ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS IS THE CALCIFYING THE ARTERIAL SYSTEM

Arteriosclerosis is a silent disease that is partly a calcifying hardening of the arterial system. Arteriosclerosis is mainly characterized by an accumulation of cholesterol-containing fat deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries. With increasing plaque formation, the cavity of the arteries narrows and impairs blood circulation.

The arteries lose their elasticity and become stiff. This can lead to high blood pressure and thus to increased stress on the heart. By narrowing the current path, plaque can lead to constipation, the formation of a blood clot and then to a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, arteriosclerosis is a natural development in the human body. In the case of diabetes, however, this development is many times faster than in a healthy person. Lifestyle and nutrition also play a decisive role in the growth of arteriosclerosis.

Diseases of the circulatory system are the most frequent cause of death worldwide. In Germany in 2017, they represented about 407,000 of a total of 925,000 deaths, or about 44% of all deaths. This figure is comparable with other industrial nations (e.g. USA 2011: 597,000 heart deaths and 129,000 stroke deaths).

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS IS A SILENT DISEASE