Custom Search

Atherosclerosis Symptoms

The most challenging thing about atherosclerosis symptoms is that they do not appear until the damage to the arteries is too severe. Many people do not even know that they have symptoms until they experience some medical emergencies like heart attack or stroke. Some people may show symptoms of the diseases. However, the symptoms vary from patient to patient, depending upon the intensity of the affected arteries.

As atherosclerosis restricts the blood flow to the heart muscle, it can cause angina pectoris. The patient may experience pressure or a squeezing pain that starts in the center of his/her chest. The pain may also be experienced in shoulder, neck, jaw, back and arms. The pain becomes severe, when he/she engages in some physical activity. Emotional stress can also trigger the pain in the chest area. Sometimes, myocardial infarction may also be a symptom of this disorder.

Atherosclerosis may also restrict the blood flow to the leg muscles, and thereby cause pain in the legs. The patient may experience pain, when he/she walks and the pain may disappear when he/she is in rest. The disorder causes narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This in turn may cause temporary ischemic attacks, dizziness and stroke. Irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath and sudden numbness may also be the atherosclerosis symptoms.

Though atherosclerosis is a serious disease, it can be prevented by taking some natural remedies. Doing some regular physical activities and eating more fruits and vegetables can give assurance to your good health. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, folic acid, and soluble fiber can improve blood flow and strengthen the blood vessels. They can also help reduce blood pressure level and relax the involuntary muscles in the arteries.

Reducing the consumption of processed foods and foods that are high in saturated fats can also reduce the problem of developing atherosclerosis disease. Saturated fat is turned by your body into cholesterol that thickens the blood and blocks the arteries. The hydrogenated fats in processed foods cause more severe damages than saturated fat.

Garlic and onion are enemies to bad low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Including raw or cooked garlic and onion can help to prevent atherosclerosis symptoms. Apples, melons, sweet potatoes and squash are some of the good foods rich in soluble fiber. It is advisable to take several small meals in a day instead of taking three large meals.

You can follow a liquid diet once in a week. You can take fruit juices of lemon, orange, pine apple and grapes with water. This helps to enhance the health of your heart.

Parsley is beneficial in treating the clogged blood vessels. You can include parsley in your daily diet to get fast relief from the symptoms of atherosclerosis. Carrot juice and spinach juice are also helpful in reducing the problem of blocked arteries. It is always advisable to stay away from alcohol and smoking. Smoking can lead to hypertension, which is the most of the important factors causing choked blood vessels. If you are in doubt then consult your doctor to see if you are suffering from atherosclerosis symptoms.

By: Dimitris Bessios

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

About Author:
Jim would like to teach you the steps to living green and how to use green technology to benefit your health and the environment. www.thegreenlivingexpert.com/

© 2005-2011 Article Dashboard