Atherothrombosis: A Silent Killer
Atherothrombosis is what happens when an arterial blood clot forms as a result of “atherosclerosis.” The prefix “athero-” is medically defined as fatty plaque. The prefix
“thrombo-” comes from the Greek word “thrombos,” which refers to a lump or clump. When someone has atherosclerosis, they have hard or thick arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. Atherosclerosis causes fatty plaque to build up in your blood vessels, which can mark the beginning of many medical comorbidities and complications.
The vascular system is the way our bodies supply oxygen to our vital organs, letting us stay healthy and alive. When there is a disruption to our blood vessels because of plaque buildup, we run the risk of accumulating so many fatty substances that it compromises our blood flow to the organs that keep us going. As blood vessels become clogged and hardened, we become susceptible to atherothrombotic events, which are a top cause of death in most industrialized countries.
Atherothrombosis can manifest clinically as an acute coronary syndrome, like a heart attack or angina. PAD can progress to Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), cerebral ischemia, or stroke. The type of clinical manifestation depends on where the damaged vessels are located. For instance, if you have Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), an atherothrombotic event would very likely cause an emergent blockage in your lower limbs that may progress into CLI, which is life-threatening and, without immediate emergency intervention, may result in limb loss or death. CLI, also known as CLTI (Critical Limb Threatening Ischemia), has an “annual amputation and all-cause mortality rates of 20% without revascularization,” which highlights “the necessity of an aggressive approach to treatment.”
Having PAD drastically increases your risk for atherothrombotic events, which makes it so critical to make sure your PAD—as well as any other diseases—is being properly managed by someone who specializes in it. A vascular specialist like Dr. David Nabi of NewportVascular.com can perform non-invasive tests to determine the blood flow of the veins and arteries in your legs, neck, and arms. If a problem is detected regarding blood flow blockages, there are treatment options that can restore your vascular system and prevent a potentially fatal atherothrombotic event.
Be an advocate for your health! If you have concerns, contact an experienced vascular surgeon who will help you live your best life by customizing a vascular treatment plan that can protect your life from medical disasters while maintaining your quality of life.