Atherosclerosis, (Vascular Thickening) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

By Kenneth Kee

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease due to the thickening of arterial wall.
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body.
Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood.
Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries.
This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke or even death.
Causes of atherosclerosis
1. Smoking
2. High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood
3. High blood pressure
4. High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes
Plaque may begin to build up where the arteries are damaged.
Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries.
Eventually an area of plaque can rupture (break open).
When this happens, blood cell fragments called platelets stick to the site of the injury.
They may clump together to form blood clots.
Clots narrow the arteries even more limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Depending on which arteries are affected, blood clots can worsen angina (chest pain) or cause a heart attack or stroke.
Treatments for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures or surgery.
The goals of treatment include:
a. Relieving symptoms
b. Reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaque
c. Lowering the risk of blood clots forming
d. Widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteries
Treatment is by:
1.Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercise, no smoking and alcohol or stress
2.Lowering lipids such as statiins and fibrates
3.Blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin
Surgeries and procedures for atherosclerosis are
1.Angioplasty, Stent placement,
2.Coronary Artery Bypass surgery,
3.Carotid artery surgery and Atherectomy

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Atherosclerosis
Chapter 2 Interesting Facts about Atherosclerosis
Chapter 3 Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Chapter 4 Hypertension
Chapter 5 Coronary Heart Disease
Chapter 6 Diabetes
Chapter 7 High Cholesterol
Epilogue

Ode To Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries
Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body
Plaque forms blood clots which can block blood flow
A heart attack or stroke may occur where the blood clot goes

Risk factors are from an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity,
Other factors are smoking, high cholesterol and obesity
High blood pressure, diabetes and older age all affect the heart
High C reactive protein, triglycerides, stress also play a part

There may be sudden chest pain, headache and problems breathing
There is also dizziness, trouble walking or speaking
There may be sudden weakness, numbness of the limbs or confusion
There may also be blurred vision and loss of balance or coordination

Treatment is by relieving symptoms and stop blot clots forming
If the arteries are already blocked, to bypass or do arterial widening
Making lifestyle changes often can help prevent or treat atherosclerosis
Taking medications to thin blood will prevent blood arterial thrombosis

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kenneth Kee
• Release date: Dec 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370284849

Kenneth Kee

Dr. Kenneth Kee is a well-known medical doctor from Singapore who has been practicing medicine since 1972. He graduated from the University of Singapore and furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Health Management in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration in 1993. Dr. Kee established Kee Clinic in 1974, located in the Holland Drive area of Singapore. The clinic has been a prominent feature of the community, offering general medical services for 5 decades. Dr Kee also served his country Singapore as a national service police Inspector at night from 1975 to 1985 while working at his clinic during the day. He had served as a police guard to the Woodland Petroleum Tanks at night during the Indonesian Confrontation period, took part in police rounds at night in the Beach Road area and taught First aid and emergency resuscitation to Police recruits. He received the Singapore Police Bicentennial 2020 Medallion on 1st March 2024 as recognition for his work in the Singapore Police. Even as he grew older, Dr. Kee continued to work actively in his clinic, although he eventually reduced his consultation hours. Beyond his medical career, Dr. Kee is also an author. He started writing about medical conditions in 2007, using blogs and other online platforms to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Over time, he published various books, many of which provide simple and accessible guides to different health conditions. His works include "A Family Doctor's Tale," "My Personal Singapore History," and numerous medical guides, available through platforms like Amazon. His books often combine his personal experiences as a family doctor with insights into Singapore's healthcare system and history. Dr. Kee has written extensively on health topics, contributing to both medical literature and general knowledge resources. Dr. Kenneth Kee has written numerous books, primarily focused on health education and personal experiences as a family doctor. Some of his notable titles include: "A Family Doctor's Tale" This book is a blend of Dr. Kee's personal experiences and his reflections on being a family doctor in Singapore. It's a great choice if you're looking for a narrative that combines both medical knowledge and human stories. "Specialized Medical Conditions" Books like **"Congestive Heart Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment"** focus on specific conditions, offering in-dept...

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Atherosclerosis,

(Vascular Thickening)

A

Simple

Guide

To

The Condition,

Treatment

And

Related Conditions

By

Dr Kenneth Kee

M.B.,B.S. (Singapore)

Ph.D (Healthcare Administration)

Copyright Kenneth Kee 2014 Smashwords Edition

Published By Kenneth Kee at Smashwords.com

Dedication

This book is dedicated

to my wife Dorothy

and my children

Carolyn, Grace

and Kelvin

This book describes the Atherosclerosis, Treatment and Associated Diseases or in vernacular terms

(What You Need to Treat and Cope with Atherosclerosis)

This eBook is licensed for the personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Introduction

Ode To Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries

Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body

Plaque forms blood clots which can block blood flow

A heart attack or stroke may occur where the blood clot goes

Risk factors are from an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity,

Other factors are smoking, high cholesterol and obesity

High blood pressure, diabetes and older age all affect the heart

High C reactive protein, triglycerides, stress also play a part

There may be sudden chest pain, headache and problems breathing

There is also dizziness, trouble walking or speaking

There may be sudden weakness, numbness of the limbs or confusion

There may also be blurred vision and loss of balance or coordination

Treatment is by relieving symptoms and stop blot clots forming

If the arteries are already blocked, to bypass or do arterial widening

Making lifestyle changes often can help prevent or treat atherosclerosis

Taking medications to thin blood will prevent blood arterial thrombosis

-An original poem by Kenneth Kee

Interesting Tips about the Atherosclerosis

A Healthy Lifestyle

1. Take a well Balanced Diet

2. The goals of treatment include:

a. Relieving symptoms

b. Reducing risk factors in an effort to slow or stop the buildup of plaque

c. Lowering the risk of blood clots forming

d. Widening or bypassing plaque-clogged arteries

e. Preventing atherosclerosis-related diseases

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes often can help prevent or treat atherosclerosis.

For some people, these changes may be the only treatment needed.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Following a healthy diet can prevent or reduce high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC).

The doctor may recommend TLC if you have high blood cholesterol.

TLC is a three-part program that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, and weight management.

3. Keep bones and body strong

Bone marrow produces our blood

Eat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk.

Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruits

Zinc and other minerals are important to the body

4. Get enough rest and Sleep

Avoid stress and tension

5. Exercise and stay active.

It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2½ hours a week.

One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week.

Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.

6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman.

Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.

Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.

7. Stop or do not begin smoking.

It also interferes with blood supply and healing.

Chapter 1

Atherosclerosis

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease due to the thickening of arterial wall.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other parts of the body.

Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood.

Over time plaque hardens and narrows the arteries.

This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and other parts of the body.

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke or even death.

Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases

Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body including arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis and kidneys.

As a result different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) also called coronary artery disease is the main killer of both men and women in the United States.

CHD occurs if plaque builds up in the coronary arteries.

These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle.

Plaque buildup also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in the arteries.

Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow.

If blood flow