Drug treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, review of drugs

Causes

There are many sources that provoke the development of the disease.
According to statistics, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities is most often observed (a photo of the disease is presented in the article) in males who have passed the 35-year mark. The main cause of the disease is considered to be a person’s exposure to frequent stressful situations. But doctors cite many other sources:

• genetic predisposition;
• diabetes;
• inactivity;
• cholelithiasis;
• high blood pressure;
• unfavorable working conditions (excessive load on the lower limbs, high noise levels);
• smoking.

It is important to promptly identify atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Treatment with folk remedies in the initial stages can significantly alleviate symptoms and bring a beneficial effect.

Causes

The causes of the development of vascular atherosclerosis are well known; they can be divided into two groups: modifiable and those that cannot be changed.

The first group includes excessive consumption of high-calorie and fatty foods, low physical activity, stress and bad habits. Constant overeating, eating fried, fatty and spicy foods contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels and its deposition on the vascular walls.

Constant and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, like smoking, not only contributes to changes in cholesterol metabolism, but also causes vasospasm and increases the risk of blood clot formation.

Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity are conditionally modifiable causes, but individually, or worse, in combination, contribute to the progression of the atherosclerotic process.

The second group includes: age, gender and heredity. The risk of developing vascular atherosclerosis increases with age.

It has been studied that men are more likely to be affected by the disease than women. Women are protected to some extent by hormonal levels (mainly the hormone estrogen).

Also, a genetic predisposition to the development of vascular atherosclerosis, which is a special risk factor, has been proven.

Who is at risk first?

Main groups of drugs

What groups of drugs are usually prescribed by doctors for the drug treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower extremity vessels and how do they affect the disease?

1. Statins are drugs that can balance the content of “harmful” and “healthy” fats in human blood.
   Their function of lowering cholesterol levels is better known. All groups of statins act in a similar way - they block specific enzymes and prevent the formation of excess cholesterol. This is “basic therapy” that eliminates the cause of the disease. They are not able to free the arteries from existing plaques, but do not allow them to increase and close the lumens of the vessels.
2. Fibrates are prescribed if statins are contraindicated or do not fully cope with their function. They act on receptors, eliminating cholesterol and fats from the plasma.
3. ACE inhibitors are used to control blood pressure. Of all the antihypertensive drugs, it was this group that was used in clinical trials in the treatment of occlusive arterial diseases. They do not directly affect atherosclerosis, but reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

There is an important nuance in the treatment of hypertension in such patients. It is important to avoid prolonged hypotension. With low pressure, the blood may not be able to overcome the narrowed section of the artery and the lower extremities will practically cease to be supplied with oxygen.

4. Beta blockers are used for hypertension when intermittent claudication is accompanied by coronary heart disease. Until recently, it was believed that this group reduces the lumen of blood vessels in the legs. However, recent clinical studies have refuted this misconception.
5. Antiplatelet agents.
   A cholesterol plaque not only physically narrows the lumen of the artery, but also damages the vessel wall. The blood strives to eliminate the defect, forming a blood clot. Therefore, patients are shown medications that make the blood fluid and less prone to clot formation. Aspirin copes with these tasks. Clopidogrel provides support for the patency of arterial shunts.

The main goal of drug treatment is to normalize the patient’s condition and prevent the development of complications. The dosage and duration of therapy depends on the degree of pathology, the drug and the individual characteristics of the body.

The main pharmacological groups of drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis:

• Statins;
• Nicotinates;
• Anion exchange resins;
• Fibrates;
• Herbal medicines.

Drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the legs
The disease is characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner wall of the arteries, which narrow their lumen and prevent normal blood flow. Most often, this pathology occurs in men over 40 years of age. Let us consider on the basis of atherosclerotic lesions of the vessels of the lower extremities.

Through the terminal aorta, femoral, iliac and popliteal arteries, oxygen and nutrients, along with blood, enter the tissues of the lower extremities. If the patency of these vessels is impaired due to the narrowing of the lumen by cholesterol deposits, the circulation of the legs is impaired, and in this case they speak of atherosclerosis.

When plaque becomes too large, it can break away from the vessel wall, causing damage to the inner layer of the artery. In addition, blood clots appear at the site of damage, which further narrow the lumen of the blood vessels. At the beginning of the development of atherosclerosis, a person may feel pain in the legs that appears during intense physical activity.

With a pronounced atherosclerotic process, the pain will be more intense and can also be disturbing at rest. In addition, atherosclerosis of the legs manifests itself with such signs as numbness of the feet, pallor and cyanosis of the skin on the leg, night cramps, trophic changes in the skin, intermittent claudication, cyanosis of the skin.

Advanced atherosclerosis is dangerous for the development of gangrene and limb amputation. Since this vascular disease is chronic, it is impossible to completely cure it. With the help of drug treatment, you can only stop the process of formation of cholesterol plaques. To do this, you need to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and improve the condition of the vascular wall. If there is a pathological change in blood parameters, it is important to bring them back to normal.

Drug therapy for arterial atherosclerosis is aimed at:

• reduction in the intensity of symptoms;
• decreased levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood;
• preventing the deposition of lipids on the internal vascular wall;
• improvement of the general condition of blood vessels;
• normalization of fat metabolism;
• restoration of blood flow in blood vessels and arteries;
• preventing blood clots;
• stabilization of cholesterol plaques.

Drug treatment of atherosclerosis is carried out at an early stage of the disease. For patients with this disease, it is important to stabilize blood pressure and lower glucose levels if there is a history of diabetes mellitus. The primary goal in the treatment of atherosclerosis should be normalization of cholesterol levels in the blood.

Is it possible to cure atherosclerosis?

For the conservative treatment of this disease, several groups of drugs are used:

• platelet antiplatelet agents;
• vasoactive drugs of complex action;
• direct anticoagulants to reduce blood clotting;
• bile acid sequestrants;
• statins;
• fibrates;
• prostaglandins;
• nicotinic acid preparations;
• metabolism stimulants.

Atherosclerosis requires complex treatment

To reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood with obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities, the following is prescribed:

• statins;
• fibrates;
• preparations based on nicotinic acid.

All of these groups of drugs are prescribed after receiving the results of a blood test for cholesterol. It is unacceptable to start taking these medications on your own without consulting a doctor. Statins are the mainstay of treatment for atherosclerosis. Their main effect is aimed at reducing the level of low-density lipids. Drugs in this group block the enzyme that regulates the production of cholesterol by liver cells.

It has been proven that regular use of these medications significantly reduces the penetration of cholesterol into the walls of blood vessels. Statins also help reduce the size of the lipid core in already formed cholesterol plaques. As a result, when taking them, the surface layer of blood vessels is restored and the risk of blood clots as a result of plaque rupture is reduced.

Statins are prescribed in the following cases:

• significant excess of cholesterol levels in the blood;
• for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients at risk (experienced smokers, patients with diabetes, people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, patients with hypertension);
• for patients with atherosclerosis to prevent heart attack and stroke;
• all patients with a history of heart attack, stroke or angina.

Statins can be of natural or synthetic origin. The first include: Vasilip, Vasostat, Simvacard, Lovastatin, Vabadin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Zocor. Synthetic statins are: Atorvastatin, Liprimar, Fluvastatin, Livostor, Amvastan, Rosuvastatin, Klivas.

Preference should be given to new generation drugs (Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin). They are able to effectively reduce the level of “bad” lipids. In addition, they improve the condition of the vascular wall, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and dissolve cholesterol stones.

Fibrates are drugs based on fibric acid. Their main purpose is to suppress the production of cholesterol and accelerate the utilization of fats. For atherosclerosis, they are prescribed when the patient has an increase in triglycerides against the background of normal total cholesterol, if the patient with atherosclerosis has a history of metabolic syndrome, gout, severe liver pathologies, and calculous cholecystitis.

Fibrates are prescribed in the absence of a therapeutic effect from taking statins or as an adjuvant therapy to improve the effect of the latter. The most popular drugs in the fibrate group are Gemfibrozil, Clofibrate, Ciprofibrate, Fenofibrate.

An important component of the treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower vessels is the administration of nicotinic acid preparations. These medications help reduce very low-density lipoproteins and reduce triglycerides in the blood. As a result, the content of high-density lipoproteins increases.

In addition, they expand the lumen of the vessel and normalize blood pressure. The particular value of drugs in this group lies in their ability to dissolve blood clots. The dosage is selected individually depending on the age and weight of the patient, as well as the stage of the disease. This group of drugs includes the following names: Acipimox, Enduracin, Niacin, Nicotinic acid.

Statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels

Anti-cholesterol diet

The basis of treatment of atherosclerosis is dietary nutrition. It is aimed at reducing cholesterol in the body. The diet implies adherence to the following principles:

• increased frequency of meals while reducing portion sizes,
• periodic fasting days,
• reducing the calorie content of food by 15% by limiting the consumption of fatty foods.

It is necessary to exclude sources of animal fats from the diet. These include sausages, fatty meats, canned food, instant foods and flour foods. Fruits and vegetables containing pectin have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes. Legumes and fiber have a stimulating effect on peristalsis, which helps eliminate cholesterol. Instead of fatty meat, it is recommended to eat rabbit meat, since it is easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It is also necessary to enrich the diet with foods high in vitamins C, E and A. They are found in black currants, citrus fruits and greens.

Signs of illness

It is extremely difficult to determine pathology at an early stage. Until the lumen in the arteries narrows by 2 times, a person is completely unaware of the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. There are no symptoms at all, nothing bothers the patient.

The occurrence of specific discomfort indicates that the disease has already developed sufficiently. It becomes difficult to treat atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities.

Symptoms that can help identify the disease:

1. Lameness. It occurs when walking or jogging quickly. A sharp shooting pain appears in the calf muscles. It occurs at the site of damage to the vessel. The person needs to stop and wait until the discomfort subsides. Such symptoms are often found in smokers.
2. Pain when lying down. Discomfort often occurs during sleep. To relieve pain, a person has to lower his legs down from the bed. The presence of this sign is a signal for an immediate visit to the doctor.
3. Skin. Lack of necessary nutrition as a result of narrowing of the lumen leads to drying of the epidermis, hair loss, the appearance of fungus, and the presence of poorly healing ulcers.
4. "Alien feet." Characteristic symptoms of atherosclerosis. A person encounters unpleasant signs: his legs don’t obey, they begin to tangle, and they go numb.
5. Pallor of the integument. To determine the pathology, you can conduct an experiment. A person needs to raise his legs in a horizontal position for 5 minutes, above body level. Pale skin indicates insufficient nutrition, because blood flows poorly into the vessels.

Conservative therapy

When the first symptoms of vascular disorders occur, you need to clarify which doctor treats vascular atherosclerosis. A therapist will help determine the origin of the problem. After collecting anamnesis, he will give a referral to a specialist doctor. A cardiologist treats cholesterol plaques in the cardiovascular system. In any other cases, the help of a phlebologist or angiologist is required.

There are several types of drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Each of them is aimed at solving a specific problem. Combination therapy is considered more effective. Drugs are selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the disease.

Important! Selecting a medicine for atherosclerosis on your own is strictly prohibited. This leads to various complications.

Statins

Drug treatment of atherosclerosis of the lower extremities with statins makes it possible to slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stop the growth of already formed cholesterol blood clots. The pharmacological property of statins is the inhibition of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol.

Properties of statins:

• Helps improve the walls of the vascular endothelium;
• Anti-inflammatory effect;
• Reduced cholesterol secretion in the liver;
• Prevention of myocardial infarction, osteoporosis and oncological pathologies.

Nystatins are prescribed to persons with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis: age over 50 years, smoking and alcohol abuse.

Common medications:

• Atorvastatin: the active substance is atorvastatin calcium trihydrate, the drug is available in tablet form and has hypocholesterolemic properties. Prescribed to prevent the development of heart attack, stroke, and unstable angina. The dosage is adjusted taking into account blood lipids, the minimum dose is 10 mg/day, the maximum allowable amount of the drug per day is 80 mg. Analogues of the drug are Torvacard and Atorvax. The average cost of Atorvastatin is 200-250 rubles. per packaging;
• Lovastatin: tablets for atherosclerosis reduce the amount of triglycerides and apolipoprotein B in the blood, prescribed for elevated cholesterol levels that develop against the background of diabetes mellitus or nephrotic syndrome. Contraindications for use: liver pathologies in the acute stage, cholestasis, pregnancy and myopathy. The dose of the drug is 10-80 mg per day. The minimum dosage of the drug is 20 mg while taking nicotinic acid or fibrates. The price of the medicine is 250-400 rubles.

Statins are often prescribed for non-stenotic atherosclerosis, which tends to affect the aorta, neck vessels and lower extremities. In addition to diet therapy, it is necessary to prescribe medications that normalize the patient’s psycho-emotional state (sleeping pills and antidepressants). To prevent possible vascular thrombosis, Aspirin or Cardiomagnyl is used (thin thick blood).

Statins for atherosclerosis of leg vessels

Reasons for development

As you age, the likelihood of atherosclerotic plaques forming in your arteries increases.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, therefore pathological manifestations in the arteries of the legs are caused by general circulatory disorders. The set of painful processes of an aging body associated with disturbances in lipid and protein metabolism manifests itself in the formation of protein-lipid growths on the walls of arteries (plaques). In this case, the lumen of the vessels narrows significantly, so the tissues along the vessels do not receive the required amount of nutrients.

The gradual overgrowing of the lumen of the arteries in the lower extremities with connective tissue, the appearance of plaques from low-density cholesterol, leads to the fact that the walls of the arteries become thick. Circulatory disorders lead to pain, the limbs become cold, it becomes difficult to walk, much less run.

The following factors contribute to the manifestation of atherosclerosis:

• increased levels of low-density cholesterol in the blood;
• spasmodic vasoconstriction due to smoking;
• excess body weight;
• poor nutrition with a predominance in the diet of foods that contribute to the formation of excess cholesterol;
• inflammation of the pancreas and the development of diabetes;
• hereditary predisposition;
• high blood pressure;
• mental and emotional overexcitation that is chronic;
• elderly age;
• diseases of blood vessels of various origins;
• physical inactivity and overeating.

Important! Since most elderly people are susceptible to atherosclerosis, it should be considered that this disease is age-related. Biochemical changes accumulate with age, so it is possible to compensate for them with a balanced diet, taking medications and physical activity.

General recommendations from doctors

The term “obliterative” is used by doctors to describe vascular diseases in which narrowing of the arteries occurs. As a result, a person's blood circulation is disrupted.

Treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities begins with the implementation of certain rules. Such recommendations can significantly improve your health.

Doctors advise:

1. Quit tobacco and alcohol.
2. Adhere to a dietary diet that does not include salty, fatty, or fried foods.
3. Monitor cholesterol levels and try to reduce its amount in the blood.
4. Take a leisurely walk every day (at least an hour). Avoid high heels. Choose comfortable, stable shoes.
5. Be sure to follow all doctor's recommendations. Take only those medications that were prescribed by the doctor. Consistent therapy will significantly alleviate the symptoms of such an unpleasant disease as atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Treatment with folk remedies is recommended to be used only with the consent of a doctor. In this case, the result of therapy will be more effective.

Methods for diagnosing cerebral atherosclerosis

A neurologist makes the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis. After studying the complaints and an initial examination of the patient, he recommends undergoing an examination that will determine the degree of damage to blood vessels and brain tissue. If cerebral atherosclerosis is suspected, the following is prescribed:

• duplex scanning - allows you to identify the degree and location of vessel narrowing, as well as the nature and size of the atherosclerotic plaque;
• angiography of cerebral vessels;
• computed tomography - prescribed mainly after a stroke attack, the cause of which could be cerebral atherosclerosis;
• transcranial dopplerography;
• MRI is one of the most accurate methods for studying the condition of cerebral vessels and diagnosing atherosclerosis;
• blood test - general, for sugar, cholesterol and lipid levels.

If there are large atherosclerotic plaques and vascular narrowing of more than 50%, the patient is prescribed a consultation with a vascular surgeon, who, based on the diagnostic results, decides on the advisability of surgery.

Nicotinates

Treatment of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities with drugs from this pharmacological group allows you to reduce lipid levels and increase the content of “good” cholesterol in the blood, which allows you to speed up metabolic processes and prevent the progression of pathology.

Nicotinic acid is available in tablet form or injection solution. Pharmacological action: replenishment of vitamin PP, has hypolipidemic and vasodilating properties. The drug is prescribed for the prevention of thrombus formation in the arteries, diabetes mellitus, and osteoatritis.

The daily dose of the drug is 18 mg/day. for adults and from 9-19 mg for children of different ages.

Basic rules for therapy

Treatment with medications is prescribed by the doctor. Without obtaining prior consultation, a positive effect cannot be achieved, especially if you continue your previous incorrect lifestyle during treatment.

So, the main rule of therapy is a complete change in your usual lifestyle while simultaneously giving up bad habits. It is equally important to follow a well-structured diet during the treatment process, since one of the main causes of atherosclerosis is an unbalanced diet.

All of the above medications should not be taken on an empty stomach. It is advisable to take them during or after meals, while eating low-fat foods.

Before treatment, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking on a regular basis. Medicines intended for the treatment of atherosclerosis, taken with other serious drugs, can, at best, minimize the main treatment; at most, the patient may experience rather unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis must be carried out comprehensively. The attending physician examines the patient and selects the most appropriate treatment regimen. Even if it is very long-term, it is very important to observe it carefully.

At the same time, you need to adhere to the prescribed diet and change your usual lifestyle. All this is the key to successful treatment.

Treatment methods for atherosclerosis

If specific symptoms are detected, you should immediately go to the doctor. It is very important to start therapy in a timely manner. Initially, your medical history will be carefully examined. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities can occur against the background of serious pathologies. Therefore, to reduce the risk of progression, “provocateur” diseases should be combated. Ignoring treatment can end in disaster. Sometimes the only chance to save a human life is to amputate a limb.

Therapy prescribed by a doctor allows you to protect yourself from serious consequences. Treatment consists of a set of measures:

• drug therapy;
• dietary nutrition;
• use of folk recipes;
• physical exercise.

It is important to remember that in case of pathology it is very dangerous to resort to self-medication. Such measures often lead to severe progression of the disease. As a result, the only treatment option is surgery.

Symptoms

Signs of vascular atherosclerosis depend on which system or organ is affected.

Vascular atherosclerosis is characterized by a staged process and aggravation of symptoms over time:

1. Cerebral atherosclerosis . The initial stage is characterized by the occurrence of headaches, dizziness, and memory impairment. Later, the process worsens, headaches intensify, fainting appears, and a person’s performance decreases. The third stage is characterized by the appearance of mental disorders and sometimes acute cerebrovascular accident, as a result of critical arteriosclerosis of the brain.
2. Atherosclerosis of heart vessels . Symptoms appear in more advanced stages, when there are obvious anatomical changes in the vessels, which are manifested by burning, suffocating pain behind the sternum with irradiation to the left shoulder, scapula, or arm. There is also an increase in blood pressure, shortness of breath with minor exertion, general weakness, and pale skin.
3. Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries . It manifests itself as an increase in blood pressure, sometimes with distinct pain in the transverse spine or in the abdomen. The course of the disease without acute crises.
4. Atherosclerosis of mesenteric vessels . It is characterized by the presence of paroxysmal abdominal pain, bloating and tension of the abdominal wall, nausea, vomiting, and decreased blood pressure.
5. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities . It is noted by the appearance of pain in the legs after walking, or minor exertion. As it progresses, the distance a person can walk becomes less and less, or the pain occurs at rest. Pain in the legs is accompanied by chilliness, lameness, a feeling of cold, and decreased sensitivity.

Cerebral atherosclerosis

Anion exchange resins

Medicines for atherosclerosis of this group are prescribed when it is impossible to use nystatins; their mechanical effect is to limit the absorption of fats in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces the flow of lipids into the bloodstream and reduces their levels.

Drugs related to bile acid sequestrants:

• Cholestyramine: An anion exchange resin consisting of polymers of styrene and divinylbenzene. The drug is prescribed for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, accompanied by an increase in lipid levels in the bloodstream, and in case of digitalis poisoning. Available in the form of suspensions, diluted 10 minutes before meals with water or milk. The dose for an adult is 4 g of medication 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is individual, at least 30 days. The drug is prohibited for persons over 60 years of age, or people suffering from phenylketonuria, biliary obstruction;
• Cholebil: an effective herbal remedy, the active ingredient is artichoke leaf extract. This plant contains cynarin and flavonoids (choleretic effect) and inulin, carotene, B vitamins and ascorbic acid (normalization of metabolic processes). The drug is prescribed for steatosis, chronic pancreatitis and nonerosive gastritis, postcholecystectomy syndrome. Available in tablet form, prescribed 400 mg 1-2 times a day. before meals for 23-30 days. Side effects: heartburn and stomach pain, diarrhea.

Anion exchange resins for vascular atherosclerosis

When using bile acid sequestrants, it is necessary to control folic acid levels and limit foods high in lipids. This group of drugs does not affect the psychomotor reaction, but can lead to a decrease in the required amount of vitamins and minerals in the body.

Treatment

Photo. The drugs are used in combination

Medicines for atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities are part of a complex to combat this disease, which consists of taking medications, diet, massage and gymnastic exercises. In severe cases, surgery is used. Treatment of the disease requires stopping smoking and drinking alcohol.

Treatment goals include the following:

• restoration of performance and physical activity.
• elimination of pain in the legs;
• prevention of complications in the form of cessation of blood supply to the extremities and the risk of amputation;
• preventing the development of ischemia in various organs and systems.

The use of drugs involves their impact on the body's regulatory systems, therefore all drugs are divided into groups.

Table. Drugs that normalize the functioning of the circulatory system

The cure for atherosclerotic vascular lesions of the NK is not universal, since this disease has complex mechanisms of occurrence. This is why complex treatment methods are most effective. They are aimed, first of all, at stopping the process of ischemic manifestations not only in the vessels of the legs, but in the entire body.

Gels and ointments are used for local treatment and pain relief.

Ointments as topical medications

Ointments and gels are local medications for complex treatment

For atherosclerosis on the legs, ointments with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and restorative effects help. The use of ointments is especially useful for severe constriction of blood vessels in the legs. The price of ointments, as a rule, is quite acceptable for purchase and use.

It is believed that ointments and gels are an adjunct to oral medications, but, nevertheless, they have a significant therapeutic effect. Drug therapy must be combined with gels and ointments, this is most correct.

Table. Effective ointments for atherosclerosis of the arteries

The doctor prescribes ointments or gels if the patient has a distinct pain syndrome or there is a danger of the formation of trophic ulcers. In addition to what the instructions recommend, the phlebologist, when prescribing an ointment, is guided by the general condition of the patient.

Drug therapy

If the stage of the disease is not advanced, then it is quite easy to overcome atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. Drug treatment plays the most important role in therapy. But it is important to fully follow the doctor's recommendations.

Drug treatment includes the following drugs:

1. Agents that reduce deposits on the walls of blood vessels. The most effective medications are: Atoris, Atorvastatin.
2. Blood thinning medications. The doctor will recommend one of the following drugs: Aspecard, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin.
3. Medicines to reduce blood viscosity. Such medications are: “Pentoxifylline”, “Curantil”, “Reopoliglyukin”.
4. Intravenous infusions of vascular drugs. Patients are recommended to undergo such procedures twice a year. For intravenous infusions, the following medications are used: Iglomedin, Heparin, Tivortin, Trental.

If effective therapy is not carried out in the initial stages, then atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities seriously progresses. Drug treatment turns out to be ineffective. Doctors are considering the need for surgery. Operations are carried out using the following methods:

• prosthetics;
• bypass;
• balloon angioplasty.

Fatty acid sequestrants

It is impossible to completely cure vascular atherosclerosis with the help of sequestrants, but it is quite possible to prevent complications of the disease. Medicines in this group stimulate the appearance of new liver receptors for low-density lipoproteins. They effectively cope with the increase in cholesterol at the initial stage of the disease, when no pronounced symptoms are observed. Sequestrants are not recommended for pregnant women and those with complete blockage of the bile ducts.

This group of drugs includes: Cholestilol, Cholestyramine and Regular. Medicines are produced in powder format for the preparation of a solution. The dosage of one sachet is 4 grams. The course of drug treatment of atherosclerosis with sequestrants is 4 weeks. With longer use, an increase in bleeding is observed due to a decrease in prothrombin in the blood.

Fibrates

Drugs for atherosclerosis, belonging to the group of fibrates, have the ability to reduce the level of triglycerides and “bad” lipids, and stimulate the synthesis of HDL (“good” cholesterol). Often prescribed in conjunction with statins with mandatory monitoring of liver function indicators and blood lipid levels.

Drugs belonging to the group of fibrates:

• Fenofibrate - in addition to its hypolipidemic effect, has antiaggregation properties, which reduces the risk of blood clots in blood vessels. Prescribed 1 tablet/day. while eating. Duration of therapy is 3 months. The drug is contraindicated for children and nursing women (penetrates through the vascular wall and tissue into milk), persons with acute pancreatitis or renal failure;
• Gemfibrozil - prescribed for primary and secondary hyperlipoproteinemia, elevated triglyceride levels. The drug acts by suppressing peripheral lipolysis, which leads to the excretion of fatty acids and free cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is prescribed 1 drop/day. 30 minutes before meals, if you miss a dose of the medicine, do not take a double dosage: the medicine is taken the next day according to the instructions. Duration of therapy is 3-4 months.

Fibrates for vascular pathology

The most effective drugs

To treat atherosclerosis, modern doctors use drugs that quickly and most effectively eliminate the problem. The doctor determines which of the most effective drugs to prescribe, taking into account a large number of different factors.

Rosuvastin

The drug is available in the form of tablets, the dosage of which ranges from 5 to 40 mg. The drug reduces the amount of “negative” cholesterol produced, but this is not the only advantage of the drug. A positive feature is that it can be used in doses much lower than in treatment with conventional statins.

Treatment with this drug begins with a small dosage of 10 mg, gradually increasing to 20-25 mg. In particularly difficult cases, a doctor, under close supervision, can conduct short-term therapy with a dosage of 40 mg. The drug is prescribed for elderly and middle-aged people, and the total duration is three weeks.

The use of the drug is strictly contraindicated for people who have problems with the kidneys and liver, those who abuse alcohol, those who are breastfeeding and pregnant women. The drug is prescribed with extreme caution to patients who have problems with the thyroid gland.

The drug is sold at prices ranging from 250 to 780 rubles, it all depends on the manufacturer and dosage.

Atorvastatin

The drug reduces low-density cholesterol levels and also removes triglycerides. At the same time, there is more good cholesterol. The main active ingredient is

the substance of the same name is atorvastatin. The product is available in dosages of 20, 30 and 40 mg.

The drug is prescribed to persons with age-related changes in the body that relate to metabolism. Treatment begins with 10 mg, gradually increasing the dose to 80 mg. The total treatment time is on average four weeks.

Contraindications for use are liver pathology and alcoholism. The use of the drug is not recommended for patients with low blood pressure or people with a disruption in the endocrine system. The drug is taken under supervision immediately after injuries, surgery and infectious pathologies.

Pharmacies offer medicine at prices ranging from 120 to 650 rubles.

Simvastatin

The drug with the active substance is simvastatin. A special feature of the product is the ability to block the action of various enzymes that take part in the production of bad cholesterol. Companies produce it in dosages ranging from 10 to 40 mg. A volume below 10 mg is considered ineffective, and above 80 mg is considered dangerous for humans.

Doctors do not prescribe the drug for liver diseases, if the examination results in poor blood tests, lactose intolerance, or individual intolerance . The drug is prescribed to alcoholics with caution.

The cost of the product ranges from 70 to 370 rubles. It depends on the dosage and the packaging used by the manufacturer.

The general course of treatment directly depends on the characteristics of the development of the pathology; on average, it lasts 3-4 weeks. The treatment time is set by the doctor, who is based on the individual characteristics of the body and the age of the patient.

Fenofibrate

This is an effective drug, which is named after its main active ingredient. The product activates enzymes and removes lipoproteins that are dangerous to health, which are characterized by high levels of triglycerides, from the blood. The daily dosage is 140-400 mg.

The drug should not be taken by persons who suffer from liver or kidney failure, as well as those who have problems with the gallbladder. The drug is also not prescribed for children and elderly people.

In pharmacies, the medicine is sold both in its original form and in the form of numerous analogues, which simply contain the main active ingredient.

Among them are:

• Lipantil capsules – 900 rubles for 30 capsules of 200 mg;
• Traykor in tablets – 800 rubles for 30 capsules of 145 mg;
• Fenofibrate is a canon, which contains 30 tablets of 145 mg in a package - the price is 700 rubles.

The drugs differ in the form of release, manufacturer, and also the amount of useful substance present in them. Treatment with these medications continues for a long time, at least two months, only after this time can significant improvements be observed.

Aspirin

In the treatment of atherosclerosis, the most common aspirin is almost always used. Currently

Acetylsalicylic acid is available in different types and forms. This could be lospirin, polocard, lospirin, aspirin-cardio, aspercard and so on.

The cost of these products directly depends on the manufacturers and ranges on average from 80 to 370 rubles.

The main advantage of the drug is its fastest action. After about 20 minutes, the blood thins significantly, effectively preventing the formation of blood clots.

The only side effect is an adverse effect on the stomach; under the influence of aspirin, its mucous membrane is irritated.

For patients with a history of diseases of the stomach or duodenum, aspirin and its derivatives are prescribed with the utmost caution and strictly in dissolved form. Another relatively important contraindication is the presence of bronchial asthma in the patient.

Clopidogrel

This drug can be classified as an antiplatelet agent. The medicine is effective

block the process of binding of molecules of the ADP category to platelets, they are protected from dangerous adhesion. The drug begins to act a little later than aspirin, but its effect lasts longer.

The maximum effect of the drug on the body is observed approximately on the 7th day at a dosage of about 100 mg. This therapeutic effect lasts up to 10 days. Speaking about contraindications, it can be noted that the drug is prescribed with caution to patients whose professional activities require increased attention.

The drug is available in 75 mg tablets. The cost of packaging ranges from 130 rubles for 10 tablets to 1000 rubles for 90.

Dipyridamole

Another one of the most effective drugs, which is available in 75 mg tablets. They are packed in blisters

40 and 100 pieces each, which determines their cost, ranging from 15 to 300 rubles. The doctor prescribes the drug at approximately 75-170 mg, taken about 5 times a day.

A strict contraindication is the first trimester of pregnancy; at the same time, it is prohibited to take the drug at the same time with aspirin, since this combination can increase the adverse effect on the intestinal mucosa.

The total treatment time with the drug can be either short-term or relatively long. It all depends on certain individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

A nicotinic acid

This is a special vitamin that can have a serious effect on lipoproteins harmful to the body. The product is able to quickly reduce the total amount of bad cholesterol by 25%, while simultaneously increasing good cholesterol. Acid is able to have the most positive effect on blood vessels; they expand after the initial use of therapy.

At first, the drug is prescribed at 0.3 grams per day, and the dose must be divided into three main doses. During treatment, the dosage is increased by a gram per day.

Treatment with the vitamin lasts quite a long time, and the drug is often taken simultaneously with ascorbic acid.

The drug is prescribed with caution to people who suffer from ulcerative lesions of the stomach or duodenum.

Nicotinic acid is available in tablets, the dosage of which is 50 mg. These can also be ampoules for an injection course. The tablet form of the drug costs approximately 40 rubles, and ampoules 150 rubles.

Diet food

Effective therapy is not limited to the use of medications. Diet is very important for atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities. When prescribing treatment, the doctor will definitely pay attention to proper nutrition. The patient is recommended to follow a low-cholesterol diet.

Excluded from the diet:

• fatty, fried foods;
• beef, pork, lard;
• dairy products: cheeses, cream, sour cream;
• sweets;
• vegetable oils;
• processed products: sausages, sausages;
• White bread;
• offal: kidneys, brains;
• smoked meats

Useful products for pathology are:

• lean fish, meat;
• plant foods: fruits, vegetables;
• cereals, pasta;
• fresh juices;
• legumes

What is vascular atherosclerosis?

Vascular atherosclerosis implies the progressive accumulation of vascular plaques, in which the lumen of the artery is gradually blocked, partial or complete occlusion occurs.

The morphological substrate of this process is the pathology of lipid (fat) metabolism.

Coronary and cerebral arteries, vessels of the kidneys, intestines and lower extremities are most often affected.

Vascular atherosclerosis

Herbal remedies

Herbal-based drugs are effective, have few side effects and contraindications, and are available to a wide range of the population.

Herbal medicines for vascular atherosclerosis:

• Ravisol. The active ingredient is horsetail. A remedy is prescribed for vegetative-vascular dystonia, to improve memory and increase performance. Dosage of Ravisol: 1 tsp. medications are taken three times a day, half an hour before meals. Duration of treatment is 10 weeks. The drug is contraindicated in acute renal failure and severe bradycardia;
• Pumpkin oil. It has anti-sclerotic, anti-ulcer and anti-allergic properties. The drug is indicated for skin diseases, stomach ulcers, coronary heart disease and gastric ulcers. Take 1 tsp. three times a day 60 minutes before meals. The full course of treatment consists of taking 700-900 ml of oil.

Surgery

The final outcome of the operation depends on the patient’s behavior in the postoperative period

Non-drug treatment consists of surgery. It is resorted to if the disease is diagnosed in an advanced state. When selecting a surgical treatment technique, the severity of the patient’s condition, his age, associated complications and the local location of the plaques are taken into account. Any method of operation leads to the desired result.

Many people are concerned about whether atherosclerosis is curable or not in this case. The final outcome depends on the patient's behavior in the postoperative period. With the right approach, surgery significantly increases the chances of a cure. The following methods of endovascular treatment are distinguished:

• shunting (creating an additional path for blood flow),
• balloon angioplasty (expansion of the vessel cavity using a special device),
• prosthetics (replacement of a damaged vessel),
• endarterectomy (the process of removing a damaged vessel and the resulting plaque),
• removal of the necrotizing organ with further installation of an implant (for gangrene).

Folk recipes

Atheroskerosis cannot be cured using traditional medicine alone. However, they show effectiveness in the prevention of thrombosis, atherosclerosis and hypertension when prescribed in addition to drug therapy. Folk remedies have few contraindications, but are not combined with all medications. Therefore, their use should only be in consultation with a doctor.

The most popular recipes for the treatment of OA:

1. Grind with a blender or mince 5 lemons and the same number of heads of garlic, mix with kg of honey. Take once a day, tbsp. Course - 1 month;
2. Pass 50 g of garlic through a press, pour in 0.2 liters of vodka. Leave for 7-9 days. Take 7-10 drops three times a day, diluted in a spoonful of milk or water;
3. Pour 200 g of hawthorn berries into 0.2 liters of alcohol. Leave for 3 weeks. Filter and take tsp. 30 minutes before breakfast;
4. 25 g of bindweed leaves and flowers are poured into 0.1 liters of alcohol. Wait a week. Strain and take 1/2 tsp twice a day for two weeks;
5. Horse chestnut juice relieves swelling and strengthens artery walls. Drink it twice a day, 25 drops per glass of water;
6. Drink 100 ml of cucumber juice before breakfast. Course - 3 weeks;
7. Tbsp. crushed dill seeds pour a glass of hot water. Leave for about 20 minutes, and divide the entire volume into 4 doses.
8. A medicinal mixture of red clover, sweet clover and burdock root is boiled over low heat for about 2 minutes, after which the bowl is wrapped in a warm towel. Leave the infusion for 20-30 minutes, then filter. Drink 1/3 glass three times a day. The course is designed for a month, after which a break of 2 months is taken.

Do not try to treat atherosclerosis of the lower extremity vessels on your own. Treatment with folk remedies will bring positive results only if approved by a doctor.

Let's consider the methods that healers advise to fight pathology

Diagnostics

Timely diagnosis of vascular atherosclerosis is the key to proper treatment and prevention of progression of the process, it includes:

1. General examination and collection of anamnestic data . For assessment, the level of blood pressure, pulsation of the arteries, the condition of the skin, its color and temperature are important.
2. Biochemical blood test (lipid profile) . The level of total cholesterol, its “bad” (LDL) and “good” (HDL) fractions, and their ratio (atherogenicity coefficient) are determined.
3. Coagulogram . Makes it possible to assess the rheological parameters of blood and the risk of thrombus formation.

Instrumental diagnosis of vascular atherosclerosis depends on which system or organ can be examined.

Coagulogram

Which doctor should I contact?

First, for help, you need to contact a general practitioner or family doctor, who, if necessary, will prescribe a consultation with such specialists as a neurologist, cardiologist, nephrologist, or vascular surgeon.

Prevention

Vascular atherosclerosis is a disease that develops very slowly and often, unnoticeably. Therefore, prevention of vascular atherosclerosis is aimed at maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet, first of all.

A healthy lifestyle and physical activity are not a matter of one day, the transition should be smooth and gradual, and only then will it become a habit at the level of unconditioned reflexes.

But what you should definitely give up forever is smoking and alcohol abuse.

Cigarettes and alcoholic drinks have a detrimental effect on blood vessels: they increase cholesterol levels, cause vasospasm and slowly poison the entire body.

Vascular atherosclerosis is curable, but preventing its development will cost much less for our health!