Atherosclerosis and its Risk Factors

Overview

Atherosclerosis is the main etiopatogenetic basis of cardiovascular diseases and participatesthus in a significant way in the mortality and morbidity of the contemporary population civilized countries. A chronic inflammatory process is involved which according to the contem-porary classification develops in six stages: lipoid strips, proliferation of smooth muscles in theintima, preatheroma, atheroma, fibroatheroma, complicated lesion. Some risk factors cannotbe influenced, others can be favourably influenced by lifestyle changes of medicamentoustreatment. The basis of treatment of atherosclerosis and its sequelae is prevention anda responsible approach of the individual subject to his health. By a suitable composition of thediet, elimination of smoking and physical activity the costs on pharmacotherapy and invasiveangiological operations can be reduced.

Key words:
atherosclerosis - cardiovascular disease - prevention.