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What is Vascular Inflammation?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

Vascular inflammation is a potentially serious medical condition characterized by the buildup of atheroma plaque within the body's arterial walls. Commonly referred to as atherosclerosis, this inflammation is a progressive condition that develops with a variety of contributing factors that may be genetic, behavioral or dietary in origin. Treatment for this manageable condition often includes lifestyle changes coupled with prescription medication to stabilize one’s condition and prevent the further accumulation of arterial plaque.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of atheroma plaque within the body's arteries. Atheroma is a fatty substance that lines weakened arterial walls where damage has occurred. In an effort to heal itself, blood platelets will generally gather in these weakened areas, sticking to the fatty plaque. Though arterial tissue may be reinforced and strengthened by the platelet and plaque accumulation, overall arterial function becomes jeopardized.

Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to the onset of vascular inflammation.
Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to the onset of vascular inflammation.

In the presence of vascular inflammation, arterial passages narrow and blood flow becomes restricted, compromising the health of surrounding tissues and organs that do not receive the nutrients that oxygenated blood delivers. Not only is circulation compromised by the arterial narrowing, but pieces of arterial plaque may break loose and enter the bloodstream. Once plaque enters the bloodstream it may travel to other parts of the body, such as the brain or heart, accumulating additional platelets along the way that contribute to blood clot formation. A blood clot not only impairs circulation and arterial function, but can increase one’s risk for organ damage or failure, heart attack and stroke.

Medication may be helpful in treating vascular inflammation.
Medication may be helpful in treating vascular inflammation.

There are several factors that may contribute to the onset and progression of vascular inflammation. In the absence of a definitive, known cause, behavioral factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lethargy may create the ideal conditions that promote arterial plaque accumulation. Individuals with hypertension or high cholesterol are considered to possess an increased risk for developing vascular inflammation.

A blood test may be performed to diagnose vascular inflammation.
A blood test may be performed to diagnose vascular inflammation.

Often affecting major arteries throughout the body, symptoms associated with this condition may vary in severity and, depending on the individual, may occur in localized areas. Those with mild to moderate arterial narrowing may remain asymptomatic, meaning they experience no symptoms at all, until a blockage forms that compromises circulation or organ function. Depending on the location of the inflammation, individuals may experience numbness, weakness, or pain. Other signs may include compromised neurological and motor function and a loss of muscle function or coordination.

A CT scan may be conducted to diagnose vascular inflammation.
A CT scan may be conducted to diagnose vascular inflammation.

Reduced blood pressure due to arterial narrowing will generally present with a weakened pulse in the affected area. During a physical examination, a doctor may discover additional signs with a stethoscope that may include the presence of an aneurysm or bruit. The discovery of any signs indicative of compromised blood flow will usually prompt a battery of additional tests.

Smoking cessation is part of treating vascular inflammation.
Smoking cessation is part of treating vascular inflammation.

Depending on the affected area, a series of imaging tests, including a computerized tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound, may be ordered. Blood tests may be administered to evaluate cholesterol and blood glucose levels, as well as to check for indications of infection or disease. If vascular inflammation is affecting cardiovascular function, a stress test, angiogram and electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed to assess the electrical conductivity and overall condition and functionality of the heart muscle.

The build up of plaques in the arterial walls results in the narrowing of the inner arterial channels and decreased blood flow.
The build up of plaques in the arterial walls results in the narrowing of the inner arterial channels and decreased blood flow.

Lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation and the adoption of an appropriate exercise regimen to promote weight loss, are generally recommended for individuals with vascular inflammation. The implementation of a healthy diet is also suggested to help lower one’s cholesterol and reduce atheroma accumulation. Medications may also be prescribed to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, inhibit blood clotting and reduce fluid retention. Severe arterial blockages may necessitate surgery to alleviate plaque accumulation, through either stent placement or arterial bypass to restore proper blood flow.

Discussion Comments

Ceptorbi

@SimpleByte, lifestyle changes can definitely improve cardiovascular health. Keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight under control are things we can all do to keep ourselves healthy.Causes of heart disease also include smoking, so lifestyle changes to improve cardiovascular health should also include a decision to stop smoking.

SimpleByte

A healthy weight and a healthy diet can prevent or help improve so many conditions including this one. Exercise and a limited consumption of fatty and processed foods should be high on everyone's list of priorities.

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    • Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to the onset of vascular inflammation.
      By: olly
      Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to the onset of vascular inflammation.
    • Medication may be helpful in treating vascular inflammation.
      By: mattlsch
      Medication may be helpful in treating vascular inflammation.
    • A blood test may be performed to diagnose vascular inflammation.
      By: Rob Byron
      A blood test may be performed to diagnose vascular inflammation.
    • A CT scan may be conducted to diagnose vascular inflammation.
      By: Paylessimages
      A CT scan may be conducted to diagnose vascular inflammation.
    • Smoking cessation is part of treating vascular inflammation.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Smoking cessation is part of treating vascular inflammation.
    • The build up of plaques in the arterial walls results in the narrowing of the inner arterial channels and decreased blood flow.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      The build up of plaques in the arterial walls results in the narrowing of the inner arterial channels and decreased blood flow.
    • A doctor may hear signs of an aneurysm through a stethoscope.
      By: pkchai
      A doctor may hear signs of an aneurysm through a stethoscope.
    • Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk for developing vascular inflammation.
      By: Monkey Business
      Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk for developing vascular inflammation.
    • Cardiologists may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having vascular inflammation or other cardiovascular problems.
      By: Monkey Business
      Cardiologists may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having vascular inflammation or other cardiovascular problems.