Pulmonary atherosclerosis treatment. Pulmonary aortosclerosis: symptoms, timely diagnosis and methods of effective treatment

Cardiologist

Higher education:

Cardiologist

Kuban State medical University(KubSMU, KubSMA, KubGMI)

Level of education - Specialist

Additional education:

“Cardiology”, “Course on magnetic resonance imaging cardiovascular systems s"

Research Institute of Cardiology named after. A.L. Myasnikova

"Course on functional diagnostics"

NTsSSKh them. A. N. Bakuleva

"Course in Clinical Pharmacology"

Russian medical Academy postgraduate education

"Emergency Cardiology"

Cantonal Hospital of Geneva, Geneva (Switzerland)

"Therapy Course"

Russian State Medical Institute of Roszdrav

Diffuse atherosclerosis – serious disease of cardio-vascular system. It is accompanied by extensive scarring of myocardial tissue. The consequences of this disease are very serious. The heart begins to work poorly, the valves become deformed. The main problem of this type of atherosclerosis is late diagnosis. In the early stages of development, the disease practically does not manifest itself. Patients feel a slight discomfort, which cannot be the reason for a full-scale examination.

General information about the disease

Diffuse type atherosclerosis is considered the most dangerous type of this disease. Cardiomyocytes are replaced by connective type cells. It all starts with small lesions, and the provoking factor in the development of the disease is prolonged coronary insufficiency. The disorders caused by atherosclerosis lead to a decrease or complete cessation of blood flow in some areas of the myocardium. Muscle cells begin to die, and connective tissue appears in their place, i.e. scarring.

If we are talking about a diffuse type of disease, then the patient’s condition worsens gradually. The number of necrotic lesions increases every day. Metabolism is disrupted, some areas of the myocardium completely atrophy. The structure of muscle fibers becomes abnormal. In approximately 60% of cases, an aneurysm is found in patients suffering from this type of atherosclerosis. The presence of a pathological formation greatly complicates the process of treating the patient, because Not all doctors are able to perform a surgical operation to remove it.

In a small number of patients (less than 3%), the disease does not manifest itself until the end of life. This occurs due to the absence of any other pathologies that enhance the effect of atherosclerotic plaques on the body and myocardium. Such patients do not need specific treatment. In other cases, in the absence of therapy, patients risk dying from cardiac arrest or rupture of an aneurysm (if present).

Causes of diffuse atherosclerosis

The main factor provoking the development of this disease is atherosclerotic lesions. coronary arteries. Also at risk are patients suffering from coronary disease hearts. One of the problems in treating such diseases is that patients seek help too late, when changes in the body can no longer be reversed. In addition to the listed ailments, the following factors influence the development of the disease:

• rheumatism;
• bad habits (tendency to drink large amounts of alcohol, smoking, etc.);
• being overweight;
• age-related changes in the body;
• heart muscle injuries;
• diabetes;
• unfavorable working conditions;
• frequent stress;
• congenital anomalies in vascular development;
• hypertonic disease;
• heart pathologies, congenital and acquired.

It is believed that after a certain age the development of atherosclerosis is inevitable and to some extent this is true. With age, hormonal levels change, bad cholesterol breaks down more slowly, which leads to the formation of plaques on the surface of blood vessels. According to statistics, male patients over 40 years of age most often suffer from this disease.

Patients have traceable common features in the form of excess body weight, lack of physical activity and excessive psychological stress. Some patients harm themselves by self-medicating. Uncontrolled use of medications greatly harms the body. Should not be taken without a doctor's prescription medicines, affecting the condition of blood vessels, the production of liver and gastric enzymes.

How does the disease manifest?

This type of atherosclerosis is characterized by a gradual increase in symptoms. On early stages illness, the person feels well. He continues to go about his business and does not experience any discomfort during physical activity. But even then experienced doctor may notice signs of arrhythmia and problems with the conduction of electrical impulses. When myocardial damage becomes larger, the patient will experience the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath. Even minor physical activity (climbing stairs, fast walking short distances) will cause attacks of lack of air.
2. Muscle weakness. The degree of manifestation of this symptom directly depends on the extent to which the myocardium has undergone pathological changes. With small necrotic lesions, the patient will notice a slight decrease in endurance, but then the weakness will increase, because blood flow in the muscles is disrupted.
3. Swelling. Circulatory problems caused by atherosclerosis cause fluid to accumulate in the legs. By morning the swelling disappears completely. On late stages Trophic ulcers may appear.
4. Pain in the right side or heart area. The reasons for the manifestation of this symptom also lie in poor circulation and pathological changes muscle tissue. Blood in the systemic circulation begins to move very slowly, so pain can be transmitted to the right side or limbs. Concerning discomfort in the heart, this is how various rhythm disturbances manifest themselves.

If the organ is severely damaged, the patient begins to lose consciousness. All signs of the disease appear in 10% of patients with severe impairment of coronary blood flow. Other people suffer from 1-2 symptoms. You should see a doctor immediately after you notice an arrhythmia or feel pain in your heart. They can not only signal that you have atherosclerosis, but also serious chronic diseases.

Effective diagnostic methods: ECG, ultrasound, MRI

Diffuse type atherosclerosis can be detected in a patient by comprehensive examination. The traditional first stage is to examine the patient and collect information about his condition. The doctor must find out when the symptoms of the disease appeared, whether the patient has bad habits, and whether there are people in his family who suffered from pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Then the patient is given a referral for the following types of diagnostics:

• General and biochemical blood tests. All patients are required to undergo it. A blood study will allow you to determine the ratio of “bad” and “good” cholesterol and identify hidden inflammatory processes.
• ECG. Also included in the set of mandatory procedures. Allows you to identify violations heart rate and problems in myocardial function. But this technique is not suitable for structural studies of muscle tissue.
• Ultrasound. Conducted to evaluate physical state hearts. The doctor will be able to find areas affected by atherosclerosis.
• MRI. It is an excellent alternative to ultrasound examination. In addition to areas of pathological density, this diagnostic method can detect abnormalities in the structure of blood vessels and hidden tumors.

The interpretation of test results should be carried out by the attending physician or the doctor conducting hardware diagnostics. It is based on the results of ultrasound and MRI that a course of treatment will be developed.

How is diffuse atherosclerosis treated?

There are 2 approaches to treating this disease: conservative and surgical. There are indications for each treatment method. Conservative therapy involves the use of specialized drugs that normalize the nutrition of the myocardium, reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and help normalize the heart rate. Patients are prescribed the following groups of medications:

• Nitrates. Needed to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. Muscle tension is also relieved, but blood flow in the collaterals increases.
• Beta blockers. They are needed to relieve excess tension from the heart and allow a person to play sports. The disadvantage of such drugs is a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable with bradycardia. Also, some patients complain of decreased vision.
• Calcium antagonists. They are used quite rarely, because make it difficult for electrical impulses to pass through. Reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
• Statins. They are one of the means of correcting the quantity bad cholesterol in blood. They are taken according to a regimen specially developed for a particular patient.

Do not forget about symptomatic treatment. If patients encounter unbearable pain, then they are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For severe edema, diuretics are used. While taking medications, nutritional correction can help get rid of cholesterol. The patient should give up sweets, fatty and very salty foods. You must adhere to a special diet. It is advisable to replace meat with fish.

Have a good effect on the condition of blood vessels and the body physical exercise. They should be selected by a special instructor depending on the condition of the muscles of a particular patient. You should not try to perform high-intensity exercises without the permission of the trainer, because... This way you will only harm your body more.

Surgical intervention

If medication and lifestyle adjustments do not provide results in treating the disease, then the patient is recommended to agree to surgery. The goal of surgery is to normalize blood flow and eliminate areas of ischemia. To do this, doctors can:

• install a pacemaker;
• perform bypass surgery;
• perform vascular stenting.

Separately, it is worth considering the treatment of aneurysm in diffuse type atherosclerosis. The operation is mandatory. The damaged vessel or part of it is eliminated, and in its place a prosthesis made of a special medical polymer or a piece of the vessel taken from another part of the body is inserted.

Disease Prevention

To prevent the development of heart diseases, including atherosclerosis, it is necessary to exercise. All exercises should be moderate, i.e. overstraining muscles and other organs with a tendency to deposit cholesterol will be dangerous. It is necessary to give up bad habits or minimize their impact on the body. Also recommended:

• follow a diet;
• monitor body weight and the percentage of muscle to fat;
• try to avoid stressful situations;
• consult a doctor at the first sign of any cardiovascular disease.

People who are at risk due to elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol or liver problems should especially monitor their health. They should try to compensate for the shortcomings of their own genetics with a rational approach to life.

Forecast

A positive outcome of the disease is possible if the patient paid attention to its symptoms in time and decided to see a doctor. The patient must be ready to follow the doctor’s recommendations and eliminate unnecessary habits. Without treatment, patients do not live long. If heart rhythm disturbances are added to diffuse type atherosclerosis, the risk of death increases to 93%.

Pulmonary atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the pulmonary artery, which is characterized by the occurrence cholesterol plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels.

Due to a significant reduction in the lumen of blood vessels, natural blood flow is disrupted. The tissues are saturated with oxygen and are not fully nourished. This process causes painful symptoms or even death.

Most often, this disease is concomitant with diseases that cause high blood pressure in the lungs. That is why it is worth carefully monitoring the condition of the blood vessels. This shows that various mechanical factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

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Pulmonary atherosclerosis most often occurs in cardiovascular and pulmonary pathologies, the symptom of which is a continuous increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary, large and medium branches pulmonary artery.

Risk factors

Atherosclerosis of the pulmonary artery most often occurs in people over forty-five years of age, but atherosclerotic changes are becoming increasingly common in people aged 30-35 and even at 20-25 years of age or even earlier.

Men are at risk, because atherosclerosis begins to develop in them about ten years earlier than in women. It is interesting that residents of large cities suffer from atherosclerosis much more often than those who live outside the city.

The importance of changes in atherosclerosis risk factors for reducing the number of deaths was substantiated by the Framingham study, which has been going on for 67 years.

Main lungs:

• excessive cholesterol in the blood;
• arterial hypertension;
• bad habits;
• diabetes;
• excess weight.

In the lungs, atherosclerosis develops quite rarely compared to common vascular lesions great circle blood circulation

Causes

Atherosclerosis of the lungs can occur in a wide variety of ways. Experts name the following:

• genetic predisposition (defective vascular walls);
• autoimmune mechanism (in this situation, the body perceives the walls of blood vessels as a foreign object, beginning to produce antibodies);
• excessive accumulation of lipoproteins in blood vessels;
• distortion of the endothelium, disruption of its protective functions on the inner walls of various vessels;
• the appearance of disturbances in the functioning of smooth muscle cells;
• destruction of the internal walls of blood vessels by chlamydia;
• damage to vascular tissue by herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus and others;
• damage to the inner surface of the vessel, which is facilitated by a violation of the antioxidant function of the body;
• an increase in the amount of gonadotropic and adrenocorticotropic hormones due to age, which leads to accelerated formation of building material for the accumulation of cholesterol.

The following diseases can provoke the appearance of pulmonary artery atherosclerosis:

Mitral stenosis	In mitral stenosis, the opening of the mitral valve becomes excessively contracted and interferes with the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Most common cause is rheumatic fever. It can be recognized by symptoms adjacent to heart failure. Only the opening tone and diastolic murmur can be accurately determined. In order to accurately determine the diagnosis, a physical examination and echocardiography should be performed. Most often, the disease can be cured. Drug treatment includes diuretics, beta-blockers or heart rate-lowering calcium channel blockers, and drugs that reduce the ability of blood to clot. In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be required, which includes balloon valvotomy, commissurotomy and valve replacement.
Emphysema	Pathology when the lungs contain an excessive amount of air, which contributes to difficulty in natural breathing and impaired gas exchange, is called chronic disease and is designated by the term “pulmonary emphysema.” Over the past few years, this disease has become increasingly common among older people. It is worth noting that the increasing frequency of the disease, the rapidly developing course of the disease, and temporary disability of patients due to difficulty breathing contribute to serious economic damage. Emphysema along with chronic bronchitis and widespread bronchial asthma are included in the group of obstructive chronic pulmonary diseases. They are united by symptoms of bronchial obstruction. But it is worth pointing out that each of the diseases has its own distinctive features, and professional, timely diagnosis of these diseases will help to carry out targeted prevention and effective therapy.
Patent ductus botallus	The ductus arteriosus is a vessel that connects the aorta and the lung trunk during the prenatal period. An open protocartery is a vessel that performs its function even after its closure has expired. The most common patent botal duct is in children who are born ahead of schedule, but it may well close unexpectedly in the future. If the baby weighs less than 2 kilograms, then the likelihood that he will have open duct artery is 50 percent, and in 20 percent of cases it may remain open during the first two years of life. In infants who were born with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the ductus arteriosus is almost always open. This can seriously complicate lung disease and sometimes requires urgent treatment. surgery. The duct may have different shapes, and can also be long or short, narrow or wide. Its diameter varies between 10-15mm. With this disease, pathologies of the stomach, intestines, and genitourinary system are common. If the arterial duct is open, then oxygenated blood is discharged from the aorta into the pulmonary artery. Reset occurs both during systole and diastole. This is due to the fact that in both of these intervals the pressure in the aorta is higher than the pressure in the pulmonary artery.
Kyphoscoliosis	Kyphoscoliosis is a combination of spinal deformities that consists of standard scoliosis (lateral curvature) and kyphosis (excessive anteroposterior curvature and hunching). Kyphoscoliosis can be left-sided or right-sided - it all depends on the direction of the curvature of the spine. The causes of the disease can be very different: congenital disorder of the spine; myopathy; osteochondrosis; paralysis; rickets; rheumatism; poor posture; disproportionate growth of muscles and bones. Symptoms of kyphoscoliosis - sharp pain in the back and noticeable deformation of the spine. Difficulty breathing and deterioration of heart function also often occur. This is due to the fact that there is a secondary change in the structure of the chest and a decrease in the efficiency of the functions of the organs that are located in this area. The disease can be diagnosed by external manifestations using X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment for scoliosis most often remains conservative, and only in advanced cases can surgical intervention be performed.

Stages

In the atherosclerotic process of the pulmonary artery, five stages of development can be distinguished. This is explained by the fact that modifications in the arteries occur sequentially and gradually:

First stage	It manifests itself in the appearance of local modifications of the internal walls of blood vessels where the blood flow is especially strong - in places where the aorta connects with large vessels and arteries. During the examination, slight disturbances of the endothelium and the beginning of damage to vascular tissue are visible. The channels connecting the cells expand and increase in size, and flat-shaped microthrombi form in the vessels, which causes an increase in the level of endothelial permeability. At the initial stage, these modifications are replenished by lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes of the intima. They break down and remove products of improper metabolism from cells.
Second stage	It begins to develop when the enzymes that fight atherosclerosis become less active. In the arteries, complexes of apo-B-lipoproteins with fibrin and immunoglobulins accumulate, as well as atherogenic lipoproteins with glycosaminoglycans of the interstitial tissue. In this case, a modification of the amino acid structure of elastin occurs, its fibers increase in size, the internal elastic membrane is fragmented, and the intima is divided into fibers and enlarges. Intimal smooth muscle tissue absorbs lipids and is modified into xanthoma cells. Upon detailed examination at this stage, spots of fat cells and light-colored stripes are noticeable.
Third stage	At the third stage, new connective tissue appears in places where lipoproteins are deposited. Its maturation contributes to the formation of fibrous plaques.
Fourth stage	In the area of ​​plaques, the breakdown of lipids, elastic fibers and collagen fibers, as well as xanthoma and muscle cells occurs. Subsequently, a cavity appears that contains detritus of fatty and protein compounds. It is separated from the lumen of the vessel by connective tissue (that is, the coating of the plaque). The rapidly developing course of atheromatosis causes serious vascular disorders, for example, damage to the plaque cover, hemorrhage into it and the occurrence of ulcers in the vessels. If in such a situation detritus enters the lumen of the vessel, embolism is possible, but an atheromatous ulcer can be the basis for the occurrence of dangerous blood clots.
Fifth stage	During this period, atherocalcinosis is reduced to the deposition of calcium salts into atheromatous masses, interstitial substance and fibrous tissue. Most vessels and arteries are damaged by atherosclerosis in varying degrees, depending on their structure and hemodynamic load.

Symptoms

Atherosclerosis can be recognized by Ayres syndrome - a set of symptoms such as severe diffuse cyanosis, erythrocytosis, difficulty breathing, high pulmonary hypertension with significant hypertrophy of the right heart, the severity of which does not correspond to pulmonary and pulmonary-heart failure, bronchopulmonary or cardiovascular disease.

Pulmonary atherosclerosis can be recognized by:

• an increase in cardiac dullness upward (in a stripe) up to the second intercostal space inclusive;
• push of the right ventricle, i.e. diffuse, energetic pulsation at the left edge of the sternum in the third or fourth intercostal space;
• the enlarged protrusion of the pulmonary artery arch (i.e., the second arc of the left contour of the heart shadow) and in the first oblique direction - the protrusion of the left contour in the region of the right ventricle.

Most clear symptom pulmonary atherosclerosis - diffuse strong cyanosis, which spreads to the branches of the pulmonary artery and appears subsequently due to impaired blood circulation in the lungs and incomplete arterialization of blood in the lungs.

Also a symptom may be a systolic murmur over the pulmonary artery, much less often - a diastolic murmur. It appears only when the pulmonary valves are insufficient. Bleeding may occur in the lungs, and acute pain in the heart area may also occur.

Other symptoms may occur, but they are common enough in other diseases that it is difficult to identify the disease from them.

Among them are weakness, dizziness, coughing with blood, acute pain in the heart, enlarged veins in the neck, swelling of the liver, swelling of the legs.

Diagnostics

Pulmonary atherosclerosis can be detected in several ways. Here are some of them:

• interviewing the patient and studying the medical history;
• examination of the iris (with this disease an atherosclerotic ring appears on it);
• produced general analysis blood to determine whether cholesterol levels are normal;
• one of the most effective for identifying pulmonary atherosclerosis is X-ray examination with the introduction of a contrast agent;
• Ultrasound of the cardiovascular system, abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space;
• full scan of the pulmonary artery: ultrasound, duplex and triplex examination;
• CT scan.

Computed tomography is considered the most effective diagnostic method. Completing this procedure makes it possible to identify lesions in the lung on CT scan for atherosclerosis. In this way, it is possible to determine the signs of the main disease or related diseases that contribute to the development of pulmonary atherosclerosis in the future.

Treatment methods for pulmonary artery atherosclerosis are divided into several areas:

• bringing body weight to normal, correcting general metabolism, stabilizing hormonal levels;
• eliminating excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood;
• correct influence on the metabolism of vessel walls and fermentation of the circulatory system in order to activate lipolysis and fibrinolysis and weaken platelet aggregation.

Improving general metabolism consists of introducing special therapeutic diet and physical activity appropriate for the patient.

Should consist of a wide variety of foods, sufficient protein foods. It is worth reducing the consumption of animal fats, foods that are oversaturated with cholesterol, as well as salt and simple carbohydrates, in particular sugar.

It is very useful for atherosclerosis to consume more fermented milk products, especially cottage cheese, as well as lean fish and fiber found in fruits and vegetables. On permanent basis You should add foods to your diet that contain healthy polyunsaturated fats, such as olive and flaxseed oil.

Drug treatment, which is aimed at combating high cholesterol levels in the body and stabilizing lipid metabolism, can work in two directions: either preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the stomach and intestines, modifying its interaction with bile, or disrupting its synthesis in the liver.

Appropriate medications are selected for different areas.

Among the most effective are the medications of the statin group. Patients who have a genetic tendency to hyperlipidemia are prescribed sorption methods for purifying plasma from cholesterol oversaturation.

In order to effectively influence the metabolism and properties of the walls of blood vessels, parmidine and products with nicotinic acid are most often used.

In addition to the fact that they directly affect the metabolism of the vascular endothelium, their function is also to eliminate the adjacent damaging effect of microthrombi on the vascular walls.

Also a nicotinic acid stabilizes the amount of cholesterol in the blood. To inhibit platelet aggregation, pentoxifylline is prescribed in tablet form.

In some cases, patients are prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures and treatment in sanatoriums

Folk remedies

If symptoms of pulmonary atherosclerosis are detected in the body in time, the disease will be diagnosed at the initial stage. In this situation, you can try to cure atherosclerosis using traditional methods. Our ancestors left many recipes for the treatment of this disease. But it is important to remember that before using any methods, you must consult a doctor.

1. One of the most natural ways is to take 3 tablespoons of olive or flaxseed oil daily.
2. Well-known and very common medicinal herbs can be no less effective in treating atherosclerosis. Such treatment must necessarily take place in courses. For example, Japanese Sophora will be very effective. According to the recipe, you need to pour half a liter of vodka into a glass of crushed pods and leave in a cold place for three weeks. After this, you need to drink one tablespoon of the infusion before meals three times a day for three months.
3. One of the most effective products for atherosclerosis is honey. In order to make a product at home, you need to combine olive oil, lemon juice and honey in proportions 1:1:1. You need to take this mixture once every day on an empty stomach. Also, the above-mentioned products can be used according to a different principle: drink a teaspoon of vegetable oil in the morning, and eat a spoonful of honey before going to bed.
4. Within a few months, atherosclerosis can be cured if you squeeze potato juice in the morning and drink it on an empty stomach.
5. An effective product in the treatment of pulmonary artery atherosclerosis is ordinary garlic. It is best used in the preparation of various tinctures. To combat atherosclerosis, chop one head of garlic and a small lemon. After mixing the ingredients, pour half a liter of water over them and leave for four days, after which two tablespoons of the infusion are consumed every morning.
6. If one of the symptoms of atherosclerosis is an acute headache, dill seeds can help. To make the medicine, add one tablespoon of seeds to one glass of boiling water and consume one tablespoon four times a day. Most often, this remedy will help relieve pain in just a couple of weeks.
7. For tinnitus and severe dizziness Easily available and popular lemon balm will help. It has a pleasant taste, so you can drink its decoction as tea three to four times a day.
8. For atherosclerosis, it is effective to take nettle baths. To do this, you will need a large amount of fresh nettle (it is much healthier than dry). Simply place the herb in a bath and fill with hot water. After this, wait thirty minutes, add cool water and soak your feet in the bath for half an hour. This procedure must be repeated every other day.
9. Nowadays, the treatment of atherosclerosis with the help of Chinese medicine. The most common are acupuncture and targeted massages. To undergo procedures, choose reliable clinics and check the relevant certificates with your doctor.
10. In order to speed up the fight against pulmonary atherosclerosis and make it more effective, you can take nutritional supplements and vitamins.

Cardiologist

Higher education:

Cardiologist

Saratov State Medical University named after. IN AND. Razumovsky (SSMU, media)

Level of education - Specialist

Additional education:

"Emergency Cardiology"

1990 - Ryazan Medical Institute named after Academician I.P. Pavlova

Pulmonary atherosclerosis is a pathology of the pulmonary artery in which sclerotic plaques line its walls. Because of this, the lung tissue receives insufficient oxygen and nutrients, which interferes with normal metabolism. If the lungs do not function normally for a long time, serious complications develop. When ignored drug therapy atherosclerosis in the lungs can be fatal.

Causes of pulmonary atherosclerosis

The following factors can trigger the development of pulmonary atherosclerosis:

• Inflammatory processes.
• Serious vascular injuries.
• Constant stress and unstable emotional background.
• High cholesterol and excess body weight.
• Improper and unbalanced nutrition.
• Problems with the endocrine system.
• Diabetes mellitus and other autoimmune diseases.
• Increased pressure in the lung area.
• Inactive lifestyle.
• Smoking tobacco.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.

The danger of ignoring pulmonary atherosclerosis is the deposition of platelets on the walls of blood vessels, due to which they are slowly destroyed. Also, due to this disorder, the lung tissue begins to produce specific substances that make the walls of blood vessels thicker. After atherosclerotic plaques attach to it, blood circulation and oxygen supply can be completely blocked.

Symptoms of the disease

Atherosclerosis in the lungs develops slowly and gradually; not in all cases a person can notice the symptoms of this pathology in the early stages. Most often it is diagnosed using functional studies or in advanced stages, when signs of the disease appear. Recognize atherosclerosis by results x-ray examination succeeds in disrupting tissues and blood vessels, enlarging channels and forming microthrombi. Typically, atherosclerosis in the lungs can be recognized due to insufficient oxygenation of the blood. This manifests itself in:

• Constant coughing for no reason, which may cause blood to be released.
• Unreasonable shortness of breath.
• Pain in the chest area.
• Constant sleepiness fast fatiguability.
• Reduced level of pressure in the pulmonary bag.
• Blue discoloration of the skin in the chest area.

If you detect at least one sign of pulmonary atherosclerosis, you must immediately contact your doctor. The presence of one symptom does not indicate the presence of this disease, however, when a second one appears, this is a good reason to think about a comprehensive diagnosis.

Diagnostic methods

Atherosclerosis in the lungs is a disease that occurs due to the spread connective tissue along the pulmonary artery and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on its stacks. Recognize this pathology most often it is possible to high blood pressure in the pulmonary bursa, circulatory failure, increased level cholesterol in the blood. Most often, pulmonary atherosclerosis is severe, and a person immediately realizes the pathological process in the body. WHO statistics show that every second person over 50 years of age suffers from this disease. It is possible to diagnose atherosclerosis in the lungs using:

• Detailed medical history: determining the course of the disease, any concomitant chronic diseases.
• Pulmonary artery scan.
• Visual assessment of the human body.
• Blood and urine tests.
• X-ray examination with contrast agent - helps determine lung function.
• Ultrasound examination of the cardiovascular system and abdominal cavity.
• Duplex and triplex research.
• Magnetic resonance therapy and computed tomography.

It is quite difficult to diagnose atherosclerosis in the lungs in the initial stages, but this can only be done with the help of computed tomography. Using this method, it is possible to carefully study the structure of the pulmonary artery and identify disturbances in the blood supply. Also, computed tomography allows you to identify the exact localization of lesions.

Treatment of pulmonary atherosclerosis

The main goal of therapy for pulmonary atherosclerosis is to minimize the risk of developing subsequent complications. It is also aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. To treat the whole body, a specialist needs to assess the state of the liver and conduct a study of the chemical composition of the blood, in particular the number of platelets. The use of medications will help stop the development of pulmonary atherosclerosis and restore some body systems. In general, treatment of pulmonary atherosclerosis consists of:

• Taking blood thinning and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
• Restoring normal hormonal levels.
• Normalization of blood flow.
• Establishing normal metabolism.
• Normalization of body weight.

To put the body in order, it is necessary to establish metabolism. To do this, the patient must adhere to a special diet and exercise. It is very important that everyone therapeutic measures took place under the full supervision of the attending physician. With regular monitoring, a specialist will be able to identify changes in a timely manner and adjust the prescribed medications. Usually, to fully restore the body with pulmonary atherosclerosis, it is necessary to take medications that lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and strengthen the heart muscles. If you do not understand what it is, pulmonary atherosclerosis, be sure to ask your doctor about it.

IN modern world exists great amount various diseases. In this article I would like to touch upon such a topic as atherosclerosis: what it is, what types of this disease there are and how it can be dealt with.

About the concept

Before you understand what this disease means, you need to define the concept. So, atherosclerosis, what is it? This is a chronic disease. It is characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques(accumulation of fats, proliferation of connective tissue), which narrow the lumen blood vessels, and also interfere with the normal passage of blood, which leads to damage to various organs.

Causes of the disease

The causes of the disease are also important. If a person finds something on this list that directly concerns him, he should sound the alarm, because now he is at risk. It is also worth saying that reasons are divided into two huge groups: changeable and unchangeable. Unchangeable causes are those that cannot be changed by various means. medical supplies or due to the wishes of the patient. First of all, this is the age of the person. The risk of developing this disease increases with age; you need to be especially careful in this regard from the age of 45-50.

The second factor is gender. There are statistics that say that in men this disease occurs 10 years earlier, and by the age of 50, there are 4 times more representatives of the stronger sex with this disease than women. However, from about 50 years of age the situation changes, and the number of patients becomes equal. This is all due to changes in female hormonal levels, that is, the onset of menopause in women.

Well, the last factor in the development of this disease is genetic predisposition. People who have close relatives with this disease should be extremely attentive to their health. When considering a problem such as atherosclerosis - what it is and why this disease occurs - you need to pay attention to modifiable causes. The first of them is smoking. This habit increases the possibility of the occurrence of this disease significantly, and if a person is already sick, then the rate of development of the disease increases significantly. The second reason is obesity, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle - all these factors can affect the occurrence of this disease. The third reason is the presence of a certain disease that can trigger the occurrence of atherosclerosis. So, this is arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (disorder of fat metabolism), as well as various infections.

Symptoms of the disease

Understanding the concept of “atherosclerosis”, what it is and how this disease occurs, it is important to pay attention to such a point as the symptoms, thanks to which a person can determine whether he has this disease. So, it is worth saying that the symptoms of this disease can be extremely varied, because it depends on the degree of development of the disease and vascular damage. That is why it is better to view the symptoms separately, depending on what type of disease the person has. This can be diffuse, cerebral or multifocal atherosclerosis, etc.

Atherosclerosis of the aorta

So, atherosclerosis of the aorta. What it is? It is worth saying that this is the most common disease among all types of atherosclerosis. It is characterized by the fact that different parts of the aortic wall are affected. Since the aorta is thoracic and abdominal, atherosclerosis is classified according to the same principle. Depending on the type of disease, the symptoms will vary. For example, atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta long time does not make itself felt, and the patient is not even aware of his illness. The insidiousness of the disease is that the first symptoms generally appear quite early. mature age, at approximately 60-70 years of age, when the destruction of the aorta has reached its maximum limit, and often the consequences are irreversible. Dizziness may occur, often burning pain in the sternum, increased systolic pressure.

The next type is abdominal atherosclerosis of the aorta. What it is? This disease is concentrated in the final section of the aorta and can also often remain silent for a long time. As for symptoms, these could be digestive problems, abdominal pain, weight loss, renal failure and arterial hypertension. A life-threatening complication of this disease is thrombosis of the visceral arteries, which are designed to supply blood to the intestines.

Cerebral atherosclerosis

Let's move on. Now I would like to consider such a type of disease as What is it? This disease is one of the most severe, because its blood supply deteriorates and the whole body suffers from this. As for the symptoms, they are most often expressed in headaches, dizziness, very rapid fatigue is possible even with the slightest stress on the body. There are also such psychological signs, such as irritability, a tendency to tearfulness, touchiness over the simplest reasons. However, the most a clear sign of this disease - memory loss. But it will not be complete, a person will be able to tell in great detail in great detail what happened to him twenty years ago, but will not be able to remember what was happening around him during the last five minutes.

Diffuse atherosclerosis

A complication of atherosclerosis is diffuse atherosclerosis. What it is? This disease is most often called cardiosclerosis, when the heart muscle is affected. As for the symptoms, they are similar to heart failure. This is the whole insidiousness of this disease. As for symptoms, this may include shortness of breath, dry cough, muscle weakness. Various swelling is also possible (especially in the legs), pain in the right hypochondrium, as well as changes in the skin (deformation of nails, hair loss, skin pigmentation).

Multifocal atherosclerosis

There is also a type of this disease called multifocal atherosclerosis. What it is? This disease is characterized by the fact that it affects not one area, but several. This creates certain vascular pools that doctors need to work with. Most often, this disease is treated through surgery.

Atherosclerosis of the brachycephalic arteries

Atherosclerosis BCA - what is it? With this disease, problems occur in the brachycephalic column (its arteries), which supplies blood to the brain, as well as the right side of the shoulder girdle. Among the most common symptoms: frequent dizziness, which can occur with sudden movements of the head, as well as with a slight decrease in blood pressure. Most the right way diagnose this disease - ultrasonography shoulder girdle, which will give the main answer to the question of whether this is a disease.

Generalized atherosclerosis

It is worth understanding such a concept as What is it? It is worth noting that this disease is a complex lesion of atherosclerosis in various areas of human blood vessels. So most often it begins with aortic atherosclerosis, then the disease develops in any direction that it “likes”. That is, I would like to say that the insidiousness of this disease is that it is unpredictable, and in some people the disease develops according to one scenario, in others - according to a completely different one, affecting completely different parts of the body or organs.

Multiple atherosclerosis

The latest type of this disease is multiple atherosclerosis. What it is? But this is rather not a type of disease, but rather a special symptom of it that develops against the background. If this disease is not treated, dementia may develop - an irreversible, unfortunately, condition, from which it is simply impossible to recover today.

Prevention

Every person knows that it is better to prevent the occurrence of a disease than to fight it. This is especially true for people who are at risk of developing this disease.

So, to avoid atherosclerosis, you should give up bad habits, especially smoking. It is this that primarily contributes to the appearance of plaques that clog blood vessels. People are also encouraged to move a lot. It’s not for nothing that there is a saying: “movement is life.” It will be useful to everyone at least morning exercises, as well as daily walks in the fresh air. It is also good to engage in some kind of sport. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle need a little exercise. You need to choose a couple of simple exercises for yourself that you need to do at least every hour. You don’t need to spend a lot of time; a couple of minutes of simple movements will be enough.

Of course, overweight people need to lose weight to avoid this disease. The diet must be treated wisely: at first it should not be strict, refuse harmful products necessary gradually. It’s also good to arrange for yourself fasting days. One or two a week will be enough. And everyone else is recommended to eat wisely, which excludes consumption fatty foods, namely animal fats, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It is worth giving up eggs, butter, and fatty dairy products. It is also good to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

Having understood “vascular atherosclerosis - what it is,” it is worth saying how you can get rid of this disease. So, first of all, you need to consult a doctor who can prescribe competent drug treatment.

However, in addition to this, there is also treatment with traditional medicine. By the way, they also give excellent results. So, what can you do? It is good to drink juice that is healing for atherosclerosis, which can be prepared from three ingredients: carrot juice in a volume of 250 g, beetroot - 170 g, garlic - 60 g. The entire mixture is drunk within one day in three doses, regardless of food consumption. Special teas work on the same principle. To prepare such a medicinal drink, you need to mix 30 grams of the following herbs: ivy bud, lemon balm and fragrant rue. Approximately 5-6 grams of the mixture are brewed per half liter of boiling water, infused for half an hour, everything is filtered and taken in half a glass three times a day about 15 minutes before meals. You can also use various herbs and herbal infusions. Everything will depend on what type of disease the patient has. However, it is worth remembering that the course of treatment is carried out for two months, then it is necessary to take a break for approximately the same period - one and a half to two months. Then you can proceed to the next course. Garlic, onion, lemon and celery are most often used.

In the clinical picture of pulmonary artery atherosclerosis, a distinction is made between primary atherosclerosis, which develops in patients with normal blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation, and secondary atherosclerosis, which develops in diseases accompanied by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Primary sclerosis of the large branches of the pulmonary artery occurs in people over 40 years of age, and over 70 years of age - very often, but clinically it is usually asymptomatic. Secondary atherosclerosis of the pulmonary artery occurs mainly with increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, narrowing of the left atrioventricular orifice, patent ductus arteriosus, emphysema, pneumosclerosis, widespread pleural cords, kyphoscoliosis and primary pulmonary hypertension.

Most pronounced clinical picture atherosclerosis of the pulmonary artery, spreading to its small branches. There is sharp cyanosis, sometimes black coloring skin. A number of authors call sclerosis of the small arteries of the small circle Ayers disease, since Young was the first to emphasize the importance of cyanosis in pulmonary artery sclerosis, calling such patients “black heart patients.”

Cyanosis increases with physical exertion. However, with significant anemia, cyanosis may be absent even with severe atherosclerosis of the pulmonary artery.

Patients complain of shortness of breath, cough, and sometimes hemoptysis. It is characteristic that shortness of breath is weakly expressed in comparison with severe cyanosis. A picture of cor pulmonale develops.

The diagnosis is based primarily on the presence of significant cyanosis, more severe than dyspnea. It is important to recognize the corresponding heart and lung diseases leading to hypertension in the pulmonary circulation. Significant difficulties are presented by differential diagnosis from repeated low-symptomatic embolisms of the pulmonary circulation (attention to varicose veins, thrombophlebitis).

The prognosis is unfavorable. Circulatory disorders of the right ventricular type progress relatively quickly. The addition of various complications (pneumonia, profuse pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary artery thrombosis) further aggravates the prognosis.

Prevention requires eliminating (at least partially) the causes that increase pressure in the pulmonary artery. Apply timely surgical treatment heart defects, fight against ventilation disorders in lung diseases (see Cor pulmonale).

Treatment: gentle regimen, oxygen therapy, drugs that lower pressure in the pulmonary circulation, cardiovascular drugs, anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolic complications.

Clinical angiology

— diseases of arteries and veins of inflammatory and non-inflammatory nature, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical picture and diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vascular diseases.

Pulmonary artery atherosclerosis

1. Pathological diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: acute destructive (phlegmonous) appendicitis (K.35.0).

COMPLICATION OF THE MAIN DISEASE: perforation of the appendix in the middle third (perforation hole diameter 0.1 cm). Diffuse fibrinous-purulent peritonitis. Operation: laparotomy, appendectomy, sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity (06/07/10); necrotic nephrosis, pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.

CONSOLIDATED DISEASE: essential arterial hypertension: eccentric myocardial hypertrophy (heart weight 420 g, wall thickness of the left ventricle of the heart - 1.6 cm, right - 0.2 cm), diffuse small-focal cardiosclerosis. Stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries of the heart (grade 3, stage III, stenosis up to 60%) (I11.9).

2. Pathological diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: plaque-like gastric cancer in the area of ​​the middle third of the lesser curvature (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma - histologically); cancer metastases perigastric, para-aortic The lymph nodes, liver, ovaries; Peritoneal carcinomatosis (T4N2M1) (C16.2).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: cachexia: brown atrophy of the myocardium, liver, skeletal muscles; two-way focal pneumonia in the posterior inferior parts of the lung.

3.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm (dimensions 158cm) in the abdominal region with rupture. Atherosclerosis of the aorta (grade 3, stage III with a large cylindrical thrombus organizing in the area of ​​the aneurysm) (I71.3).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: retroperitoneal hematoma (400 ml) with bleeding abdominal cavity(1800ml). Acute general anemia of internal organs.

ACCOMPANYING ILLNESSES: chronic pyelonephritis(N11.8)

4.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

COMPETING DISEASES:

1. Intracerebral hematoma in the area of ​​the subcortical nuclei of the parietal lobe of the right hemisphere of the brain (the size of the necrosis focus is 23 cm); stenosing atherosclerosis of the arteries of the base of the brain (grade 3, stage II, stenosis up to 75%) (I61.0).

2. Acute transmural myocardial infarction in the area of ​​the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle (about 3 days old, the size of the necrosis focus is 43 cm). Stenosing atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart (grade 3, stage III, stenosis up to 75%, occluding thrombus of the concave branch of the left coronary artery).

BACKGROUND DISEASE: renovascular arterial hypertension: eccentric myocardial hypertrophy (heart weight 450 g, wall thickness of the left ventricle 1.8 cm, right ventricle - 0.3 cm); stenosing atherosclerosis of the renal arteries (grade 3, stage III, stenosis of the right renal artery up to 75%, left renal artery up to 25%); primary wrinkled right kidney(weight 120g), atherosclerotic nephrosclerosis of the left kidney (I15.0).

COMPLICATION OF THE MAIN DISEASE: breakthrough of blood into the cavity of the right lateral and III ventricles brain, chronic venous congestion of internal organs: nutmeg liver, edema and swelling of the brain with dislocation of its trunk, cyanotic induration of the kidneys and spleen. Pulmonary edema.

5.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

COMBINED MAIN DISEASE

COMBINED IPHONE DISEASES:

1. Large focal post-infarction cardiosclerosis of the anterior wall of the left ventricle of the heart; stenosing atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart (grade 3, stage III, stenosis up to 70 %); atherosclerosis of the aorta (grade 3, stage III (I 25.2).

BACKGROUND DISEASE: essential arterial hypertension: eccentric myocardial hypertrophy (heart weight 600 g, left ventricular wall thickness 1.8 cm).

2.Chronic catarrhal-purulent obstructive bronchitis; peribronchial and diffuse pneumosclerosis, chronic diffuse obstructive pulmonary emphysema (J44.1).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: Cor pulmonale (hypertrophy of the wall of the right ventricle - 1 cm); acute general venous congestion: nutmeg liver, brown induration of the lungs, cyanotic induration of the kidneys and spleen, pulmonary edema.

RELATED DISEASE: chronic calculous pyelonephritis.

6.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

COMBINED MAIN DISEASE

MAIN DISEASE: fibrous-cavernous tuberculosis of the upper and middle lobe right lung, progression phase, BC+ (bacteriologically confirmed) (A15.2).

BACKGROUND DISEASE: chronic alcoholism (according to the medical history) with multi-organ manifestations: alcoholic small-nodular cirrhosis of the liver in remission, alcoholic encephalopathy, alcoholic gastritis, chronic indurative pancreatitis (F10.2).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: acute general venous congestion, pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.

7.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: chronic abscess (diameter - 5 cm) in the middle lobe of the right lung.

COMPLICATION OF THE MAIN DISEASE: abscess ruptures into the right pleural cavity; pleural empyema on the right; cachexia: brown atrophy of the myocardium, liver, skeletal muscles.

BACKGROUND DISEASE: diabetes mellitus type 2, moderate, decompensated (according to clinical data, blood glucose -

15mmol/l); atrophy, sclerosis, lipomatosis of the pancreas; diabetic macro-microangiopathy; diabetic nephrosclerosis (E11.7).

8.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: lobar pneumonia lower lobe of the right lung, stage of gray hepatitis (bacteriologically - Streptococcus pneumonia, 05.05.09) (J13).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: foci of abscess formation in the lower lobe of the right lung; acute general venous congestion, pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.

RELATED DISEASES: schizophrenia, continuous type(according to medical history) (F20).

9.Pathoanatomical diagnosis:

MAIN DISEASE: complete spontaneous rupture of the uterine body along the left rib during premature birth at the 35th week of pregnancy (O71.1).

BACKGROUND DISEASE: cicatricial changes in the uterine wall after surgery caesarean section(2007).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: profuse bleeding from the arteries along with rupture of the uterine wall (total blood loss 3.5 liters), hematoma in the parametrial tissue (300 ml.); operation: extirpation of the uterus without appendages (05.05.08); consumption coagulopathy (according to clinical data); hemorrhagic shock: liquid state of blood in the cavities of the heart, multiple petechial hemorrhages in the mucous membranes; pulmonary and cerebral edema.

10. Pathological diagnosis:

Stillborn.

MAIN DISEASE: massive aspiration of amniotic fluid (P22.0).

COMPLICATIONS OF THE MAIN DISEASE: intrapartum fetal asphyxia: liquid dark blood in the cavity of the heart and in the lumen of large vessels, multiple pinpoint subpleural hemorrhages, endocardial hemorrhages, acute venous congestion of the brain and internal organs.

RELATED DISEASES: immaturity: low body weight, soft skull bones, low-lying umbilical ring, small nucleus of Beclair.

MOTHER'S PATHOLOGY, PREGNANCY OF CHILDREN: older primigravida, 35 years old; primary weakness labor activity(O62.0).