The NJ Police Chief Magazine - Volume 29, Number 8 | Page 21

Healthy Living Tips from

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | May 2023
HEALTH TIP : Blockages in the Arteries -- More than Just a Heart Problem
Many people are aware that blocked heart arteries can cause numerous cardiac conditions . Besides the heart , arteries throughout the body can also get clogged up with atherosclerotic plaque . The leg and the neck arteries are at risk for plaque build-up .
When this occurs in the legs , it is referred to as peripheral arterial disease . This can cause leg pain with ambulation seriously limiting your life and could potentially lead to non-healing ulcers or gangrene .
Treatment options include modifying risk factors such as smoking , high cholesterol , diabetes and hypertension and minimally invasive options include balloon angioplasty and atherectomy with , or without , stenting . Sometimes advanced surgical procedures are required to open the arteries , clear the plaque or bypass the blockages to restore blood flow that was restricted by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque .
The carotid arteries are another major artery at risk for atherosclerotic plaque build-up . Deborah Heart and Lung Center Vascular Surgeon James Herrington , MD , explained : “ The carotid arteries are located in the neck and they are the main arterial supply to the brain . Carotid artery plaque build-up can lead to stroke . Sometimes people overlook these arteries as a potential source for ischemic stroke . However , carotid atherosclerosis can be successfully treated early before any stroke symptoms appear . Early detection and lifestyle modification can minimize your risk ."
“ Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up , causing hardening of the arteries , or atherosclerosis . This buildup narrows the carotid artery restricting blood flow . Plaque that has built up has the potential to break off or cause a platelet clot to form and break off leading to stroke symptoms .”
He added that there are a number of risk factors that can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries including :
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Smoking Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Older age Family history of stroke Alcohol use Recreational drug use Trauma to the neck area , which may cause a tear in the carotid artery
“ Several of these risk factors are controllable and modifiable like smoking , high cholesterol , hypertension and diabetes whereas others such as age , heredity and trauma are not modifiable . So when you are working hard to keep your body in tip top cardiac shape by watching your blood pressure , sugar , and cholesterol , you are also keeping the rest of your arteries and vascular system healthy at the same time .”
Symptoms
Dr . Herrington noted : “ Symptoms of carotid artery disease often take time to appear . Unfortunately the first symptom of plaque build-up could be a stroke , or a transient ischemic attack , or TIA , which is a small stroke that doesn ’ t cause any lasting damage .” Some symptoms Dr . Herrington said should raise a red flag include :
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