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What Causes Atheromatous Plaques?
Question: Dr Rynne,
Can considerable exercise along with an extremely good diet ever reduce plaque buildup just from the friction of the blood traveling over the plaque? I'm 58, not on any meds, without any diagnosed heart issues and ready to retire.I have never smoked or consumed alcohol.I'm building up gradually, mainly walking hills now, but was in fairly good shape seasonally as a HS wrestling coach wrestling with my guys.Since my wife passed away 8 yrs ago I've climbed to about 30 lbs over 7% body fat and carry all of my fat internally which I understand isn't good.I have sleep apnea.I also worry that I have not taken cholesterol meds and will ask about that also.I have gotten little exercise since crushing two vertabrae on the bottom of a high dive pool.I have a desk job as a school psychologist which can be stressful.I have a Dr appointment to check my Blood pressure which was 150/90 as per school nurse...up from 135/80 last yr.
A) can blood flow create enough friction to gradually wear away at plaque?
B) Do the benefits of cholesterol meds outway the side-affects?
thank you XXXXXXX
Can considerable exercise along with an extremely good diet ever reduce plaque buildup just from the friction of the blood traveling over the plaque? I'm 58, not on any meds, without any diagnosed heart issues and ready to retire.I have never smoked or consumed alcohol.I'm building up gradually, mainly walking hills now, but was in fairly good shape seasonally as a HS wrestling coach wrestling with my guys.Since my wife passed away 8 yrs ago I've climbed to about 30 lbs over 7% body fat and carry all of my fat internally which I understand isn't good.I have sleep apnea.I also worry that I have not taken cholesterol meds and will ask about that also.I have gotten little exercise since crushing two vertabrae on the bottom of a high dive pool.I have a desk job as a school psychologist which can be stressful.I have a Dr appointment to check my Blood pressure which was 150/90 as per school nurse...up from 135/80 last yr.
A) can blood flow create enough friction to gradually wear away at plaque?
B) Do the benefits of cholesterol meds outway the side-affects?
thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You need to be on regular medication for blood pressure and cholesterol
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Your question has been posted on a common forum where Dr. Rynne might not be available and I am trying to answer your queries.
Atheromatous plaques occur where there is degenerative process affecting the walls of many arteries causing certain cells to percolate beneath the inner wall (intima). In the process, fatty deposition occurs in such an affected region and causes occlusion of the blood flow. Subsequently the intima may thin out and cause the plaque to rupture. It is not due to friction of the blood flow that it happens. Such a condition of formation of plaque or its rupture could be exaggerated by conditions like high blood pressure, the blood vessels have to take extra strain and hence are more prone to damage. Your stressful job and sedentary lifestyle are directly related to such a condition.
Cholesterol comes from dietary sources but is also synthesized in our body. The cholesterol meds prevent the internal synthesis from occurring. In a general scenario, the advantages of taking such a medicine definitely outweighs its risks.
You say that you have been putting on weight. For that to happen, the amount of energy taken in as food has to be greater than the total amount of energy expenditure. So, you definitely need to limit your food intake. Take small but frequent meals rather than going for big meals with increased spacing between them.
You need to be on regular medication to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in control.
Hope that helps.
If you found my answer helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
You need to be on regular medication for blood pressure and cholesterol
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Your question has been posted on a common forum where Dr. Rynne might not be available and I am trying to answer your queries.
Atheromatous plaques occur where there is degenerative process affecting the walls of many arteries causing certain cells to percolate beneath the inner wall (intima). In the process, fatty deposition occurs in such an affected region and causes occlusion of the blood flow. Subsequently the intima may thin out and cause the plaque to rupture. It is not due to friction of the blood flow that it happens. Such a condition of formation of plaque or its rupture could be exaggerated by conditions like high blood pressure, the blood vessels have to take extra strain and hence are more prone to damage. Your stressful job and sedentary lifestyle are directly related to such a condition.
Cholesterol comes from dietary sources but is also synthesized in our body. The cholesterol meds prevent the internal synthesis from occurring. In a general scenario, the advantages of taking such a medicine definitely outweighs its risks.
You say that you have been putting on weight. For that to happen, the amount of energy taken in as food has to be greater than the total amount of energy expenditure. So, you definitely need to limit your food intake. Take small but frequent meals rather than going for big meals with increased spacing between them.
You need to be on regular medication to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in control.
Hope that helps.
If you found my answer helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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