotic plaques based on ultrasound results.

Middle-aged men, especially those who smoke and lead a rather passive lifestyle, and especially those who have excess weight, the following examination can be recommended:

• Blood test for cholesterol (full lipid profile). Details in the article on blood cholesterol levels
• Dopplerography of blood vessels
• Ultrasound of neck vessels (carotid arteries)
• Ultrasound of the heart

Believe me, the sooner signs of atherosclerosis are detected, the greater the chance of avoiding deadly complications!

Well, if during the examination you are still found to have signs of atherosclerosis, then you need to immediately change your current lifestyle and engage in treatment. And first of all, it is necessary to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood. How to do this in the next post.

What is atherosclerosis and what are its consequences Vascular atherosclerosis - symptoms, manifestations, treatment. Personal experience Available about the disease atherosclerosis: symptoms of vascular atherosclerosis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Remedies for atherosclerosis. Diaries of my medical history Atherosclerosis symptoms. Brain stroke. Myocardial infarction. Metabolic disease. Cholesterol

When determining high cholesterol The question immediately arises: how to treat atherosclerosis? This disease is associated with many diseases of the cardiovascular system, so various methods are used to normalize the condition. The most common are medications and folk remedies.

Atherosclerosis occurs against the background of a decrease in the elasticity of the arteries, followed by their narrowing. This process is silent and slow, so the effects of blockage of the vessel and circulatory impairment may be sudden.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. These pathological conditions together constitute a group of atherosclerotic lesions of the heart and blood vessels.

The development of atherosclerosis is closely related to certain risk factors. There are also predisposing conditions by gender and age. Yet this life-threatening process can be prevented with effective treatment.

Video: How to effectively treat vascular atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis - symptoms and causes!

Description of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is directly related to damage to the inner layer of the vessel wall (endothelium). This may be caused by high blood pressure, smoking, or increased amount cholesterol in the blood. Disruption of the endothelial structure causes the formation of fat-like deposits in the form of plaque.

When “unhealthy” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is found near damaged endothelium, it leaks into the arterial wall. This causes leukocytes to become involved in the developing inflammatory reaction. This process can go unnoticed for many years, resulting in cholesterol and white blood cells turning into plaques. They gradually grow in the endothelium and often protrude into the lumen of blood vessels.

Plaques cause hardening and destruction of the walls of the arteries, which stop fully expanding and narrowing. As atherosclerosis develops, the site of the lesion increases, which is why the vessel may be blocked by protruding parts of the plaque.

This leads to thrombosis, to which vessels of medium and small caliber are more susceptible. Also, a similar pathological process spreads throughout the body, often damaging vital organs (heart and brain). As a result, not only myocardial infarction, but also stroke and other health problems can occur.

Atherosclerosis usually does not cause symptoms until middle age or older age. But as the blood vessels narrow and the disease develops, it can disrupt blood flow to a greater or lesser extent, which leads to pain. The blocking plaque may also rupture suddenly. This contributes to the thickening of the blood, its accumulation inside the artery at the site of the rupture and the formation of a blood clot.

Types of development of atherosclerotic plaque

The course of atherosclerosis occurs differently, and in each special case Individually selected treatment is used.

1. An atherosclerotic plaque does not extend beyond the artery wall, where it grows to a certain size and stops. Because this plaque does not block blood flow, it is unlikely to cause any symptoms.
2. In another option, the plaque grows slowly, so this process can be controlled, especially the quality of blood flow. Yet ultimately, this process causes significant blockages in the blood vessels. Pain in the chest or legs, most often with physical activity, is a common symptom of this condition.
3. The most unfavorable development of an atherosclerotic plaque occurs with a sudden rupture pathological education, which promotes blood thickening inside the artery. In the brain, this causes a stroke; in the heart - myocardial infarction.

The most dangerous cardiovascular diseases that develop due to atherosclerosis are the following:

1. Coronary disease - damage to the arteries of the heart by atherosclerosis causes angina pectoris (chest pain). Complete or partial rupture of the plaque along with increased coagulability blood leads to infarction (necrosis) of the heart muscle. This is most often how a heart attack develops.
2. Cerebrovascular disease - ruptured plaques in the arteries of the brain lead to blockage of blood vessels and bleeding of some part of the brain - a stroke. Temporary blockages in an artery can cause transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are warning signs of stroke. However, with a TIA there is no injury to brain tissue.
3. Peripheral vascular disease is caused by narrowing of the arteries in the legs due to the development of plaque, causing poor circulation. As a result, it becomes difficult for the patient to tolerate physical activity. This also leads to the formation of wounds (trophic ulcers) that heal poorly or not at all. Severe illness can lead to partial or complete amputation of the leg.

Causes and risk factors

The disease can begin at an early age. In some cases, the first changes at the histological level are detected in newborns. Also today a large number of young people without symptoms have signs of atherosclerosis. For example, a study of 262 clinically healthy people in 2001 yielded the following results:

• 52% had minor atherosclerosis;
• 85% of people under 50 years old had laboratory changes characteristic of the disease;
• 17% of adolescents also had atherosclerotic disorders.

All had no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, although very few had serious narrowing in some arteries. This was a very early stage of the disease and special tests were used to detect it.

After 40 years, even if you feel well, there is a 50% chance of developing serious atherosclerosis. The risk of its occurrence increases with a person's age. Most adults over 60 years of age have some manifestations of atherosclerosis, but most often there are no noticeable symptoms.

It is important to know that mortality rates from atherosclerosis have decreased by 25% over the past three decades. This is due to improved lifestyle and quality of treatment.

Main risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis

There are three risk factors that most provoke the occurrence of atherosclerosis:

• increased amount of cholesterol in the blood;
• high blood pressure (BP);
• smoking.

Table showing the dependence of the probability of developing atherosclerosis on the number of risk factors

If age or other predisposing conditions are added to the main risk factors, then the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis increases even more.

Answers to frequently asked questions

What is the best way to treat atherosclerosis?

The most favorable and effective treatment of atherosclerosis is carried out at an early stage of its development. This type of therapy is also called preventative. Since risk factors underlie more than 90% of all heart attacks, you need to start with their correction or complete elimination:

1. You need to stop taking smoked products.
2. Blood cholesterol levels should be reduced.
3. It is important to control your blood pressure.
4. If you have diabetes, you need to treat it.
5. It is highly advisable to keep your body weight within normal limits.
6. Stressful situations must be avoided.
7. It is beneficial to eat more fruits and vegetables.
8. You should completely avoid alcohol or drink more than one drink per day (for women) and one or two drinks (for men).
9. It is important to do regular exercise that is appropriate for your overall health.

It is enough to adhere to such changes to significantly reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. At least that’s what experts say, studying this issue from various angles and points of view.

Lifestyle correction and reduction of risk factors leading to atherosclerosis can slow down or stop the pathological process. These changes will not eliminate blockages in blood vessels, but there is evidence that they reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How to treat atherosclerosis with medications?

Once a blockage occurs in a vessel, it usually remains there. However, with the use of special medications and lifestyle changes, the growth of the plaque may be slowed down or it may stop growing altogether. In some cases, with aggressive treatment, endothelial deposits may decrease slightly.

Medicines . Taking medications to normalize high cholesterol and high blood pressure slows down the pathological process and can even stop the development of atherosclerosis. Tailored medications can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The main groups of drugs used in the treatment of atherosclerosis:

1. Statins slow down the action of an enzyme involved in the formation of cholesterol.
2. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors - help reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed in the intestine.
3. Sequestrants bile acids- they are prescribed mainly for enhanced removal of bile acids from the intestines.
4. Fibrates - they are used to reduce the concentration of LDL in the blood.
5. Niacin also helps reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol.

For people at moderate or high risk - those who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have angina - aspirin is recommended. This drug helps prevent blood clots. The only thing is that before you start taking it, you need to visit your doctor for some tests, as side effects may occur.

Doctors most often use non-invasive treatment methods, although in critical cases they use surgery to open a blocked vessel or bypass the affected area:

Angiography and stenting - the method is based on the use of a thin tube inserted into an artery in the leg or arm. By gradually moving it through the vessel, doctors can get to the affected area. The entire process is carried out under real-time X-ray control. Next, a stent is installed at the site of narrowing, which improves blood flow.

Angioplasty and stenting . Balloon angioplasty (catheters with a balloon at the end) and stenting can also open blocked arteries. Stenting helps reduce symptoms, although it does not prevent further heart attacks.

Bypass surgery : Surgeons use a healthy blood vessel (often taken from the leg or chest) to bypass the blocked section of the artery. Most often this intervention is called coronary artery bypass grafting.

It is important to know that these procedures may have complications. They are usually indicated for people with severe symptoms or significant complications caused by atherosclerosis.

Video: Treatment methods for atherosclerosis

How to treat atherosclerosis with home remedies?

Can be used to prevent atherosclerosis or treat it at an early stage of development. traditional methods therapies or so-called natural remedies. Before using them, you should consult your doctor.

1. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, its main element, which has been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Garlic can also reduce triglyceride concentrations by about 20%. Reducing triglycerides also stops the growth of plaques that form inside blood vessels. Additionally, garlic can prevent oxidation of cells in the arteries, which strengthens the blood vessels. Also, some compounds in the plant may help dissolve blood clots.

2. Turmeric

This unusual powder of southeastern origin contains curcumin. It is eight times stronger than vitamin E, a known antioxidant. It prevents damage to the walls of blood vessels, strengthens them and improves blood circulation in the arteries. Turmeric is widely used in Indian medicine for treating wounds, but it can also lower cholesterol, lipids and prevent blood clots.

3. Spinach

Greens always have a good effect on the human body; even the color itself has a calming effect on the eyes. Spinach, however, is a vegetable that is very good for the heart. This highly nutritious food can lower blood pressure. It contains selenium, beta-carotene and manganese, which fight atherosclerosis. It is also a storehouse of neoxanthin and violaxanthin, which are anti-inflammatory compounds that support healthy blood vessels.

4. Beans

Beans are really good for your health because they contain a lot of nutrients and do not have unhealthy fats. It is enough to cook them correctly so that they can be very tasty and, of course, nutritious. Most legumes contain a lot of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. This happens due to the expansion of blood vessels, as a result of which the load on the entire cardiovascular system is reduced. vascular system.

5. Salmon

If the heart and blood vessels are in a risky position, it is recommended to avoid eating meat as much as possible. The reason is that proteins and others nutrients, found in legumes and vegetables, are easier to tolerate by the body. Although a lot of meat is too hard on the body, salmon is very good way improve health. This variety of fish has a good balance of cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Additionally, it contains a wide range of beneficial components, such as potassium, selenium, choline and pantothenic acid, which are good for the heart and blood vessels.

The potassium in salmon helps reduce stress on the cardiovascular system because it relaxes blood vessels, which is why it is also called vasodilator. The only thing is that you need to be careful about the mercury content in fish and then it can be consumed without any side effects.

6. Fish oil

Many people have the misconception that all fats are bad, and this is wrong. The human body needs certain good fats that ensure that all organs and systems function well. The human body especially requires a certain balance between omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil is a concentration of omega-3 fatty acids that can balance cholesterol levels in the body. These components also prevent the formation of plaque in blood vessels, which is the main cause of atherosclerosis. It also reduces the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

7. Ginger

Ginger is a very powerful spice against high LDL cholesterol, thick blood and platelet aggregation. It also lowers blood pressure and prevents hardening of the arteries. It is enough to use it in your diet to make your heart healthier.

8. Green tea

The freshly brewed drink contains various health benefits. Among them are various antioxidants. They help prevent damage to artery cells, especially in the presence of free radicals. The drink also contains polyphenols, which prevent cholesterol from entering the intestines.

9. Hawthorn

The fruit has strong antioxidant properties that protect blood vessels from plaque formation. It can also help in reducing high blood pressure and excessive cholesterol levels. This helps strengthen the heart, so hawthorn is a good remedy for fighting atherosclerosis.

Finally

The heart is the basis of human life. If it does not function well, the rest of the organs cannot be healthy either. It is important to take care of your own health and make the necessary lifestyle changes, especially if there is a high risk of atherosclerosis.

The disease can be fatal and can be extremely difficult to get rid of, especially when complications arise. If necessary, diet should be changed and physical activity increased, which as a result will allow you to live a happy and healthy life. And don't forget before you take any medical supplies, you need to consult your doctor.

Video: Superfood against cholesterol plaques. Protective Products

The goals of diagnosis are:

• identification of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels;
• clarification of the location of the atherosclerotic plaque and its extent;
• identifying the degree of atherosclerotic process;

• assessment of the condition of organs, most often the heart and brain;
• identifying the main factors of atherosclerosis and combating them;
• determination of further treatment tactics.

Laboratory diagnosis of atherosclerosis

Main settings laboratory diagnostics lipid metabolism

Parameter	Deviation from the norm
Total cholesterol	Values ​​between 5.17 and 6.20 millimoles per liter are considered borderline high; Methods instrumental diagnostics are: radiography of the heart and blood vessels; angiography; X-ray of the heart and blood vessels X-ray examination of the heart and its vessels is the oldest diagnostic method. It helps to identify changes in the cardiovascular system due to atherosclerosis. However, these changes are detected already when the cardiovascular system has undergone serious changes. Atherosclerotic changes that are detected on x-ray are: Aortic expansion– observed with severe atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. On an x-ray, this is expressed as an increase in the shadow of the diameter of the aorta; Aortic calcification – common occurrence advanced atherosclerosis. In the picture it appears as small light spots in the shadow of the aorta; Aortic aneurysm– detected by local expansion of the shadow of the aortic arch, and if fluoroscopy is performed, then in addition increased pulsation is detected; Secondary signs in the form of venous congestion in the lungs, strengthening or weakening of the pulmonary pattern; Expanding the boundaries of the heart(most often its left border), due to high blood pressure. Angiography This is a method of studying the heart and its vessels (including the coronary arteries) using a contrast agent. A contrast agent is a drug that is injected into the bloodstream and distributed evenly throughout the circulatory system. Next, either an x-ray or computed tomography is performed, which reveals this substance. Where there is an obstruction, narrowing or other defect, it is visualized by darkening against a light background of a contrast agent. A variant of angiography is arteriography lower limbs. The method is especially indispensable in the diagnosis of obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities. During the procedure, a contrast agent is injected into the blood vessel, which colors the lumen of the vessel. The passage of the substance through the vessels is monitored during radiography or computed tomography. In this case, not only the location, but also the extent of the damage, the size and even the shape of the atherosclerotic plaque are visualized. The use of arteriography is limited in people with renal failure and heart failure. Dopplerography It is the gold standard in the diagnosis of vascular atherosclerosis. This method is based on the principle of ultrasound. The method allows you to estimate the size of blood vessels, assess atherosclerotic narrowing or the location of occlusion (blockage). Also, which is very important, Doppler sonography allows us to identify the speed of blood flow in the blood vessels and its nature. Thus, this method allows you to assess the risk of developing a stroke or heart attack. Doppler ultrasound also assesses the condition of the vessels, determining the places of sclerosis, deformation and the percentage of their patency. Blood vessel patency of less than 30 percent is an indication for surgical intervention. At the initial stages of atherosclerosis, only narrowings are observed in the vessels, but later they become hardened. Atherosclerosis in the international classification of diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) According to the international classification of diseases, atherosclerosis refers to a pathology of the circulatory system. It is encoded with the I70 code and includes the following clinical forms. The forms of atherosclerosis according to ICD-10 are: atherosclerosis of the aorta – I70.0; atherosclerosis of the renal artery – I70.1; atherosclerosis of the arteries of the limb - I70.2; atherosclerosis of other arteries – I70.8; generalized atherosclerosis – I70.9. How to treat atherosclerosis? In the treatment of atherosclerosis, drug and non-drug methods of therapy are used. The main point is to eliminate risk factors that contribute to the progression of the disease. Drug treatment uses drugs that lower cholesterol levels, drugs that dilate blood vessels, and other drugs that improve metabolism. The principles of treatment of atherosclerosis are: elimination of the main risk factors - dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure; preventing the development of complicated atherosclerotic plaque; preventing complete occlusion and vasoconstriction. Treatment methods for atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease, so its treatment is carried out comprehensively. Treatment methods for atherosclerosis are: drug treatment of atherosclerosis; diet therapy for atherosclerosis; surgical treatment of atherosclerosis; traditional methods of treating atherosclerosis. Drug treatment of atherosclerosis Cholesterol-lowering drugs This group of drugs is relatively new. They became available only from the middle of the 20th century. However, these medications have already proven their effectiveness in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Their use helps to significantly reduce cholesterol levels, as well as reduce the risk of myocardial infarction. Groups of drugs that lower cholesterol levels are: statins – lovastatin, simvastatin; fibrates – clofibrate, fenofibrate; bile acid derivatives – cholestyramine. To date, drugs from the group of statins are recognized as the most effective. These medications are obtained from the fungi Aspergilus terreus or are synthesized synthetically. They are also much less likely to be complicated by side effects. The most common symptoms are flatulence, diarrhea, and taste disorders. The most dangerous side effect is liver damage and increased liver enzyme levels. Therefore, if treatment with statins continues for more than 2 months, it is necessary to monitor the level of these enzymes in the blood. If the level of these enzymes is increased more than 3 times, treatment should be noted. Another significant disadvantage of statins is their cost. Unfortunately, treatment original drugs Not everyone can do it. Therefore, today on the pharmaceutical market you can find drugs identical in chemical structure, but produced by other pharmaceutical companies. The most famous such drug is Simvastol, manufactured by Gedeon-Richter. Medicines that lower cholesterol levels Drug name Mechanism of action How to use? Simvastatin Helps reduce higher level cholesterol and low density lipoproteins. The result appears in 2 – 3 weeks. Orally once a day, in a dose of 5 ( half a tablet) up to 10 milligrams ( one tablet). A common side effect is an increase in liver enzyme levels, so treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. Lovastatin Inhibits the stages of synthesis of both cholesterol and lipoproteins. The lipid-lowering effect develops after 4 weeks. Inside, from 20 to 40 milligrams, which equals one to two tablets. The dose is taken once with food. Clofibrate Inhibits the release of fatty acids and the synthesis of cholesterol from them. Prevents the entry of low-density lipoproteins into the blood. Taken orally at 500 - 750 milligrams, which is equivalent to 2 - 3 capsules. The drug is taken three times a day, after meals. Cholestyramine Prevents the absorption of fatty acids from the intestines and the subsequent synthesis of cholesterol from them. Orally before meals, twice a day. The dose ranges from 4 to 24 grams per day. Today it is generally accepted that treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs should be taken by all patients with coronary heart disease. Firstly, they inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. And secondly, they reduce the volume of the lipid core, thereby preventing the development of complicated atherosclerotic plaque. Agents that dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation Drugs from this group improve the rheological properties of blood, helping to reduce thrombosis. Medicines that improve blood circulation Drug name Mechanism of action How to use? Pentoxifylline Dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Also prevents platelet aggregation and blood clot formation. 100 – 200 milligrams three times a day, no more than 2 weeks. It is also prescribed intravenously. Cardiomagnyl Thins the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. One tablet each ( 75 milligrams) daily, inside. If you have previously had a myocardial infarction, then 2 tablets ( 150 milligrams) daily. Actovegin Stimulates oxygen consumption by tissues, improves metabolism, especially in ischemic tissues. Intravenous drip of 250 - 500 milliliters of solution for infusion daily for 14 days. Clopidogrel Suppresses platelet activation, preventing the formation of blood clots. Orally, 75 milligrams per day. If atherosclerosis is combined with diabetes mellitus, then an integral step in treatment is the elimination of high glucose concentrations. For this purpose, various sugar-lowering drugs are used. The use of these drugs is no less important than therapy with cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is the level of glucose in the blood that determines the rate of development of complications in atherosclerosis. Examples of hypoglycemic drugs and their doses are: Metformin (Siofor)- the starting dose is 1 – 2 tablets (500 – 1000 mg), the maximum daily dose is 6 tablets (3000 mg); Glibenclamide (Maninil)- treatment begins with one tablet per day (3.5 mg), after which the dose is increased to 2 - 3 tablets; Gliclazide (diabetes)- initial dose 1 tablet per day, after 2 - 3 days the dose is doubled, the maximum daily dose is 4 tablets; Glimepiride (amaryl)- the starting dose of the drug is one 1 mg tablet or half a 2 mg tablet, then the dose is increased every 10 days. Contraindications to taking sugar-lowering drugs are pathologies of the liver and kidneys. Diet for atherosclerosis An important link in the treatment of atherosclerosis is diet. Nutrition for this metabolic disorder must be balanced and provide the body with all the necessary resources. The development of atherosclerosis is caused by an increase in the volume of low-density cholesterol. But this substance comes in small quantities with food; the rest of it is synthesized by the body on its own. The human body also has the ability to maintain cholesterol in a dissolved state, which prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. Therefore, nutrition for atherosclerosis is based on several principles that ensure the balance of cholesterol in the body. The rules of the diet for atherosclerosis are: control cholesterol intake; limiting foods that contribute to the production of cholesterol; eating foods that help neutralize excess cholesterol. Controlling cholesterol intake The source of cholesterol is animal products. Food products that contain this substance can be divided into two groups. The first includes those, the refusal of which can harm the body. This includes meat, fish, eggs, dairy products. Thus, a lack of dairy products can provoke calcium deficiency, limited meat consumption can lead to a lack of iron and B vitamins. Eggs contain vitamin D, which is necessary for the body, and fish contains a large amount of healthy fatty acids. Therefore, in order to prevent atherosclerosis, the consumption of such products must be limited, but not completely eliminated. The second group includes those foods with cholesterol that provide minimal benefit to the body. This includes products that have undergone aggressive heat treatment, as a result of which the amount of useful substances in it is significantly reduced. Products that need to be limited for atherosclerosis are: hot dogs, hamburgers, shawarma; canned fish in oil; dairy products with a long shelf life; frozen meat and fish products in breading. Limiting foods that contribute to cholesterol production Cholesterol synthesis occurs in organs such as the liver and small intestine. Foods high in carbohydrates and calories enhance the production of this substance. An example of a food that boosts cholesterol production is sugar. Therefore, in order to combat atherosclerosis, it is necessary to limit the consumption of confectionery and other foods high in sugar. Another category of products that contribute to the formation excess cholesterol, are trans fats (overheated natural oils). In addition to enhanced synthesis, trans fats increase the ability of cholesterol to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels. An example of a product whose consumption must be significantly limited in case of atherosclerosis is margarine. The harder the consistency of margarine, the more trans fats it contains. It is also recommended to reduce the consumption of mayonnaise, store-bought sauces, and dry crumbly cookies, since a large amount of trans fats is used in the production of these products. Eating foods that help neutralize excess cholesterol There are a number of products that help the body independently destroy and get rid of “bad” cholesterol. Including such products in the diet will help maintain cholesterol balance and prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. Elements that help neutralize cholesterol are: tartronic acid; fatty acid; alimentary fiber; vitamins and minerals. Tartronic acid This type of acid refers to organic acids that are found in fruits and vegetables. Tartronic acid improves the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body and inhibits the production of cholesterol. A lot of this substance is present in white cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and radishes. Fatty acid Unsaturated fatty acids, in particular Omega-3, contribute to the destruction of cholesterol plaques. These substances also make the walls of blood vessels stronger and more elastic. Therefore, the diet of a person with atherosclerosis should include a sufficient amount of unsaturated fatty acids. A large number of them are found in such varieties of fish as salmon, salmon, mackerel, and herring. Another source of fatty acids is unrefined vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, peanut). Oils provide the body with a substance such as lecithin, which breaks down cholesterol. Therefore, for atherosclerosis, it is recommended to consume 2 tablespoons of any vegetable oil, replacing trans fats with it. Alimentary fiber Fiber plays an important role in the treatment of atherosclerosis. By combining with cholesterol, dietary fiber removes it from the body, which prevents the formation of sclerotic deposits. Systematic consumption of foods rich in fiber normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vascular system. A sufficient amount of fiber is found in oat and wheat bran, starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn), and whole grain products. A necessary type of fiber for atherosclerosis is pectin. This substance lowers cholesterol levels and increases the body's barrier functions. According to research, to ensure the balance of cholesterol in the blood, a person needs to consume about 15 grams of pectin daily. This amount of this element can be provided if you consume crops such as apples, bananas, grapefruits, peas, and potatoes every day. Vitamins and minerals Cholesterol is exported from the body along with bile, which is produced by the liver. Therefore, for timely and high-quality removal of excess cholesterol, it is necessary to ensure normal liver functionality. Vitamins such as C, B2, B6, PP have a positive effect on the functioning of this organ. From minerals highest value for the liver have iodine and manganese. Elements necessary for atherosclerosis and products that contain them Choline occupies a special place among the elements necessary for the body during atherosclerosis. Choline lowers blood cholesterol levels and provides normal work liver. A sufficient amount of this substance is contained in egg yolk, beef liver, peas. Also, with this metabolic disorder, it is recommended to consume foods rich in methionine, since the body independently synthesizes choline from it. Cottage cheese and egg white contain a lot of methionine. Operations for atherosclerosis In some cases, patients with atherosclerosis are prescribed surgery. Surgeries are indicated in cases where the symptoms of the disease significantly worsen the patient’s quality of life. Surgical correction does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but only reduces its consequences. There are the following types of operations for atherosclerosis: bypass; angioplasty; endarterectomy. Bypass surgery As atherosclerosis progresses, the permeability of blood vessels decreases, which leads to circulatory disorders. Bypass surgery involves creating an additional path for blood movement to bypass the affected area of ​​the vessel. The principle of the operation is to introduce a shunt (graft), which is attached to healthy areas of the blood vessels. By connecting unaffected areas of blood vessels with each other, the shunt forms a new trajectory for blood movement. The graft can be artificial material or part of a patient's vein extracted from the thigh, arm, or other part of the body. Angioplasty Angioplasty is an operation during which a dilating catheter is inserted into the affected vessel. In most cases, a catheter is used, which is equipped with a balloon on one side. When inflated, the balloon deforms atherosclerotic deposits, resulting in an increase in the vessel's capacity. There are several methods of performing angioplasty. Types of angioplasty are: angioplasty with stenting; transluminal angioplasty; laser angioplasty. Angioplasty with stenting is performed in order to prevent the possibility of re-occlusion of the operated vessel. A stent is a mesh metal tube that is inserted into the vessel. The design supports the vascular walls expanded by the catheter and prevents narrowing of the vessel. A distinctive characteristic of transluminal angioplasty is the absence of large incisions, since the catheter is inserted through two-millimeter punctures. This type of operation is performed under local anesthesia and does not require long-term recovery period. In most cases, the patient is discharged from the hospital 2 to 3 days after the operation. Laser angioplasty is the destruction of atherosclerotic deposits using a laser beam. During the procedure, a quartz thread is applied to the plaque, through which heat is applied and it evaporates. Endarterectomy Endarterectomy is the surgical repair of arteries. Depending on the nature of atherosclerotic deposits, surgery can be performed using several methods. The most common method is open endarterectomy, in which the doctor makes a longitudinal incision in the vessel and removes the plaque. Then a connecting “patch” is fixed at the site of damage, which is most often made from artificial materials. Eversion endarterectomy involves the removal of atherosclerotic deposits together with the endothelial lining of the artery. In some cases, the plaque is removed along with the deformed fragment of the vessel. Features of operations for atherosclerosis The vast majority of surgical interventions for atherosclerosis are performed under general anesthesia. Before the operation, the patient is given an examination, which includes a computed tomography scan, ultrasound scan, and blood test. Angiography (x-ray examination) may also be prescribed, during which the nature of vascular damage is more accurately determined. The recovery period depends on the nature of the intervention performed and, as a rule, varies from 3 to 14 days. Possible complications As with any surgical intervention, complications may develop after surgical correction of vessels damaged by atherosclerosis. The most common negative consequences of such operations are swelling and inflammatory processes in the area of ​​wounds. Bleeding may also develop. When performing manipulations on cerebral vessels, there is a risk of stroke. Such a complication can occur due to blockage of a cerebral artery by a fragment of an atherosclerotic plaque that comes off during surgery. After surgery, there is a risk of restenosis (re-occlusion of blood vessels). Most often, this complication occurs in patients who do not comply with preventive measures, especially those related to smoking cessation. Treatment of atherosclerosis with folk remedies Folk remedies for the treatment of atherosclerosis are made from medicinal herbs and other natural products. Systematic use of such drugs helps restore the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthen the body's protective function. There are also traditional medicines that help remove cholesterol and other toxic compounds. Any drug prepared according to a traditional medicine recipe has a mild and temporary effect. Therefore, to achieve results, such remedies must be taken long time(within the time specified in the recipe). Also, to increase the effectiveness of drugs and prevent side effects when preparing and using folk remedies, you need to follow some rules. Rules for preparing raw materials for folk remedies To prepare traditional medicine, it is recommended to purchase plant materials at a pharmacy. If you collect medicinal components yourself, you must follow some rules. Herbs, roots and berries should be collected in dry, sunny weather, choosing only mature and unspoiled specimens. You cannot use raw materials that were collected near highways or landfills. It is necessary to dry the plants in such a way as to prevent them from rotting. To do this, they are scattered in a thin layer on a metal baking sheet or a sheet of paper and placed in the shade. The place where the raw materials are dried must be dry and well ventilated. Dried plants are stored in gauze or canvas bags. Glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids can also be used for storage. When preparing folk remedies, certain principles should be followed. This will preserve the beneficial substances of the product and prevent spoilage of the drug. The rules for preparing folk remedies are as follows: Grinding. In order to extract as much as possible all the beneficial substances from plant materials, it must be crushed using a coffee grinder. You can also use a metal or ceramic mortar. Flowers and leaves need to be crushed up to 5 millimeters, stems and bark – up to 3 millimeters. The size of the fruit particles should be much smaller - approximately 0.5 millimeters. Dishes. For the preparation of traditional medicine, it is recommended to use containers made of clay, stainless steel or enamel dishes. Objects made of ceramics, porcelain, glass or earthenware can also be used. You cannot use aluminum or plastic utensils for such purposes. Water. To prepare decoctions or infusions, you must use clean water without the smell of chlorine or other substances. The best option would be melted water or water purified with a special filter. Alcohol. For tinctures, you need to use 96 percent medical alcohol, which, depending on the recipe, is diluted with water to the desired strength. To do this, use the formula X*Y/C, where X is the required degree, Y is the required volume, C is the available degree. So, in order to get 500 milliliters of 70 percent alcohol from 96 percent alcohol, you need to multiply 500 by 70 and divide by 96. It turns out 365. Exactly this volume of the original product must be combined with water (135 milliliters). The result is 500 milliliters of alcohol with a concentration of 70 degrees. Traditional recipes against atherosclerosis Traditional medicine offers infusions, decoctions and powders for the treatment of this disease. The duration of treatment and dosage are individual for each drug. It is impossible to combine the use of several folk remedies. The standard dose of a folk remedy (powder, infusion, decoction) is equal to a teaspoon. For drugs made with alcohol (tinctures), the standard dose is 1 drop. Products for preparing folk remedies against atherosclerosis are: dandelion (roots); garlic; dry wine. Dandelion (roots) To treat atherosclerosis, dry dandelion roots are used, which must be crushed into powder. The drug is taken once a day, before meals, in one standard dose. Dandelion roots help remove excess cholesterol and toxins from the body. Garlic Garlic preparations cleanse the vascular system of deposits, strengthen and increase the lumen of blood vessels. For treatment, an alcoholic tincture of garlic is used. To do this, 250 grams of crushed garlic is poured with a liter of 40 percent alcohol or pure vodka. You need to leave for 3 weeks, then strain the mixture and begin the course of treatment. You need to take garlic tincture according to a certain scheme. When used, the drug is mixed with water or milk. The regimen for taking garlic tincture is as follows: on the first day, take 1 dose of tincture; over the next 24 days, the daily dose should be increased by 1 dose; then 25 doses are taken for 5 days in a row; then, for 24 days, the volume of the drug should be reduced by 1 dose daily. Thyme (thyme) This plant relieves vascular spasms, normalizes blood pressure and has a general calming effect. For atherosclerosis, a decoction is used, which is prepared from a glass of water and a teaspoon of thyme flowers. The raw materials must be kept on low heat for 5 - 10 minutes, then left for an hour in a sealed container. A single serving of decoction is equal to 4 doses. You need to take the product twice a day - morning and evening. Hawthorn The active substances contained in hawthorn promote the expansion of coronary vessels. Therefore, drugs from this component are recommended for atherosclerosis of the heart vessels. Alcohol tincture of hawthorn is used for treatment. To prepare this remedy, you need to pour a glass of crushed berries with 200 milliliters of alcohol (70 percent). After 3 weeks of infusion, the drug begins to be taken every day before dinner. A single serving of tincture is 30 doses, which must be mixed with water. Also, for atherosclerosis, a concentrated decoction of hawthorn can be used. To do this, grind 500 grams of berries into a paste with a pestle or blender, add 100 milliliters of water and place on steam bath. After 5 – 10 minutes, the mixture is removed and squeezed out. The resulting juice is taken 2 doses three times a day. The course of treatment should be continued for a month. Dry wine The advisability of using dry red wine for atherosclerosis in folk medicine confirm Scientific research, conducted in France. Experiments have proven that substances contained in red wine help break down and remove bad cholesterol from the body. Wine also stimulates blood circulation and improves blood rheology. To treat atherosclerosis, dry white wine can also be used, on the basis of which honey and onion tincture is made. To do this, 600 milliliters of wine are combined with 100 grams of honey and 300 grams of onion, crushed into a pulp. The mixture is infused for 2 days, after which it is filtered. Take for 40 - 50 days, 5 - 6 standard doses. Prevention of atherosclerosis Prevention of atherosclerosis can be primary and secondary. Primary prevention measures are recommended for those individuals who do not have clinical manifestations of the disease, but are at increased risk. This includes men (to a greater extent) and women whose age exceeds 50 years. It is imperative to adhere to the rules that prevent the development of atherosclerosis in people with a hereditary predisposition. Secondary prevention should be observed in patients who have already been diagnosed with atherosclerosis. In most cases, the development of this disease is due to the presence of not one, but several factors. According to medical statistics, the presence of one trigger factor (trigger mechanism for the disease) increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis by 2 times. The presence of two factors increases the chances of getting sick by 3–4 times. The combination of 3 factors increases the risk of atherosclerosis by 10 times. Therefore, prevention of this pathology should be comprehensive and involve the correction of all circumstances that increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis. Measures for primary prevention of atherosclerosis are: fight against excess weight; organization of balanced nutrition; diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases; cessation of the use of tobacco products. Fighting excess weight Overweight is significant factor risk of developing atherosclerosis. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to maintain an optimal weight. This indicator is calculated in accordance with height, gender and other characteristics of a person. If your actual weight does not match the calculated results, you need to start fighting the extra pounds. When losing weight, you need to know that sudden weight loss is stress for the body. Proper disposal extra pounds involves maintaining the optimal calorie intake and increasing physical activity. Calculation of optimal weight There are a large number of systems that allow you to determine the optimal weight. The simplest and most accurate is Broca's formula. In order to find out ideal weight, you need to subtract a special coefficient from a person’s height in centimeters. The coefficient for height up to 165 centimeters is 100, from 165 to 175 centimeters - 105, above 175 centimeters - 110. For people under 30 years of age, the weight norm must be reduced by 11 percent. For those over 50 years old, 6 percent is added to the norm. For greater accuracy, when calculating the optimal weight according to Brock, the person’s body type is taken into account. For the asthenic type (wrist circumference for women - up to 16 centimeters, for men - up to 17 centimeters), the norm should be reduced by 10 percent. If you have a hypersthenic body type (wrist circumference for women is more than 18 centimeters, for men more than 20 centimeters), the norm should be increased by 10 percent. For example, for a forty-five-year-old hypersthenic man with a height of 181 centimeters, the ideal weight would be 78 kilograms. Compliance with caloric intake norms The optimal amount of calories is selected individually depending on the age, gender and type of activity of the person. The daily calorie intake is as follows: Age from 18 to 40 years. A man at this age needs to consume 2,800 to 3,000 calories daily. For females in this age category, the norm varies from 2400 to 2600 calories per day. These indicators are relevant for average physical activity. For people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and are at home most of the time, the norm should be reduced by 400–600 calories. People whose activities involve active physical activity should increase the standard intake by 800–1000 calories. Age from 40 to 60 years. After 40 years, a person’s activity decreases, which should be reflected in the amount of calories consumed from food. At this age, the recommended norm for men is 2600 - 2800 calories, for women - from 2200 to 2400 calories. With a home lifestyle, the daily amount of calories should be reduced, and with increased loads, increased. Age from 60 years. After the age of sixty, the number of calories consumed for men should not exceed 2500, for women - 2200. Some people significantly reduce their daily calorie intake in order to quickly lose weight. It should be noted that such actions can lead to exhaustion of the body. If, when calculating the optimal weight, there are large discrepancies with reality (more than 20 percent), daily norm calories can be reduced by 10 to 15 percent. Increased physical activity The most effective type of physical activity for losing weight is aerobic exercise. Such classes are characterized by light or medium intensity, which makes them accessible to different age categories. In addition to reducing fat deposits, aerobic exercise helps normalize blood pressure, strengthen the heart muscle and enrich the blood with oxygen. Rules for performing aerobic exercises In order for sports to be effective, it is recommended to follow some rules: You should exercise at least 3 times a week; you need to increase the load gradually; the optimal time for classes is morning; the pause between sports and meals should be at least one and a half hours; The minimum training duration is half an hour; maximum training duration is an hour; breathing should be uniform; for some sports (running, walking) you need to purchase special shoes; Before starting your workout, you need to do a five-minute warm-up. Types of aerobic exercise The optimal and effective aerobic activity for losing weight is brisk walking. This type of exercise helps improve metabolism and is suitable even for people who have never exercised. Fast walking can be practiced by those who suffer from diseases of the legs, spine, and heart. To achieve results, walking should be practiced daily, taking at least 10,000 steps at a fast pace. Other types of aerobic exercise for weight loss are: swimming; aerobics or water aerobics; jogging; a ride on the bicycle; sport games; dance Sport; roller skating, skiing. Organizing a balanced diet Numerous studies in the field of atherosclerosis confirm the fact that the quality and quantity of food consumed has a direct impact on the development of this disease. Overeating, monotony of diet, lack of routine - all this leads to lipid metabolism disorders. Prevention of atherosclerosis involves organizing healthy system nutrition, in accordance with the age, gender and activity of the person. Nutritional rules for the prevention of atherosclerosis are: balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; control of cholesterol intake; consumption of fiber. Balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates The basis of a balanced diet is maintaining the proportions between consumed proteins, fats and carbohydrates. An excess or deficiency of any of these elements entails negative consequences for the body. Thus, a lack of protein provokes a decrease in immunity, and excessive quantity- metabolic disease. Excessive consumption of fats leads to obesity, and their deficiency leads to a deterioration in cholesterol metabolism. With an insufficient amount of carbohydrates, first of all, the body’s metabolism is disrupted; with an excess, the process of formation of fat deposits is accelerated. The optimal norm of a particular element depends on the lifestyle and weight of a person. Norms of fats, proteins and carbohydrates (per 1 kilogram of weight) A balanced diet also requires compliance with the proportions of the type of proteins, fats and carbohydrates consumed. Of the total amount of protein consumed, 30 percent should be of animal origin (meat, fish) and 70 percent of plant origin (nuts, legumes). The share of animal fats (cheese, butter, egg yolks) in the diet should not exceed 35 - 40 percent. The rest of the fats should be represented by products of plant origin (vegetable oils, avocados, nuts). One third of carbohydrate-containing products must contain simple carbohydrates(fructose, sucrose), the remaining two thirds are complex carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables, whole grains).	Squirrels ( gram)	Fats ( gram)	Carbohydrates ( gram)
Legumes
White cabbage
Potato
Carrot
Beet
Grape
Apples
Prunes
Almond
Walnut
Buckwheat
Oatmeal
Rice
Wheat bread
Bran bread
Sugar
Honey
Milk (2.5 percent fat)
Butter
Chicken egg
Cheese (Dutch)
Mayonnaise (provencal)
Pork fat
Sunflower vegetable oil
Salmon
Salmon (salty)
Pollock
Cod liver
Beef
Pork
Chicken
Goose
Beef liver

A large amount of cholesterol is found in high-fat foods of animal origin (animal fat, lard, butter). Egg yolks contain a lot of cholesterol. To prevent atherosclerosis, the optimal daily cholesterol intake is 300–400 milligrams.

Fiber intake
Dietary fiber (fiber) is a ballast substance that improves intestinal motility (contraction) and absorbs harmful substances (carcinogens, toxins). With systematic consumption of fiber, cholesterol in the blood decreases, which prevents atherosclerosis. A large amount of dietary fiber is found in bran, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

Diagnosis and treatment of a number of diseases

The trigger for the development of atherosclerosis is hypertension (periodic or constant increase in blood pressure). Prevention of atherosclerosis involves systematic monitoring of blood pressure and taking measures to normalize indicators. There are other pathologies that can act as a trigger factor for atherosclerosis. All these diseases require timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Diseases that increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis are:

• diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 (increased blood sugar due to lack of insulin);
• hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency);
• gout (deposition of uric acid salts in the joints).

Quitting the use of tobacco products

Secondary prevention of atherosclerosis

Measures for secondary prevention of atherosclerosis are:

• balanced diet;
• maintaining normal weight;
• quitting tobacco use;
• maintaining normal blood pressure;
• taking medications that reduce the likelihood of blood clots;
• use of drugs that support cholesterol levels.

A chronic disease caused by thickening of the walls and narrowing of the lumen in the vessels due to clogging of them from the inside with cholesterol. This negatively affects elasticity indicators, and a gradual disruption of blood flow occurs. The tissues receive less nutrition, which affects the general condition of a person and his health. Atherosclerosis may affect various vessels, and cardiac muscle. plays a crucial role here, since it is extremely important for patients to reduce the amount of cholesterol consumed and ensure the restoration of the patency of the affected vessels. For this, traditional methods of treatment are also used, agreed upon with a qualified specialist.

Preliminary preparation

There are a large number of folk remedies that are easy to prepare at home. Most of them do not require searching for complex or hard-to-find components. A number of medications are based on products that everyone has on hand at home. Before you start treating vascular atherosclerosis using traditional methods, be sure to consult with your doctor. Previously, you had to undergo a comprehensive examination, take a number of tests and receive the results. From them, the doctor can see what your current condition is and what contraindications there are.

Some people have individual intolerance, allergies, or the body’s inability to accept certain products or components used in folk remedies against atherosclerosis. Without knowing about them and accidentally using them in treatment, you can cause serious harm to your health and aggravate the course of the disease.

To start treating vascular atherosclerosis using traditional medicine, you need:

• consult a doctor;
• pass the necessary tests;
• get tested for allergens;
• take into account the interaction of prescribed medications with the recipes used;
• coordinate their use with your doctor;
• strictly follow the instructions of the specialist;
• Periodically visit a doctor to check the progress of the disease.

When treating atherosclerosis with folk remedies, choose the most effective ones that will interact well with your body and provide a high-quality effect on problem vessels.

Useful properties of components

When choosing components from which folk recipes will be prepared, consider the degree of their influence on atherosclerosis and your body. The most effective foods, herbs and plants are those that can:

• improve lipid (fat) metabolism;
• reduce the likelihood of vascular spasms;
• increase the vascular lumen;
• reduce the likelihood of the appearance and development of hypoxia (brain starvation);
• thin the blood;
• increase heart tone;
• provide a calming effect;
• contain in its composition healthy vitamins, minerals and microelements necessary for the restoration of the body.

By agreeing with your doctor on how to treat atherosclerosis at home, combining folk remedies and medications, you can get the maximum benefit.

Popular and effective recipes

May require treatment or simple prevention. Some funds are aimed at therapy, while others simply protect a person from the risks of this disease. There are many ways in which it is possible to cure such a pathology. They will be effective with proper preparation and a reasonable approach to the use of traditional medicine methods. Let's consider several recipes that have a good therapeutic and preventive effect and have managed to establish themselves as useful remedies against atherosclerosis.

1. Honey. Almost the best remedy for all diseases. Honey has unique properties, which is why it is widely used in traditional medicine. To prepare the product you need to mix honey, lemon juice and vegetable oil(your choice) in equal proportions. The product must be prepared immediately before use. It is better to eat the medicine in the morning before meals, literally 1 tablespoon.
   
2. Olive oil. To ensure that atherosclerotic plaques go away and do not appear in the lumens of your blood vessels, drink 3 small spoons of vegetable olive oil every day. This is the simplest, but very effective remedy.
3. Butter and honey. An alternative recipe that combines the features of the previous two. The essence of therapy is to take 1 teaspoon of oil in the morning and 1 teaspoon of honey before bed.
4. Potato. Atherosclerosis of the aorta and brain can be prevented with regular potatoes. To do this, you need to squeeze one tuber using a press or juicer to obtain fresh juice. Prepare the drink before serving. It is impossible to prepare juice for several days in advance, as it loses its beneficial features.
5. Garlic. A highly effective remedy with a good therapeutic effect. Garlic tinctures included in the list best medicines among attending physicians and their patients. To make the tincture, you need to chop the garlic and mix with chopped lemon zest. Add 500 ml to this mixture. water and leave for 4–6 days, shaking the container periodically. It is enough to take 2 tablespoons of this miraculous remedy in the morning.
   
6. Rose hip. A tincture of these berries is included in the list of the most effective traditional recipes against atherosclerosis. It's easy to prepare. To do this, you need to chop fresh fruits, pour them into a 0.5-liter bottle and fill 75% with high-quality vodka. The product should be infused in a dark place for 2 weeks. Do not forget to shake this bottle every day so that the rosehip releases its beneficial properties. Take 20 drops every day.
7. Garlic again. Another great option, but in the form of a tincture. For it you need to take 50 grams of peeled garlic, pass it through a press and pour in 200 - 250 grams of vodka. This product is infused for 3 days in any dark place, but at room temperature. To obtain a therapeutic effect, the tincture must be taken regularly. A single serving is 8 – 10 drops diluted in a tablespoon of water. There should be 3 receptions during the day.
8. Horseradish with sour cream. A simple but effective remedy for those diagnosed with atherosclerosis of the aorta or brain. You need to grate fresh horseradish and add 1 tablespoon of high-quality homemade sour cream to 1 tablespoon of grated root. Three doses per day, 1 tablespoon each, will be enough to get the desired effect.
9. Hawthorn. You will need about 500 grams of fresh fruit. They are crushed using a plastic pestle or blender. 500 ml is poured there. water and heat to 40 degrees Celsius. Squeeze out the resulting juice. It is quite tasty and very healthy. Take it every day before meals, that is, three times.
   
10. Strawberries. A good and tasty medicine that needs to be prepared from 20 grams of crushed leaves, poured with a glass of boiling water. Place the mixture on the fire and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Therefore, the product is infused for another 2 hours. The unique diuretic effect of the drug will ensure the removal of excess salts and cholesterol from your body. Take as with the hawthorn berry drink.

This is only a small fraction of the recipes that have gained popularity and are among the best folk remedies against atherosclerosis.

Decoctions and tinctures

When carrying out treatment with folk remedies, take into account your ability to prepare recipes of varying degrees of complexity and the components that are necessary for them. Not everyone can drink medications that contain vodka or alcohol in the morning. This is due to the need to get behind the wheel, operate some equipment, etc. Therefore, they are actively used together with tinctures different decoctions. Traditional medicine offers a wide range of decoction tinctures that can help solve the problem of atherosclerosis.

The use of any of these drugs should be agreed with your doctor. It is not recommended to use all or even 2-3 recipes at the same time. Stop at one, notify your doctor of your choice. If folk remedy does not give the desired effect, replace it with an alternative. But before that, tell your doctor that you have switched to a medicine with other ingredients. This is important because prescribed medications may not interact with new substances or may cause unwanted reactions.

Juice therapy

When choosing folk remedies for atherosclerosis, doctors focus on the content of choline, pectin, potassium and folic acid. All products containing these substances can be considered useful for combating this vascular disease. This led to the popularity of juice therapy, that is, treatment with juices. It is tasty and healthy, which influenced the popularity of the method and the breadth of its application. We offer you several recipes that will suit your taste and cure atherosclerosis.

The treatment can be effective and tasty. The choice of folk recipes against atherosclerosis is so diverse that you can choose the best ones for your taste and preferences. Each recipe has its own characteristics of preparation and storage. You should not prepare juices or infusions for a week in advance if their recipes call for the use of only fresh medicine. Some of them will require you to spend time preparing every day. Others are infused for 10 to 40 days. Therefore, carefully choose which folk remedies are most suitable for you, taking into account your current condition and the availability of free time.

If during treatment traditional means you have unpleasant symptoms, other diseases have worsened, or signs have appeared allergic reaction, stop taking them immediately and consult your doctor. This is due to an allergy to the components of the folk medicine themselves or interaction with prescribed medications. The doctor is obliged to conduct additional examinations and prescribe alternative treatments.

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Atherosclerosis— special shape pathological and anatomical changes in the artery during arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a change in the walls of arterial vessels, consisting in their compaction with loss of normal elasticity. The causes of sclerotic changes in the arteries are varied, the most common are age-related changes, inflammatory processes in the walls of the artery and lime deposits.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common diseases of modern humanity. It mainly affects older people, but is not always hallmark old age. IN Lately atherosclerosis becomes a disease of young people and over the years it only intensifies.

The disease is most widespread in highly developed countries such as the USA, Russia, France, Germany, and Italy. In Africa and South America, atherosclerosis is much less common. In addition, in large cities the disease occurs much more often than in rural areas. Men suffer from atherosclerosis 3-4 times more often than women. Such differences in the incidence of the disease depend primarily on the living conditions of people. Constant nervous tension, frequent stress, as well as food rich in animal fats - all these factors significantly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Find out how to keep your blood vessels clean until old age, without harmful drugs - statins. Animals do not suffer from atherosclerosis. This means that this is real for people too. Only under experimental conditions in some animal species was it possible to induce certain atherosclerotic changes in the arteries (by introducing cholesterol or protein and fatty foods containing it with food), but these phenomena were much weaker than those that occur in humans with atherosclerosis.

There are 5 main factors contributing to the onset and progression of the disease.

1. Endocrine and metabolic disorders in the body (playing a predisposing role).

2. Nervous disorders leading to changes in lipid-protein balance.

3. Nutrition factor (large amounts of cholesterol, protein and fatty products introduced into the body with food).

4. Sedentary lifestyle.

5. Heredity.

It is now known that the main cause of atherosclerosis is a large amount of cholesterol circulating in the human blood. Excess cholesterol in the form of plaques is deposited on the walls of the arteries, reducing their lumen and reducing blood flow. And a decrease in the amount of blood flowing to a certain organ causes it oxygen starvation, dysfunction and can ultimately lead to a heart attack, stroke or heart attack. An artery can be compared to a water pipe through which water flows for a long time and which gradually rusts from the inside. As a result of this, the lumen of the pipe decreases, the flow of water weakens, and its quantity decreases. This pipe needs to be replaced. But you can't replace the artery. Therefore, one should always strive to reduce the possibility of its contamination, especially with low-density lipoproteins.

The atherosclerotic process affects all arteries, but depending on in which tissues and vessels the process has gone deeper, several of its varieties are distinguished: atherosclerosis with predominant damage to the vessels of the brain, atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities (obliterating endarteritis), etc.

Classification

Atherosclerosis is classified depending on the location of the vascular lesion: atherosclerosis of the aorta, renal arteries, mesenteric arteries, cardiac arteries and arteries of the lower extremities.

Manifestations of the disease depend on the form of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is characterized by tinnitus, arterial hypertension, and dissecting aortic aneurysm (which can lead to death). Strokes, fainting and dizziness are possible.

Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries is manifested by disorders in the kidneys, which leads to increased blood pressure, which cannot be treated. Also, over time, this disease leads to nephrosclerosis (that is, shrinkage of the kidney) and kidney failure.

Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries has two types of manifestations.

1. Thrombosis of the intestinal arteries, which leads to a heart attack and death of a section of the intestinal wall.

2. Colic that occurs after eating, vomiting and bloating.

Atherosclerosis of the heart arteries (coronary arteries) leads to the formation of angina pectoris (pain, palpitations, a feeling of pressure in the heart area, a feeling of lack of air).

Atherosclerosis of the lower extremities is manifested by such a symptom as intermittent claudication. With such an attack, the legs become cold, the skin becomes pale, with a bluish tint, and fatigue increases. There is also severe pain in the calf muscles when walking quickly, which disappears with rest.

The disease is diagnosed based on manifestations, increased levels of lipids in the blood, ECG at rest and with exercise (to detect angina). X-ray angiography, echocardiography and coronary angiography, ultrasound scanning of blood vessels, and Doppler sonography (detection of the size of plaques and blood flow in the vessels) are also performed. In severe and controversial cases, MRI is prescribed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of atherosclerosis may vary, depending on where the predominant damage to the vessels occurred. Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is characterized by headache and dizziness, a feeling constant noise, weakening of memory. Atherosclerosis of the heart vessels is accompanied by pain in the heart. Atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels causes pain in the legs, lower back and back, fatigue, and weight loss.

With atherosclerosis of the coronary (heart) vessels, attacks of angina appear, that is, pain in the area of ​​the heart of a squeezing or pressing nature, which can intensify both with physical activity and at rest. Attacks of angina pectoris are explained by the fact that, as a result of a number of reasons, a narrowing of one of the coronary vessels occurs, nutrition of the heart muscle decreases, and it is forced to respond with pain to lack of nutrition. If an attack of angina pectoris drags on for a long time, necrosis of some part of the heart muscle may occur. This condition is called a heart attack.

With atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, patients complain of dizziness, noise in the head, and weakened memory. People around notice changes in the patient’s psyche and behavior. When blocked cerebral artery(thrombosis), its rupture may occur, accompanied by hemorrhage. Then a stroke occurs.

When peripheral vessels are affected by atherosclerosis, symptoms such as dry and wrinkled skin, emaciation, pain in the back, lower back, arms and legs appear. Often atherosclerosis of the lower extremities leads to gangrene and forced amputation.

What's happening? Atherosclerosis is damage to the arteries, accompanied by accumulation of inner surface fatty substances in the form of yellowish plaques, leading to a sharp change in the walls of the artery. Doctors figuratively call atherosclerosis “the rust of life.” Atherosclerosis is very strongly associated with stress in our lives, since stress triggers the release of cholesterol from the liver into the bloodstream, and ever-increasing levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with an increasing risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a major factor in heart attacks.

The most unpleasant thing about atherosclerosis is that its direct consequences are not only headaches and leg pain, but also severe mental damage, including memory loss, as well as such serious diseases as diabetes, kidney failure, angina, heart attack and stroke.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that, unfortunately, is well known to millions of people. Many people have probably heard that the occurrence of atherosclerosis is associated with excess cholesterol entering the human body. Indeed, its high content in the blood contributes to the appearance of deposits on the walls of blood vessels. However, if you think that to prevent atherosclerosis it is enough just to extremely limit foods containing cholesterol in your diet, then this is not so. In fact, this problem is much more complicated. And that's why.

First of all, it has been established that cholesterol is necessary for a person substance. Our organs contain approximately 200 g of it, and especially much in the nervous tissue and brain. It performs a variety of functions - it participates in the formation of a number of hormones, including sex hormones, in the synthesis of bile acids and vitamin D, binds and neutralizes some toxic substances entering the body. Finally, cholesterol is an indispensable material for the formation of cell membranes, and, consequently, for the process of cell renewal.

But the body receives only about 20% of cholesterol from food, and synthesizes the rest itself and has the ability to remove its excess. Obviously, this has great importance for cholesterol balance.

Finally, the body contains substances that maintain cholesterol in the blood in a dissolved state, which prevents its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. Based on this, we can formulate in four points a general nutrition strategy aimed at preventing and combating atherosclerosis:

1. Limit consumption of foods rich in cholesterol.

2. Reducing the consumption of foods that stimulate cholesterol synthesis in the body.

3. Ensuring the intake of substances from food that stabilize the dissolved state of cholesterol in the blood.

4. Inclusion in the diet of foods that help remove excess cholesterol from the body.

A lot of cholesterol is found in fatty meat and dairy products: pork, cheese, butter, fatty cottage cheese, loin and smoked meats, beef, poultry, fish, and 3 percent milk. Offal products, especially brains and yolk, are very rich in cholesterol chicken egg. It is their use that should be limited.

It is obvious that the diet of vegetarians contains little cholesterol. This especially applies to pure vegetarians, whose menu does not include dairy products or eggs. There is evidence that they are less susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and high blood cholesterol. On the other hand, surveys of various population groups have not always revealed the dependence of the incidence of atherosclerosis on a predominantly animal or plant diet. And today there is no consensus among scientists on this matter. It is believed that the disadvantages vegetarian diet have a greater impact on the health of children, and its benefits on the health of older people.

Much depends on the individual characteristics of the body. There are people who have the innate ability to convert large doses of cholesterol into harmless substances. They can not limit themselves in food, maintaining health until old age. For others, such nutrition poses considerable danger. Especially for people prone to obesity, leading a sedentary lifestyle or having close relatives with atherosclerosis.

It is known that the synthesis of cholesterol in the human body occurs mainly in the liver, as well as in the walls small intestine. The raw materials for this process are the breakdown products of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and it is enhanced by abundant high-calorie foods containing large amounts of fats and carbohydrates, such as sugar.

There is evidence that the organic acids present in many plants normalize the metabolism of carbohydrates, inhibiting their conversion into fats and the formation of cholesterol. This ability is possessed, in particular, by tartronic acid, which is found in many vegetables and fruits, especially cabbage, apples, quinces, pears, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and currants.

There are many different substances that help rid the body of excess cholesterol. Nature took care of this too. Cholesterol is excreted from the body through bile produced by the liver. Therefore everything choleretic agents contribute to the removal of its excess. These processes can be stimulated by eating vegetable oil, radish and beet juice, and foods high in fiber.

Vitamins and mineral salts also have a positive effect on liver function and cholesterol breakdown. Of the vitamins, C, B2, B6, PP, inositol are especially important, and of the minerals - iodine, magnesium, manganese and cobalt salts.

Vitamin C is found in vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, especially a lot of it in rose hips, black currants, red peppers, sea buckthorn, gooseberries, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Vitamin B6 is found in various foods in small quantities; relatively much of it is found in liver, caviar, and bran. The liver is also rich in vitamin PP, which is also found in meat, mushrooms, peanuts, buckwheat flowers, soybeans, beans, and wholemeal bread. There is a lot of vitamin B 2 in the kidneys and liver; it is also found in soy, cheese, eggs, meat, bread, and green peas. Inositol is widely distributed in both animal and plant products; bran, offal, green peas, oranges, wheat flour, and cabbage are rich in it.

Foods rich in cholesterol that stimulate cholesterol synthesis: fatty meat and dairy products: pork, cheese, butter, fatty cottage cheese, loin and smoked meats, beef, poultry, fish, 3 percent milk, offal, especially brains, and chicken egg yolk.

Products that promote the breakdown of cholesterol in the body are vegetable oil, radish and beet juice.

Fiber-rich foods containing:

1) vitamin C: vegetables, fruits, berries, greens, in particular rose hips, black currants, red peppers, sea buckthorn, gooseberries, strawberries, citrus fruits;

2) vitamin B 6: liver, caviar, bran;

3) vitamin PP: liver, meat, mushrooms, peanuts, buckwheat, soybeans, beans, wholemeal bread;

4) vitamin B 2: kidneys, liver, soy, cheese, eggs, meat, bread, green peas;

5) iodine: carrots, cucumbers, beets. Magnesium: buckwheat flowers, green peas, lettuce, parsley, soybeans, wheat, oats, rye, carrots. Cobalt: pears, lettuce, green onions, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, black currants, egg yolk, brains, soy;

6) manganese compounds: garlic, oats, rye, wheat;

7) inositol: bran, offal, green peas, oranges, wheat flour, cabbage.

Products that help remove cholesterol from the body - bread made from whole grains or with the addition of bran, porridge from whole grains; vegetables, fruits and berries (cabbage, radishes, radishes, beets, apples, gooseberries, cherries, black currants, oranges, potatoes, wheat, rice, corn).

Iodine, as you know, is found in many seafood products, and among vegetables - carrots, cucumbers, and beets. Relatively much magnesium was found in buckwheat flowers, green peas, lettuce, parsley, soybeans, wheat, oats, rye, carrots; There is a large amount of cobalt in pears, in addition, in lettuce and green onions, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, black currants. Manganese compounds are present in beets, garlic, oats, rye, and wheat.

There is one more substance, completely necessary for the body in order for the liver to perform its functions normally. This is choline, which prevents fatty liver degeneration and reduces cholesterol in the blood. Many foods contain choline - eggs, liver, kidneys, soybeans, cabbage, tomatoes, rice, wheat and rye bread, pork, herring, cod. In addition, it can be synthesized in the body from methionine, which is abundant in cottage cheese and egg whites.

The removal of cholesterol from the body is facilitated by dietary fiber, which is the name given to coarse, difficult to digest food components - fiber, pectin, lignin. They not only speed up the movement of food through the intestines, but also envelop and absorb various harmful substances, including cholesterol. Therefore, the anti-atherosclerotic diet must be enriched with dietary fiber, which is found primarily in whole grain bread or with the addition of bran, in whole grain porridges; in vegetables, fruits and berries (cabbage, radishes, radishes, beets, apples, gooseberries, cherries, black currants, oranges).

There is evidence that starch, which is abundant in plant foods (potatoes, wheat, rice, corn, etc.), helps reduce cholesterol levels in the liver and blood. During digestion, starch is also converted into a coating substance that removes cholesterol from the body.

The better the solubility of cholesterol in the blood, the less it will be deposited on the walls of blood vessels. The task of maintaining cholesterol solubility is performed by phospholipids, among which the main place belongs to lecithin. In the human body for the synthesis of lecithin is The already mentioned choline and methionine are used. In addition, egg yolk, brains, soybeans, and unrefined vegetable oils are rich in lecithin.

The stabilizing ability of lecithin depends on the presence of magnesium and calcium compounds, with the former enhancing it and the latter suppressing it. In this regard, to successfully combat atherosclerosis, it is necessary to limit the consumption of foods high in calcium, especially those rich in calciferols (vitamin D). This fatty varieties fish, as well as fish oil, caviar, offal, egg yolk, butter, cheese.

All of the above allows us to identify a group of products that are especially useful for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Vegetables should be put in first place here, especially cabbage, beets, radishes, and radishes. Next come legumes - soybeans, beans, beans, peas. Onions, lettuce and other greens, berries and fruits are useful, among which we especially highlight black currants and apples. The diet should include enough whole grain and bran bread, porridge, especially buckwheat and oatmeal. An obligatory component of the anti-atherosclerotic diet are vegetable oils, which are certainly not refined. The optimal amount of vegetable oil per day is 15-20 g, which is about one tablespoon. The oil is best used raw for dressing salads, vinaigrettes and other dishes.

Accordingly, it is easy to determine the group of products whose consumption needs to be limited, we emphasize - limited, and not completely excluded. This includes, first of all, fatty meat and dairy products. It is preferable to use poultry (chickens, turkeys), lean beef and fish. Try to cook dishes from the liver, kidneys, and brains less often, and significantly limit sausages in your diet, which, in addition to fat, also contain a considerable amount of salt. There is an opinion among scientists that excess table salt contributes to the development of cerebral atherosclerosis. Therefore, it makes sense to minimize the consumption of very salty foods so that the daily dose of salt is 2-3 g. You should not get too carried away with sugar and sweets because of their high calorie content.

It is known that egg yolk contains a lot of cholesterol, but, on the other hand, eggs are the most important source of supplying the body with necessary substances, including lecithin. Therefore, eggs should be included in your diet, but no more than four per week.

For those over 35, it’s a good idea to take a cholesterol blood test every year to reassure yourself. This test will either help you make sure that everything is fine with you, or will give you the opportunity to start treatment at an early stage of the disease, when it is not difficult to cope with it. It is enough not to exercise, lead a sedentary lifestyle and be overweight to be at risk.

Treatment

Treatment of diseases leading to atherosclerosis.

The use of statins - drugs that lower blood lipid levels.

Fibrinolytics for dissolving atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.

In severe cases, when therapeutic treatment ineffective, surgical excision is prescribed

Recipes

Traditional medicine for the prevention of atherosclerosis recommends walking in an oak grove every day for at least half an hour a day. It is also useful to use garlic, a decoction of hawthorn fruits (a tablespoon of fruit in a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour, drink before meals and at night). You can take a tincture of hawthorn fruit in alcohol: a teaspoon with water at night.

Atherosclerosis can be treated with a sensible diet, given that certain vegetables and fruits, as well as other foods, help cleanse the body of cholesterol.

Fruits and berries that are beneficial for atherosclerosis:

Grapefruit (lowers blood pressure, normalizes liver function and gastrointestinal tract);

Lemon in the form of juice (juice from half a lemon in half a glass of boiling water 2 times a day) and salad dressing;

Peaches in the form of juice, a quarter glass half an hour before meals (contraindicated for diabetes and allergies);

Figs (contraindicated for gout, diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases);

Persimmon (1-2 fruits daily);

Prunes, previously scalded with boiling water;

Apples (in the form of juice, half a glass three times a day, half an hour before meals, or eat 2 apples a day: one before breakfast and one after dinner);

Strawberries (normalizes metabolism);

Raspberries (drink an infusion instead of tea: 3 tablespoons of raspberries per glass of boiling water, leave for an hour);

Currants (berries and juice). Vegetables that are beneficial for atherosclerosis:

Potatoes (a mixture of potato, carrot and celery juices is useful, which should be consumed 100 ml on an empty stomach before breakfast, lunch and dinner for three weeks);

Onion (glass onion juice mix with a glass of honey and take a tablespoon 3 times a day 2 hours after meals);

Cucumbers (in the form of juice, a quarter glass);

Tomatoes (ground in salad with garlic, sweet pepper, horseradish and apples);

Radish (a tablespoon of juice 3 times a day).

A grain useful for atherosclerosis is buckwheat (porridge made from unroasted grains).

To prevent atherosclerosis, it is useful to eat seaweed, as well as use unrefined sunflower oil for preparing various dishes and dressing salads.

For atherosclerosis Most often the vessels of the heart, brain, and limbs are affected. The manifestation of atherosclerosis of the heart vessels is attacks of angina pectoris (pain in the heart area). Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels leads to dizziness, with rapid changes in body position, with sudden movements, a feeling of noise in the head, weakening of memory; A blockage in a cerebral artery can lead to a stroke. Most often this happens when cerebral atherosclerosis is combined with hypertension. The manifestation of atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels is dry and wrinkled skin, emaciation, constantly cold extremities, pain in the back, lower back, arms, legs, fast fatiguability. Sometimes sclerosis affects the liver.

Doctors and traditional medicine recommend limiting the consumption of foods containing cholesterol - fats, meat (especially kidneys, liver), eggs, sardines, sprats, cocoa, chocolate, black tea. It is recommended to introduce into the body ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin B 2 and iodine preparations.

There are more seaweed, peas, eggplants, cauliflower, wild strawberries, walnuts. You need to eat 3 pounds of ripe cherries a day, drinking 7-8 glasses of milk during the same day, gradually. Watermelon helps eliminate cholesterol.

Sunflower oil is used to treat and prevent atherosclerosis.

Raw potato juice helps (on an empty stomach).

Treatment of atherosclerosis is a long, complex and painstaking task. It is very important here to overcome your habits and inclinations. The patient must refuse to eat food to which he is accustomed, change his diet and general regimen, methodically and constantly carry out the treatment prescribed by the doctor. It is necessary to normalize working and living conditions, strengthen motor activity and take proactive measures to slow the progression of the disease. Smokers urgently need to get rid of their bad habit, since their blood vessels wear out at a much faster rate than non-smokers. Persons who are addicted to alcoholic beverages need to give up this harmful attraction and normalize their lifestyle.

The development of atherosclerosis can be stopped, and sometimes even reversed, since atherosclerosis is reversible in the early stages.

In folk medicine, there are many remedies recommended for atherosclerosis. They are mainly aimed at preserving and restoring the elasticity of blood vessels, removing cholesterol, and strengthening the body’s cellular forces. But we must remember that the fight against atherosclerosis will not be effective and the best remedies will be useless until the body is polluted and not rid of toxins. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to cleanse the body using one of the many cleansing methods.

In folk medicine There are many remedies recommended for atherosclerosis. Here are some recipes:

1. Fruit tincture rosehip. Crush the rosehips, fill a 2/3 half-liter bottle with them and add vodka. Insist on dark place for two weeks, shaking daily. Take 20 drops per piece of sugar.

2. Fruit juice hawthorn. Mash 0.5 cups of ripe hawthorn fruits with a wooden pestle, add 1/2 cup of water, heat to 40° and squeeze the juice in a juicer. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

3. Infusion of leaves plantain big. Brew one tablespoon of dry crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes. Drink in sips within 1 hour (daily dose).

4. Mix horseradish with sour cream. Grate the horseradish and mix with fresh sour cream in the following proportion: 1 tablespoon of horseradish to 1 cup of sour cream. Take 1 tablespoon of juice 3-4 times a day before meals.

5. Onion syrup. Grate one large onion (about 100 g), add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, leave for 24 hours. Take 1 tablespoon one hour after meals or one hour before meals three times a day.

6. Tincture garlic Crush 50 g of garlic and pour a glass of vodka. Leave in a warm place for 3 days. Take 8-10 drops in a teaspoon of cold water 3 times a day.

The oldest homeopathic recipe was found by a UNESCO expedition in 1971 in one of the Tibetan monasteries. Dates back to 4-5 millennium BC. e.

Purpose: cleanses the body of fat and lime deposits, dramatically improves metabolism. The vessels become elastic, which prevents sclerosis, angina pectoris, heart attack, restores vision, and relieves noise in the head. The body is rejuvenated.

Preparation. Thoroughly wash and peel 350 g of garlic, finely chop and rub in a vessel with a wooden or porcelain spoon. Weigh 200 g of this mass, taking it from the bottom, where there is more juice. Place in a glass vessel and pour in 200 g of 96% alcohol. Close the container tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 10-12 days. Take drops according to the scheme below 15-20 minutes before meals in 1/4 glass of cold milk.

Days Breakfast Dinner

1st day 1 drop 2 drops

Day 2 4 drops 5 drops

Day 3 7 drops 8 drops

Day 4 10 drops 11 drops

Day 5 13 drops 14 drops

Day 6 15 drops 14 drops

Day 7 12 drops 11 drops

Day 8 9 drops 8 drops

Day 9 6 drops 5 drops

Day 10 3 drops 2 drops

3 drops 6 drops 9 drops 12 drops 15 drops 13 drops

10 drops 7 drops 4 drops 1 drop

Repeat the course after six years.

Garlic Recipes

Mix ready vodka liqueurs(1:10) garlic (75 ml), alfalfa grass (30 ml), ginger rhizomes (20 ml). Keep refrigerated. Take 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals, with water.

Mix ready-made vodka tinctures (1:10) of garlic (75 ml), small periwinkle (40 ml), autumn colchicum (10 ml). Take 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals.

Prepare a collection of garlic - 50 g, mistletoe - 25 g, hawthorn flowers - 25 g. Pour 1 teaspoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water, leave, covered, for 8-10 hours, strain. Take a glass 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.

Pour 100 g of well-chopped garlic into 2 glasses of vodka, leave in a warm, dark place for 3 days, shaking the contents periodically, and strain. Take 5-10 drops in a teaspoon of cold water 3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals.

Place 300 g of garlic pulp in a half-liter bottle and fill with alcohol. Infuse in a tightly sealed container in a warm place, shaking the contents occasionally, for 3 weeks, strain, and squeeze out the remainder. Take 20 drops daily in 1/2 glass of milk.

Fill a half-liter bottle 1/3 of the volume with finely chopped garlic, add alcohol or vodka. Leave in a tightly sealed container in the sun or in a warm place for 2 weeks, shaking the contents occasionally. Take once a day before lunch, starting with 2 drops and gradually increasing the dose by 1 drop per day. Having reached 25 drops, reduce the dose in the reverse order, again to 2 drops. Take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the course.

Pour a paste of 1 head of garlic and 2-3 tablespoons of crushed wormwood leaves into 700 ml of hot red or dry white wine. Leave for 5 days, shaking the contents periodically, strain, and squeeze out the rest. Take 2-3 tablespoons 3 times a day before meals.

Pour 250 g of garlic pulp into 350 g of liquid honey, mix well and leave in a dark, cool place for 1 week, stirring the contents occasionally. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, varicose veins and endarteritis.

Pour the pulp from 1 head of garlic into a glass of unrefined oil. A day later, pour the juice of 1 lemon into the oil infusion and stir. Leave in a cool, dark place for 7 days, shaking the contents occasionally. Take 1 teaspoon of garlic oil 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for cerebral atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, shortness of breath, gastritis and low acidity gastric juice, constipation. The course of treatment is 3 months. Break - 1 month and repeat treatment until recovery.

Mix garlic pulp, chopped walnuts and unrefined vegetable oil in equal parts by volume. Use 1-2 tablespoons daily, adding to salads made from boiled beets, carrots, etc. Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container.

Fill a half-liter bottle with garlic pulp and top up completely with vodka. Infuse in a dark, warm place, shaking the contents occasionally, for 2 weeks, strain, and squeeze out the remainder. Take 5 drops in a teaspoon of cool boiled water 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals.

Pour the pulp from 1 head of garlic into 700 ml of Cahors wine, leave in a dark, cool place for 1 week, shaking the contents periodically. Take 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day before meals.

Squeeze the garlic juice, mix half and half with honey and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 4-6 weeks. After month break the course of treatment can be repeated.

Stir 1/4 teaspoon of garlic juice into 1/2 cup of goat milk. Take daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

Grind 5 heads of garlic with fine table salt, mix with 500 g butter. Take with bread or mashed potatoes.

Treatment with infusions and decoctions

1. Hawthorn - tincture of fruits in alcohol. Place a glass in 200 ml of alcohol fresh fruits hawthorn, after kneading them a little. Leave for 3 weeks, then strain and take a teaspoon with water before meals at night.

2. Hawthorn - tincture of flowers in alcohol. Place 4 tablespoons of flowers in 200 ml of alcohol and leave in the dark at room temperature, shaking the bottle periodically. After 10 days the drug is ready for use. It should be consumed before meals, 1 teaspoon with water.

3. Hawthorn - fruit decoction - 20 g of dried or fresh berries per 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for half an hour or cook for 5 minutes over low heat, drink 200 ml of decoction at once before meals and at night.

4. Hawthorn - extract of hawthorn fruits. Brew 500 ml of boiling water a glass of fresh or dried hawthorn fruits, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and cook over very low heat for 40 minutes (the broth should reduce by half). Store the decoction of berries, without straining, in the refrigerator, take 1 table spoon before meals and 2 table spoons at night.

5. Blood red hawthorn. 0.5 kg of ripe fruits are washed and crushed with a wooden pestle (pustle), 100 ml of water is added, heated to 40° and pressed with a juicer. The resulting juice is drunk 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals. It has a beneficial effect on the heart, especially in old age: it prevents overstrain and wear of the heart muscle.

6. Buckwheat. An infusion of flowers is drunk for coughs and sclerosis of blood vessels (brew a dessert spoon of flowers with 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a closed container, strain. Take 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day).

7. Onion-garlic (garlic). Fresh garlic bulbs are used for atherosclerosis (2-3 cloves daily).

8. Large plantain. Infusion and fresh juice from the leaves are recommended for atherosclerosis. Brew a tablespoon of dry crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Drink in sips within 1 hour - daily dose. Chop the well-washed leaves, mash, squeeze out the juice, mix with an equal amount of honey, cook for 20 minutes. Apply 2-3 tbsp. spoons a day. Store in a well-sealed container in a cool, dark place.

9. Leave thyme (5 g per 500 ml of boiling water) tightly closed for 40 minutes. Thyme - strong remedy, and can be consumed no more than 2-3 times a week. It has a calming, bactericidal effect, relieves cerebral vascular spasm.

10. Melissa (herb) - 10 g, cap (herb) - 10 g, hawthorn (flowers or fruits) - 40 g, speedwell (herb) - 10 g, strawberry (herb) - 30 g.

1 tbsp. Brew a spoon with 250 ml of boiling water and drink like tea, with honey or sugar. The mixture is very tasty and can be added to tea.

11. For the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, a mixture of equal parts is taken fresh juice onions and honey.

Take a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

12. Sage - recipe by N.G. Kovaleva: leave 90 g of fresh sage, 800 ml of vodka and 400 ml of water in the light for 40 days in a closed glass container. Take 1 tbsp. spoon half and half with water in the morning before meals. This tincture is recommended for older people to stimulate the nervous system.

Juice treatment

In addition to juice from hawthorn berries, wild strawberry and wild strawberry berries and juice are widely used for atherosclerosis. People's and official medicine The medicinal qualities of strawberries and wild strawberries have long been highly valued. The famous scientist Linnaeus got rid of gout thanks to strawberries, and Fontenel believed that his long life he owes it to the strawberries he has eaten since childhood.

Strawberry juice also provides a therapeutic effect for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary and urolithiasis, gout, anemia, salt metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis. It has a diaphoretic and diuretic effect, and the phytoncides contained in the juice kill many species pathogenic microbes. Therefore, the juice is used for inflammatory diseases in the mouth and throat, and for bad breath.

Strawberry and strawberry juice is a good, healthy drink to take in a bathhouse.

To prevent atherosclerosis, use pomegranate juice, which contains up to 20% sugars, citric and malic acids, tannins, phytoncides, vitamin C, and a rich set of mineral salts. “Pomegranate juice is not only an anti-sclerotic remedy; it is prescribed for stomach pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and headaches. When taking dry steam (in a steam room, especially in a sauna), headaches often occur. Use pomegranate juice helps relieve these pains.

Black currant juice has anti-sclerotic properties. Black currant berries contain up to 16% sugars, organic acids, flavonoids, pectin and tannins, potassium and iron salts, anthocyanin compounds, coloring and other substances. But the most important advantage of black currant berries is their high content of vitamins, especially vitamin C, as well as B vitamins, vitamins K, P, provitamin A. That is why black currant juice is recommended for atherosclerosis, it is taken for cardiac arrhythmias, heart defects, cardioneurosis. In addition, the juice is healing for colds, coughs and hoarseness, infectious diseases; hemorrhagic vasculitis, periodontal disease, glomerulonephritis.

Considering its wide palette healing properties, the juice of black currant berries can be safely consumed in a bath, which will help improve the health of the body.

A good remedy against atherosclerosis is chokeberry, the juice from the berries of which stimulates the appetite, increases the acidity and digestive ability of gastric juice. Chokeberry juice helps to significantly reduce blood pressure and is therefore recommended for atherosclerosis and hypertension. It should be noted that in people with normal blood pressure who drink chokeberry juice, their blood pressure does not change. However, chokeberry is contraindicated in case of increased blood viscosity.

Treatment with urine

This disease requires long-term use of urine to reverse the degeneration process. Fasting and daily urine intake, combined with diet, will break the strong cycle of tissue destruction of mental stress.

Tea treatment

Functional disorders of the cardiovascular system associated with disruption of regulatory mechanisms are reversible and easy to treat if they do not lead to organic changes. Atherosclerosis is a lesion of the arteries, in which numerous plaques containing large amounts of fatty substances, especially cholesterol and its esters, appear on their inner surface. As a result, the lumen of the arteries narrows significantly, which impedes blood flow. The arterial wall becomes dense, blood vessels lose their ability to expand properly and adequately respond to the tissue’s increased need for blood flow. Why does atherosclerosis occur?

There may be several reasons. Its occurrence is facilitated by poor nutrition, nervous tension, sedentary lifestyle, and other factors. The development of atherosclerosis is promoted not only by food rich in animal fats, but also by an excess amount of calories consumed, as well as increased content in food simple sugars. Increased consumption of sugar leads to increased cholesterol levels in the blood, and poorly digestible carbohydrates - fiber - enhance the removal of cholesterol from the body. A direct relationship has been identified between excess weight, the development of atherosclerosis and the incidence of coronary disease.

A person with a “sedentary” lifestyle needs to take care of significantly limiting calories in food. The role of table salt should be mentioned, since a direct connection has been identified between the amount of salt consumed and the incidence of hypertension. With a large intake of salt from food, the volume of fluid and blood plasma in the body increases. Excessive salt intake causes an overload of regulatory mechanisms, contributing to a persistent increase in blood pressure.

It is incorrect to reduce the prevention of disease only to the organization of a balanced diet. It is known that among peoples engaged in hunting and cattle breeding, the main foodstuffs are of animal origin, but there is no atherosclerosis; the same diet in a resident of a modern city leads to the development of disorders of the cardiovascular system. So what contributes to the disease?

"Nervous system overstrain"- the experts answer. Intellectual work is associated with great nervous tension. A state of nervous tension is typical not only for people holding responsible positions, but also for people such as telephone operators, operators, bank employees, drivers, doctors and many, many others. Responsibility and stress among workers in many sectors of activity with a decrease in the share of physical labor leads to overstrain of the nervous system.

Scientists have proven that emotional stress and excitement of the nervous system cause an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood, the content of adrenaline, which, in turn, causes an increase in the level of free fatty acids in the blood. At the same time, the protective properties of the vascular wall are reduced - all this ultimately leads to the development of atherosclerosis. Negative emotions have a particularly unfavorable effect. The frequency of coronary disorders corresponds to the degree of nervous tension associated with the profession. A connection has been established between population density and the spread of coronary disease.

Can a person learn to control his emotions? To a large extent it can. We need some skills that are capable of resolving problems that have arisen not by the power of feelings, but by the dictates of reason, without an admixture of emotions.

Intense muscle work helps relieve nervous tension and also increases energy consumption, preventing the deposition of calories in fat depots. Physical training significantly improves the functioning of the mechanisms that regulate vascular tone, reducing blood pressure. The physical training regimen should be individual and under the supervision of a doctor.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that your heart cares about how and what you eat and what you drink. Be sure to include foods containing vitamin E in your daily menu: vegetables, legumes, milk, nuts, and especially vegetable oil (25-30 grams per day).

Very helpful seafood(fish, shrimp, squid, mussels, seaweed), as they contain iodine, which improves metabolism. Quite a few biologically active substances, which reduce blood viscosity, increase vascular tone and lower blood pressure, are contained in tea. Green tea is especially useful for the prevention and relief of diseases of the cardiovascular system. It contains a whole complex of substances that dissolve fats and inhibit the deposition of cholesterol on the artery wall.

People prone to high blood pressure should give preference to green teas. Even though green tea contains more caffeine than black tea, its aftertaste is much milder. The fact is that the effect of caffeine - to tone the heart and blood vessels - is very unstable and, therefore, quickly passes due to the body's compensatory mechanisms, which ensure a persistent decrease in blood pressure. Green tea is a good workout for blood vessels.

Patients with hypertension can drink black tea, but prerequisite brewing is its duration. Tea should be brewed for no more than 5 minutes. This protects the drink from excessive extraction of compounds that, in the second phase of the tea’s action, maintain or even increase vascular tone.

For patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis, flavored teas are very useful. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, promote relaxation and have a hypotensive effect. There cannot be specific recommendations for fragrances, since aromatherapy itself is very individual. But you can remember the information that geranium, lavender and bergamot oils reduce blood pressure.

Prevention:

1) quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;

2) low-fat diet;

3) active lifestyle.

In conclusion, it must be said that to prevent atherosclerosis, in addition to a rational and low-calorie diet, a healthy, physically active image life, not burdened by stress and overload of the nervous system. And in those cases when we have to talk not about prevention, but about the treatment of atherosclerosis, diet therapy should be combined with medication.