Headache, increased fatigue, decreased concentration, general lethargy and passivity - all these manifestations are most often attributed to a cold, hormonal imbalance or the so-called chronic fatigue syndrome. But if they occur over a long period of time, becoming more and more pronounced, or the clinical picture expands with additional symptoms, it is necessary to urgently go to the clinic and undergo an examination. It is quite possible that this is cerebral atherosclerosis.
How to treat this disease? Like any other ailment of the cardiovascular system, this one requires an individual and at the same time comprehensive approach. The main thing is not to self-medicate, since a mistake in choosing medications can lead to serious and irreversible consequences.
Which doctor should I contact?
Before treating cerebral atherosclerosis, the patient is referred for examination. Only after making an accurate diagnosis will the doctor be able to begin treatment for this unpleasant disease.
If a patient has atherosclerotic plaques on his brain vessels, it is important to understand that it will not be possible to get rid of them completely and be cured once and for all. This process is progressive and can lead to impaired cerebral circulation. But if you seek help in a timely manner and follow medical recommendations, you will be able to achieve good results in the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis. Methods and drugs used in therapy should be prescribed only by the attending physician.
By the way, a neurologist deals with this disease, but often a cardiologist also plays a role in determining the treatment strategy. The goal of therapy for vascular atherosclerosis is to expand their walls, normalize metabolism and improve the quality of blood.
Vascular surgeon
The work of a vascular surgeon consists of surgical treatment, which is carried out on vessels under the control of radiation imaging, using special instruments. This includes coronary artery bypass surgery, an operation to cleanse the inside of the vessel from atherosclerotic plaque.
The specialist’s area of attention includes various pathologies of the veins, treatment of thrombophlebitis - a decrease in the lumen of the arteries with concomitant inflammation of parts of the vascular system.
Performing endovascular surgery has a number of advantages. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, rehabilitation is faster and with minimal pain and complications.
When the veins are blocked, bypass surgery is performed, that is, another one is bypassed bypassing the blocked vessel or a prosthesis is installed. In this case, the detected blood clot is removed. This measure makes it possible to restore blood flow. If the patient’s vein is bypassed, the manipulation is called “autovenous shunting.”
Dilatation makes it possible to increase the diameter of the walls. The operation is characterized by the insertion of a low-pressure balloon. Maintaining the increased diameter is ensured by a special metal spring.
Main principles of therapy
Many patients are interested in how to treat cerebral atherosclerosis and whether there are any special effective techniques that will improve their well-being and stop the progression of the disease. In fact, there is nothing unusual or special in the treatment of this disease. It is based on the most common principles.
Dieting is the first rule. Before treating cerebral atherosclerosis with pills, it is necessary to adjust your lifestyle and review your diet. You will have to exclude from it forever fatty meats, offal (kidneys, lungs, brains), lard, egg yolk - all these products contain cholesterol, which is not properly absorbed by the body, but settles on the walls of blood vessels. Instead of this food, it is better to eat oatmeal, potatoes, cabbage, low-fat cottage cheese and fermented milk drinks, soy, vegetables and fruits rich in plant fiber.
By the way, an established diet can result in weight loss, which is very useful. After all, extra pounds interfere with full physical activity. Every day you need to exercise or at least do exercises in the morning. Lack of movement is one of the risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis.
You will have to give up bad habits - otherwise the therapy will not bring the expected effect. Smoking and drinking alcohol lead to surges in blood pressure, and this should never be allowed. With narrowed vessels affected by atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, the risk of stroke increases several times.
To control your blood pressure, protect yourself from stress and intense exercise. When asking about how to treat cerebral atherosclerosis, you must first of all understand that such a patient should not worry, he should get plenty of rest and not overwork.
Antisclerotic agents
Treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis with drugs begins with the use of statins. Medicines in this group reduce the rate of plaque formation. The most effective of those prescribed for the treatment of a number of neurological pathologies include:
- "Mertinil."
- "Zakor."
- "Athoris."
The direct purpose of statins is to reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and stop the growth of the size of atherosclerotic formations on the walls of blood vessels. Contraindications to their use are pregnancy and lactation. Also, statins are not prescribed to children with liver or kidney dysfunction, myalgia, lupus erythematosus and endocrine disorders.
Antihypertensives and antiplatelet agents
In the drug treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis, drugs that lower blood pressure occupy an important place. Antihypertensive medications are usually prescribed for life. This is a wide pharmacological group, which includes medications such as Reserpine, Captopril, Octadine. The choice of a suitable remedy should be made by a doctor. Prescribing medications on your own and taking them without the supervision of a specialist is dangerous, since they can cause serious complications and have many contraindications.
Antiplatelet agents, among which the most popular is Heparin, inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent their gluing and adhesion to the endothelium of blood vessels. These drugs are used in the prevention of ischemic stroke and heart attack.
The thing is that platelets are directly involved in the formation of cholesterol plaques, therefore antiplatelet agents are considered indispensable drugs in the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis. Eight out of ten patient reviews state that antiplatelet agents are prescribed as part of complex therapy for this disease. They are contraindicated for peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiac aneurysm, liver or kidney failure.
Angiologist – doctor specializing in diseases of the arteries and lymphatic system
Arteries are treated by a doctor called an angiologist, although in Russian clinics often the same person is both a specialist in veins and arteries. You should contact an angiologist if you feel numbness or tingling in your limbs. The presence of problems with blood vessels can be indicated by a constant feeling of chilliness in the legs and arms.
Angiologists also treat inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis). As a rule, the lymph nodes become inflamed due to infectious diseases - influenza, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases. But with myocarditis and endocarditis, damage to the lymphatic system is also observed, therefore, if infectious diseases are not confirmed, it makes sense to check the functioning of the heart and additionally visit a cardiologist’s office.
Other drugs
When drawing up a plan for drug treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis, the doctor will definitely remember nicotinic acid and its derivatives. This drug is prescribed if the patient has high cholesterol levels. In addition, this substance helps improve blood circulation in the brain and resolve small thrombotic formations.
Another group of drugs used for atherosclerosis are bile acid sequestrants (Colestipol, Kolestyramine). They are not absorbed into the blood and are used as maintenance therapy in between the main courses of treatment. Sequestrants stimulate the process of removing bile from the body and reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol. If you have diseases of the hepatobiliary system and gastrointestinal disorders, they should not be taken.
If blood vessels are a secondary disease
There are pathologies in which vascular diseases of the brain are caused not by the vessels themselves, but by the primary factors that led to brain pathologies of a vascular nature. For example, a brain tumor. As the tumor grows, it can compress the artery, thereby reducing the lumen of the vessel. This will lead to insufficient blood flow, ischemia and possible necrosis of brain tissue. In such diseases, the root cause should be identified and contacted by an appropriate specialist. In the case of tumors, this is an oncologist.
Every second person has to consult a specialist in vascular pathologies. Poor environmental conditions, poor nutrition, bad habits and high stress on the nervous system lead to a high likelihood of complications from the circulatory system. But how do you find out which doctors treat blood vessels?
The human vascular system is considered one of the most complex systems in the body, and its treatment requires specialized specialization.
Nutritional supplements in the treatment of atherosclerosis
The use of all of the above drugs in the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis in elderly patients is unsafe. If your blood cholesterol level has risen slightly, you should not start treatment with potent synthetic statins. It is better to use natural analogues of these remedies, which have no contraindications and do not cause side effects. Moreover, they are much easier to tolerate and have a pleasant taste.
For example, statins can be replaced with a combination of vitamins C and B3. It is also regularly recommended to consume fish oil, flaxseed oil, peanuts, dark grapes, turmeric, etc. Some bioactive supplements created using natural ingredients can be taken without consulting a doctor. For example, taking a dietary supplement based on:
- Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the cardiovascular system and normalize cholesterol levels;
- beta-sitosterol - has a structural similarity to “good” cholesterol and helps neutralize “bad”;
- nicotinic acid is the second name for vitamin B3, which is involved in blood circulation in the brain.
Laser surgery
In addition to conservative treatment methods, in severe cases the patient may be prescribed surgery. With severe cerebral atherosclerosis, laser treatment often remains the patient’s last hope for recovery or, at least, for stabilization of the condition.
This method of combating the deposition of cholesterol plaques has been known since the 80s of the last century. For the first time, laser treatment of atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels was carried out at the capital’s Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery named after A. N. Bakulev. Today, this method of combating the disease is widespread and is used in almost all major cities of Russia.
The operation is performed using a laser beam - this is the only instrument of the neurosurgeon. The essence of this procedure is as follows:
- a flexible quartz thread with a blood flow is carried out to the place where cholesterol deposits are localized, which prevents the full movement of blood;
- then the laser is turned on and begins to directly affect the plaque using high temperatures;
- during manipulation, the deposit heats up sharply, causing it to evaporate - the plaque turns into gas.
This treatment method is considered highly effective, but at the same time simple in technique. It does not require a huge investment of time both for the operation itself and for recovery after it. The technique itself is similar to that used in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Regardless of the chosen treatment method, it is important to understand that no one can guarantee healing once and for all. If the cause that caused atherosclerosis is not eliminated, relapses of the disease are inevitable.
When should you apply?
When the first symptoms of a vascular system disorder appear, you should consult a doctor, as some diseases can be fatal.
Vascular diseases have different symptoms depending on their location. They can often be confused with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, if discomfort in the limbs, dizziness or pain in the heart occurs, it is necessary to consult a therapist, who, having found out the clinical picture of the disease, will refer you for examination to a specialist.
Alternative medicine
How to treat cerebral atherosclerosis with traditional medicines? You can also treat this disease at home. Of course, it will not be as powerful as medication. And if you use traditional methods in the treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis as monotherapy, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve the expected effect. It is recommended to use home remedies in combination with traditional methods - then you will be able to cure the disease much faster.
Fundamental in folk therapy are herbal preparations, seeds, rhizomes of medicinal plants and other raw materials. Honey and mumiyo are also considered beneficial for the blood vessels of the brain - these ingredients are used both for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Basically, they are used without restrictions, since the only contraindication to use is an allergic reaction.
To reduce cholesterol levels with home remedies, you need to use the following methods.
Phlebologist – doctor for venous disorders
The first place among vein diseases is occupied by varicose veins of the lower extremities. The true cause is not fully understood, but doctors are confident that the negative factors that provoke the disease are:
- Staying on your feet for a long time;
- Congenital weakness of the vein walls;
- Violations in the functioning of the vein valve;
- Endocrine diseases;
- Heredity.
Symptoms of varicose veins are swollen veins in the legs, swelling, pain, spider veins and even small ulcers, mainly on the legs. Stagnation of venous blood begins to gradually “burst” the veins, provoking another disease - thrombophlebitis - blockage of a vein with a blood clot followed by inflammation.
If you notice these signs in yourself, then you should know that varicose veins are treated by a highly specialized phlebologist. To begin with, the vein doctor conducts a Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the legs to measure blood flow in the vessels, a computed tomography scan to detect blood clots, and also checks the blood for clotting.
Natural honey
You can use products based on it only in the absence of an allergic reaction. Honey activates blood supply to all organs and systems, helps cleanse blood vessels and restore lipid metabolism. Honey is often used in combination with vegetable oil, citrus juice or herbal decoction. For example, for atherosclerosis, a decoction based on plantain and chrysostom is often used, for the preparation of which you will need to take 1 tsp. each component and 1 glass of water. Boil the broth for 10 minutes, cool, strain, add honey and drink after meals, dividing into two doses.
Garlic
Many of the recipes for traditional treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis include this component. Garlic is a natural remedy against cholesterol in the body. It is eaten in its pure form as an addition to dishes. You can also make a tincture from garlic. It is prepared as follows: 100 g of garlic pulp is poured with 200 g of vodka and left to infuse for 10-14 days in a dark place. When the tincture is ready, you need to strain it and drink a few drops. Start with three drops, then gradually increase the dosage to 30, then reduce it in the reverse order.
Also in the treatment of atherosclerosis, an effective folk remedy is onion juice mixed with lemon juice. Drink 2 tsp. three times a day on an empty stomach.
Medicinal plants
There are several other simple treatment options for atherosclerosis:
- Pour boiling water over the fruits or flowers of hawthorn (you need to take the same amount of water as the raw materials), put on the fire, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drink the cooled and strained broth in unlimited quantities throughout the day.
- Birch buds (2 tablespoons) pour two glasses of water and cook for 15 minutes, then leave and take 50 ml after each meal.
- Prepare plantain decoction according to the method described above in the same proportion. You can add honey or lemon juice to it.
- Thyme herb is used in the complex treatment of atherosclerosis, taking 1 tbsp. l. dried flowers or plant stems per 0.5 liters of boiling water. There is no need to boil the drink: just cover it with a lid and let it brew for an hour. Drink 200 ml every day after meals for a week.
Reviews from patients and specialists
Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a very common disease, which, judging by reviews, occurs not only in older people. With proper treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the prognosis for the disease is favorable.
Most patients suffering from this disease noted symptoms such as increased blood pressure and severe headache, which forced them to see a doctor. After completing a course of treatment for cerebral atherosclerosis (according to reviews), the symptoms became more blurred, but did not completely disappear. Laser therapy demonstrates a good effect in the treatment of this disease. However, only a few can afford this treatment method due to its high cost.
Doctors in their reviews recommend that patients pay more attention to preventive measures. In the fight against atherosclerosis, breathing exercises, swimming, and hardening are useful. By following all the doctor’s instructions, the patient will be able to take control of this disease and live a full, active life.
Cardiac Vascular Specialist
A cardiologist deals with the treatment of heart pathologies. Patients come to him with complaints about:
- Pain in the chest area.
- Shortness of breath.
- Increased work of sweat glands.
- Violation of heart contractions.
- Heart disease.
- Heart attack.
- Angina pectoris.
In addition, a cardiologist deals with the vessels that nourish the heart muscle.
It is recommended to visit a cardiologist in a number of cases:
- Age after 35 years.
- Planned pregnancy.
- Genetic predisposition to heart pathologies.
- Overweight, obesity.
If a person follows these rules, then the risk of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system is reduced significantly. If a certain problem is detected, the patient receives timely treatment without risking the development of complications.
