Key features of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the main mechanisms of pathology
Specialists in the field of medicine who study the formation of pathological plaques note that the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is difficult. At the heart of the emergence of a dangerous disease is the "cooperation" of many factors. The result of this interaction is the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque.
The main mechanisms of the pathological process
The issue of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been for many years. Despite this, there is still no single theory that would unite all the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of atherosclerosis.
There are a lot of theories. Each of them is able to substantiate the main role of this or that factor.
View of Anichkov
According to the lipid-infiltration theory of Professor N. Anichkov, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is associated with infiltration into the arterial wall of food cholesterol. A little later, in collaboration with Professor S. Khalatov, the professor formulated another approach to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In accordance with this approach, endogenous cholesterol plays a leading role in the progression of dangerous pathology.
Theory of Academician Davydovsky
According to the views of I.V.Davydovsky, a dangerous disease is not a disease at all. Atherosclerosis, he believed, is nothing more than an age-related phenomenon, accompanied by destruction, atrophy and low metabolism of arterial tissues.
According to the academician, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is associated with the natural "wear" of the human body.
Theory of Ross and Harker
According to researchers Ross and Harker, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is associated with the destruction of the endothelium. This happens against a background of various damages.
Modern theories
Pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis development are widely discussed today. Speaking about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, many researchers seriously discuss the role of harmful agents.
Theories are very popular:
- Immunological( the disease develops against the background of activation of oxidative processes in the arterial wall).
- Genetic.
- Monoclonal.
Despite the fact that each of these theories is scientifically valid and has clinical evidence, none of them is comprehensive.
"Complicated" plaque
If the disease has not been detected on time and is rapidly progressing, the "ordinary" atherosclerotic plaque transforms into a complicated one. The following changes are observed:
- increase in lipid core;
- hemorrhage in the plaque;
- decrease in fibrous capsule of plaque;
- appearance of ruptures and specific cracks;
- appearance of atherex sores, which are the basis for the development of thrombi;
- deposition of calcium salts.
How dangerous is the disease?
If atherosclerosis is not diagnosed on time, it is fraught with negative consequences. So, the following complications are observed:
- the appearance of trophic ulcers, which lead to gangrene;
- arrhythmia;
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke;
- impotence.
Complications such as critical ischemia and ischemic gangrene are particularly dangerous.
In critical ischemia, the lower extremity gradually "dies".There are strong, painful painful sensations that make a person suffer greatly. Because of pain, a person often can not sleep, loses appetite. The effect of pain relievers is almost zero, since relief only occurs on how many hours.
Ischemic gangrene is characterized by the presence of eerie necrotic changes in black. Gangrene can be either dry or wet. Dry can be docked, but wet, accompanied by the rapid rotting of tissues, is extremely dangerous.
Rotting products often cause poisoning of the body, which can cause the death of the patient. In order to avoid the terrible consequences, you need to immediately seek help.