Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck, head. Symptoms and Treatment in the Elderly

Vascular atherosclerosis neck is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In the absence of therapy, the risk of ischemic stroke increases.

The disease is characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, due to which their diameter narrows. Blood circulation is impaired, as a result of which the tissues and organs of the human body do not receive oxygen in full. Atherosclerosis is accompanied by severe symptoms and requires the right treatment.

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Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck is classified taking into account numerous features, including the location of the pathological focus, characteristics of plaque formation, and the degree of narrowing of the arteries.

Name	Description
Location of the main process	damage to the common carotid arteries (pathological processes rarely provoke an ischemic stroke, even with a complete blockage of the vessel, blood flow remains through the internal artery); insta story viewer bifurcation of the common carotid artery (atherosclerotic plaques partially or completely block the lumen of the vessel, which causes transient ischemic attacks or strokes); damage to the intracerebral parts of the carotid artery (plaques are formed in the carotid artery and its large branches, which leads to ischemic stroke against the background of thrombosis of narrowed vessels).
Type of atherosclerotic plaques	stable atherosclerosis (the artery is narrowed, the plaque has even contours, the blood flow is slightly accelerated); unstable (the plaque has ragged contours, sometimes movable elements are formed, Doppler ultrasonography shows significant turbulence in the blood flow).
The degree of narrowing of the arteries	hemodynamic insignificant stenosis (a pathological condition in which the narrowing of the artery is less than 70% without accelerating blood flow); hemodynamically significant stenosis (the artery is narrowed by more than 70% and there is a local acceleration of blood flow); occlusion (a pathological condition in which there is a complete blockage of the carotid artery).

In each individual case, a person develops characteristic symptoms and signs that will help the cardiologist to pre-establish a diagnosis and prescribe the most informative examination.

Stages and degrees

Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck (symptoms and treatment depend on the degree of damage to the arteries) is a disease that can develop gradually. It all depends on the contributing factors that affect cholesterol levels. The disease develops in stages and, with minor violations, does not have pronounced symptoms.

Stages of progression of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck:

Name	Description
Fat streak stage	From birth, small lipid yellow spots (1-2 mm) form on the walls of blood vessels in humans. Gradually, they merge with each other and increase. Connective tissue cells (macrophages) absorb them, resulting in the formation of foamy elements. Smooth muscle cells of the vascular walls and these foamy elements form fatty streaks. But their presence does not necessarily indicate the development of pathological processes.
Fibrous plaque stage	In places where fatty strips are present, connective tissue proliferates. Fibrous plaques are formed. In the first stage, they are soft and can be removed if treatment is started in a timely manner. Over time, they harden due to the accumulation of calcium salts in them.
Stage of complex disorders	The accumulation of cholesterol, the activity of macrophages provokes mechanical damage to the formed fibrous plaques. Tears, cracks and ulcers appear. Platelets are attached to damaged plaques, which are responsible for blood clotting and transport of nutrients. Partial or complete blockage of the vessel occurs.

Each stage of the disease proceeds with certain changes and disorders within the body. Signals of pathological processes cannot be ignored. It is important to immediately consult a cardiologist or therapist, undergo a comprehensive examination and start treatment, the effectiveness of which depends on the prognosis for the future.

Symptoms and Signs

The clinical picture of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck will allow the specialized doctor to determine the area of ​​localization of pathological processes and the degree of their development. As the degenerative changes progress, the signs of the disease rapidly intensify.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck are as follows:

• intense and periodic headaches of a pressing nature;
• dizziness;
• after moderate exertion, fatigue quickly appears;
• vision deteriorates;
• sleep is disturbed, insomnia worries;
• there is a general weakness in the body;
• irritability;
• noise in ears;
• tremor in the lower and upper limbs;
• sweating increases;
• the skin turns pale;
• feeling unwell accompanied by loss of consciousness;
• memory deteriorates, mental degradation is observed;
• the ability to think critically in various situations is lost;
• mood changes dramatically and often.

In some situations, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck proceeds without pronounced symptoms. Minor disorders appear in humans in 50% of cases at an early stage. The signs intensify as the pathological processes progress.

Causes

Atherosclerosis is a chronic pathology that progressively disrupts blood circulation. More often, the disease is diagnosed in older people.

Atherosclerosis of the neck vessels (symptoms and treatment require a thorough medical examination) are provoked by numerous factors:

• bad habits (abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and drugs);
• high blood pressure;
• obesity of varying degrees;
• improper nutrition;
• poor environmental situation;
• genetic inheritance;
• metabolic syndrome;
• age-related changes in the body;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Constant stress, depression and emotional outbursts also provoke the development of pathological processes. The same goes for a malfunctioning thyroid gland, viral and bacterial infections. Representatives of the stronger sex are more at risk. This is because estrogens are produced in the female body. They slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Diagnostics

Atherosclerosis of the neck vessels (symptoms and treatment will be determined by a specialized doctor) requires a comprehensive diagnosis in order to accurately establish the provoking factor. Laboratory and instrumental studies are necessary in order to differentiate the disease, and also to determine the degree of tissue damage. The test results are taken into account when drawing up a treatment regimen.

Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck will help diagnose the following methods:

Name	Description
Functional tests	The patient is assigned tests that involve physical activity, a change in body position. During the procedure, indicators are recorded that help establish a diagnosis.
Blood analysis	Blood sugar and cholesterol levels are determined.
X-ray	The aorta is examined, its condition and functioning are assessed.
Angiography	During the study, a contrast agent is used, with the help of which pathological foci (partial blockage of blood vessels or narrowing of the lumen) are detected.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)	The most informative diagnostic method, with the help of which the walls of blood vessels are viewed and plaques on them are detected.
Doppler ultrasound	The examination helps to assess blood circulation in the area of ​​the pathological focus.

Additionally, depending on the patient's condition and the symptoms present, a person is assigned an ultrasound of the heart, cardiological tests, a study of the abdominal organs, a lipidogram. If necessary, the patient may also need advice from other specialized doctors (nephrologist, endocrinologist, urologist, phlebologist, therapist).

Treatment methods

Atherosclerosis of the neck vessels is treated with complex methods, depending on the results obtained after a medical examination. The patient is strictly supervised by a doctor. The patient needs to take medications, observing the established dosages, completely get rid of bad habits and change his lifestyle. Complex therapy also provides for a special diet. Patients need to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Drug therapy

Medicines prescribed by the attending physician reduce and remove bad cholesterol from the patient's body. Its production also decreases and the body's resistance to pathological changes increases.

Patients are prescribed the following medications:

Drug group	Name	Application
Statins	Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin	The drugs slow down the development of atherosclerosis, reduce the concentration of cholesterol. The dosage of the drug is determined by the patient's condition and is 10-80 mg once a day. The minimum course of treatment lasts 2-4 weeks.
Fibrates	Ciprofibrate, Fenofibrate	The drugs reduce the production of fat in the human body. The daily dosage for an adult patient is 100-200 mg.
Sequestrants	Colestipol, Colestyramine	Medicines reduce the absorption of bile acids in the intestines, resulting in lower cholesterol levels. The starting dosage for an adult is 5 mg. It should be increased by 5 mg every 4 to 8 weeks. The granules are dissolved in water before taking.
Anticoagulants	Heparin, Warfarin	The drugs improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. The medicine is administered intravenously through a dropper or intramuscularly. The dosage depends on the patient's condition and the diagnosis. It is 40,000-80,000 units per day.
ACE inhibitors	Lisinopril, Perindopril	The medicine is taken 1 time per day. The therapeutic dosage is selected individually and is 5-40 mg per day.
Sugar-lowering drugs	Metformin, Glibenclamide	Medicines restore the patient's blood sugar level. The tablets are taken orally, swallowed whole and washed down with a sufficient amount of liquid after meals. The initial dosage of the drug is 1 g per day, it should be divided into 2-3 doses.

If there are concomitant diseases, the attending physician selects additional and individual therapy. It is important to adhere to the dosage strictly as many drugs cause side effects.

Diet

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck is carried out in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the symptoms present and requires from the patient not only adherence to the regimen, but also proper nutrition. A dietitian doctor will help you draw up a diet.

Allowed Products	Prohibited foods
fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs lean meats, fish legumes refined oil wheat bran nuts liver citrus, rose hips, black currant seafood	fried, fatty, salty, smoked and pickled foods fast food, fast food semi-finished products strong tea and coffee alcoholic drinks sweet soda spicy dishes, spices, seasonings fatty meats, canned food, sausages

Dietary nutrition for patients with atherosclerosis will help improve material metabolism, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and reduce cholesterol levels. The menu provides not only a specially selected diet, but also fasting days. All meals should be boiled, steamed or baked.

Surgical intervention

Patients who have not been helped by drug therapy or with the appearance of serious complications are prescribed surgery. Surgical treatment is also necessary if there is a high risk of blockage of blood vessels. The vascular surgeon chooses the method of the operation himself, taking into account the patient's condition and the results of the medical examination.

Surgical intervention is carried out by the following methods:

Name	Description
Endarterectomy	During the operation, the artery is opened and the atherosclerotic plaque present is removed. After surgery, the vessel lumen is stabilized, blood circulation is restored.
Angioplasty	Minimally invasive surgery, which involves the expansion of a blood vessel. During the operation, a balloon is inserted through a small puncture into the artery. Using compressed air, it is inflated. The vessel expands, the atherosclerotic plaque is evenly distributed along the artery wall.
Stenting	The operation involves the installation of a special stent with a metal frame. During angioplasty, the construct is inserted into the affected vessel. The metal frame expands and pushes the narrowed walls of the artery, thereby restoring the blood circulation process.
Bypass surgery	Surgery is performed to restore blood flow. An artificial connection is established between certain points at a certain distance from the pathological focus.
Vascular prosthetics	During the operation, the affected artery is replaced with an artificial prosthesis.

Surgery has certain contraindications. Therefore, before surgical treatment, a comprehensive examination is carried out in order to exclude situations when a person cannot be operated on.

Contraindications to surgical intervention for atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck:

• the development of diabetes mellitus;
• malignant tumors;
• congestive heart failure;
• hypertension;
• angina pectoris;
• recent myocardial infarction.

Drug therapy, surgical intervention will only help alleviate a person's condition, but they will not forever get rid of the disease. The patient needs to radically change his lifestyle if he wants to live without complications.

Potential consequences and complications

Atherosclerosis of the neck vessels (symptoms and treatment are determined through a comprehensive examination) is serious a disease that, without timely diagnosis and treatment, rapidly progresses, provoking serious complications. The developing pathology will lead to disruption of the functioning of the brain, since the affected vessels of the neck will not be able to fully transport oxygen to the tissues and organs.

As atherosclerosis develops, the patient will slowly develop the following complications:

Name	Description
Stroke	The pathological condition is characterized by an acute disturbance of blood circulation in the region of the brain, as a result of which pathological foci are formed.
Myocardial infarction	A certain form of coronary heart disease, in which the affected tissue of the myocardium dies. The main reason is partial or complete circulatory disturbance.
Senile dementia (dementia)	The disease develops as a result of organic damage to the brain tissue. The human intellect is irreversibly impaired, the mental state deteriorates, the skills acquired earlier are reduced or completely lost.

Renal failure, aortic aneurysm, necrosis of certain parts of the intestine can also be a complication of atherosclerosis of the neck vessels.

Atherosclerosis is a serious medical condition that cannot be cured. The accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels occurs from the very birth. But it is possible to stop the progression of pathology, it is enough to adhere to the preventive recommendations of doctors. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck is treated by specialized specialists, depending on the provoking factor. The main thing is not to leave the first symptoms without the attention of a specialist and start treatment as soon as possible.

Video about atherosclerosis of the vessels of the neck

A unique method for the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis: