Here’s why we get blockages in our arteries ?#doctor #surgeon #hearthealth #medstudent #fypツ

Introduction

Blockages in our arteries are a common health issue, often linked to a variety of underlying causes. Interestingly, these blockages arise from a complex injury and repair process. The initial injury to the arteries is typically caused by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.

When an injury occurs to the vessel wall, the body recognizes this damage and mobilizes inflammatory cells to the area in an effort to repair it. This process leads to inflammation of the vessel wall. As time progresses, cholesterol and fats attempt to seal this injury, forming a sticky substance in conjunction with the inflammatory cells.

As the sticky substance accumulates, it hardens into a plaque. The hardening process causes the vessel wall to thicken and become less flexible, which in turn narrows the arterial passage and creates a blockage.

Complications arise when this plaque becomes unstable. If an edge of the plaque lifts and ruptures, the body reacts by forming a clot in that area. This clot can result in a complete blockage of the artery, which may lead to serious health consequences.

Keyword

Blockages
Arteries
Injury
Repair
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Inflammatory cells
Plaque
Clot

FAQ

What causes blockages in the arteries?
Blockages in the arteries are primarily caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.

How do blockages form in the arteries?
Initially, an injury occurs to the vessel wall, prompting the body to send inflammatory cells to repair it. Cholesterol and fat accumulate at the injury site, leading to the formation of plaque.

What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms from a combination of cholesterol, fat, and inflammatory cells. It hardens over time, causing the vessel wall to thicken and narrow.

What happens if the plaque ruptures?
If the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, the body forms a clot in that area, which can lead to a complete blockage of the artery.