Atherothrombosis: The real fear factor

Forty-nine deaths every minute anywhere in the world – if this is not scary enough for you, then maybe the fact that you could be one of them is scarier.

These deaths are all associated with a condition called atherothrombosis, considered the world’s top killer. in 2001 alone, it is linked to 4.5 million deaths in Asia, and the number is steadily rising.

But what exactly is atherothrombosis?

Imagine a network of roads that lead to major cities. Usually people and vehicles transport goods that are important to how cities function. For vehicles and people to move safely and punctually from one point to another, the roads they pass through must be free of cracks or blocks. This is why the slightest damage in the road network must be repaired immediately, or else their condition would worsen. And depending on the severity of the damage, they could bring in problems ranging from mild discomfort to a citywide crisis.

Now imagine your body’s blood vessels as the road network, nutrient-rich blood as the vehicles, and your brain, heart, and limbs as the major cities. If you have no major health problems, blood circulates smoothly in your blood vessels, bringing nutrients that help your major organs function normally.

But some things could get in the way. A diet high in fat and salt, lack of physical activity, and smoking put your body under too much stress. Over time these bring damage to your blood vessels. Inside the blood vessels, fats accumulate, harden to become plaques, and constrict the movement of blood. In itself this process overworks your heart and raises your blood pressure. But when these plaques burst and form clots, you could be in for something more serious.

If the blood clot lodges itself in a blood vessel leading to your brain, you could end up having a stroke. If it blocks a blood vessel leading to your heart, you could suffer a heart called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – a major reason behind leg amputations, and itself a serious risk for a heart attack or stroke.

This is, therefore, how serious – and scary – atherothrombosis is: it is a stroke, heart attack, and PAD at the same time. When atherothrombosis happens, the risk of death skyrockets.

Also, if you survive a heart attack or a stroke but continue to live unhealthy, you could suffer a second heart attack or stroke. And based on some scientific studies, a large number of second strokes are fatal.

Remember that when you experience a stroke or a heart attack, the build-up of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots in your blood vessels are already severe. This is why you have to put a stop to this process before it worsens, and becomes irreversible.

Everything begins with a healthy lifestyle. Add more fruits, vegetables, and grains to your diet, and limit your intake of salt and fats. If you spend most of your time in front of a computer or television, stand up and get moving: get into an exercise program, take up a sport, or go dancing. Even brisk walking – for 30 minutes every day – offers significant health benefits. Also, you need to quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake to two small drinks a day.

True, sticking to a healthy lifestyle is difficult. This is where you need the support of your family, colleagues, and friends. You may even involve your own kids – not only will you keep yourself in good shape, you will even teach your kids the value of a healthy lifestyle at an early age.

If you are one of those who have a previous heart attack or stroke, don’t worry – you can still do something to keep atherothrombosis at bay. Work closely with your doctor. He or she will determine the kinds of food and physical activity that suits you best. He or she may also prescribe certain medicines that dissolve blood clots, such as aspirin or clopidogrel.

But the solutions are really simple: adopt a healthy lifestyle and listen to sound medical advice. If you do these, you won’t have to be scared of atherothrombosis.