Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Preventing atherosclerosis involves a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco. Carotid stenosis is a specific form causing narrowing of the carotid arteries, and carotid endarterectomy is a surgery to remove plaque.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a build-up of plaque, which is a combination of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. This build-up can obstruct blood flow and result in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke. The result of atherosclerosis can be severe, often leading to heart attacks or strokes when the blood supply to these critical organs is compromised.
Factors Leading to Atherosclerosis
There are several controllable factors that can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, including:
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- High-fat diet
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- High cholesterol
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- Smoking
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- Obesity
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- Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, partly due to these risk factors. Therefore, prevention is crucial.
Preventing Atherosclerosis
To prevent atherosclerosis, consider the following measures:
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- Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol
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- Engage in regular physical activity
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- Avoid tobacco use
Carotid stenosis is a specific type of atherosclerosis where the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, become narrowed due to plaque build-up. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove this plaque and restore normal blood flow to prevent strokes.