Diabetes Case Reports

Evaluation of Atherosclerosis Blockage in Individuals Suffering from Diabetes

Mohammed Hosny^* Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, United States of America
^*Correspondence: Mohammed Hosny, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, United States of America, Email:

Received: 03-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. DCRS-23-22683; Editor assigned: 06-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. DCRS-23-22683(PQ); Reviewed: 19-Jul-2023, QC No. DCRS-23-22683; Revised: 26-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. DCRS-23-22683(R); Published: 02-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35841/2572-5629-23.8.169.

Description

Diabetes Atherosclerotic stenosis is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque, which is a sticky substance made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances. Plaque can reduce or block the blood flow to various organs and tissues, causing serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and vision loss. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body uses blood sugar (glucose), which is an important source of energy for the cells and the brain. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic stenosis in people with diabetes. The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not fully understood, but it is believed that it involves damage to the inner lining of the arteries, which triggers an inflammatory response and leads to plaque formation.

• High blood pressure puts extra strain on the artery walls and can cause them to become stiff and narrow.

• High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup by increasing the amount of fat in the blood.

• High triglyceride is another type of fat in the blood that can also contribute to plaque formation.

• Smoking can damage the blood vessels by introducing harmful chemicals and reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood.

• Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, as well as inflammation and insulin resistance.

• Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Diabetes can also impair the ability of the body to produce or use insulin, which is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Insulin also has a protective effect on the blood vessels by preventing plaque formation and promoting vasodilation (widening of the arteries).

Atherosclerosis may not cause any symptoms until it becomes severe enough to restrict or block blood flow to certain organs or tissues. Chest pain or angina occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle are narrowed or blocked. It may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing in the chest, and may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw or back. It may be triggered by physical activity, emotional stress or cold weather. Shortness of breath occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen needs. It may be accompanied by fatigue, weakness or dizziness. Leg pain or claudication occurs when the peripheral arteries that supply blood to the legs are narrowed or blocked.

Stroke occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptured by a bleed. It may cause sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the body, face or arm; difficulty speaking or understanding; vision problems; confusion; loss of balance; severe headache; or loss of consciousness. The diagnosis of atherosclerosis involves a medical history, a physical examination and various tests that can assess the condition and function of the arteries. They include Blood test, Urine test, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Stress test, Doppler ultrasound, Angiogram, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). The prevention of atherosclerosis involves reducing or eliminating the risk factors that can damage the arteries. The prevention strategies include:

• Screening involves in checking of blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and kidney function regularly and also following the health care provider’s recommendations for treatment if they are abnormal.

• Vaccination involves getting vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal infections, which can increase inflammation and complicate atherosclerosis.

• Education involves learning about diabetes and atherosclerosis, their causes, symptoms, complications and treatments, and how to manage them effectively.

• Support involves by seeking help from the health care team, family, friends or supportive groups if one has any questions or concerns about the condition or treatment.

Conclusion

Atherosclerotic stenosis is a serious condition that can affect people with diabetes. The symptoms depend on which arteries are affected and how much they are narrowed. The treatment of atherosclerosis aims to prevent or reduce the risk of complications by improving blood flow in the narrowed or blocked arteries. It may cause pain, cramping or numbness in the calf, thigh or buttock muscles during walking or exercise. It may also cause skin changes such as coldness, paleness or blueness in the affected limb.