Atherosclerosis is the process where fatty deposits in the arteries gradually cause them to become blocked. This leads to heart attacks, strokes, dementia and other serious conditions. Pharmaceutical research has led to medicines that reduce blood lipids (fats). These have saved the lives of millions. It is expected that further research will lead to even more effective treatments.
Disease: Atherosclerosis
Last update: July 2009
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Atherosclerosis is the process where fatty deposits, or plaques, form on the artery wall. Blood clots can form around these deposits. The artery wall thickens and blood flow is restricted. If this happens in the arteries in the heart, it can lead to angina pain or heart attacks. If plaques form in the head and neck arteries it can lead to strokes and dementia. Plaque may also affect the legs and cause the condition called peripheral vascular disease. Atherosclerosis may also force the heart to work harder, which may lead to raised blood pressure and heart failure. -
Who gets it?
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of illness and death in the EU, where cardiovascular disease accounts for 40 per cent of deaths. -
What can be done about it?
A healthy lifestyle will help control plaque formation. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be partly controlled by diet. If it is not, the pharmaceutical industry has developed many highly effective medicines to help. One group in particular, the statins, have shown to have numerous advantages; recent trials have shown that they may be able to reduce the risks of a second heart attack, or stroke. -
What does the future hold?
New, more effective, statins are being investigated as are a variety of other agents that affect the formation of the fatty deposits. As our understanding increases, the hope is that medicines can be developed that not only slow the progress of atherosclerosis, but maybe even reverse it.