Atherosclerosis III: Management

The multifaceted management of atherosclerosis involves the following.

Pharmacologically, patients are often prescribed statins like atorvastatin to inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril control hypertension, and antiplatelet agents like aspirin minimize the risk of clot formation.

Surgical interventions include percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, which involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into a narrowed artery, inflating the balloon against the artery wall to compress the plaque and dilate the vessel, and then placing stents to maintain vessel patency.

Another procedure, endarterectomy, involves the mechanical removal of plaque to clear occluded vessels.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications emphasize at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as jogging, or 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, weekly, tailored to individual tolerance to reduce weight and lower systolic blood pressure.

Dietary management emphasizes reducing saturated fats, increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, and limiting sodium, simple sugars, and alcohol.