Atherosclerosis is one of the fundamental diseases of civilization. It develops over the years, with poor diet, chronic stress, and lack of physical activity contributing to its progression. It does not produce any symptoms for a long time, and when they do appear, they are not so obvious. Untreated atherosclerosis can lead to a heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor cholesterol levels in the body, where leeches can help.
It’s estimated that nearly 20 million Poles have elevated cholesterol levels, which significantly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The disease usually develops in adulthood but can begin as early as childhood. What symptoms does atherosclerosis cause, and what complications does it lead to? How can leech therapy help in treating atherosclerosis? We provide some insights!
Atherosclerosis – what is it?
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease affecting medium and large arterial vessels. It is an inflammatory process that occurs in response to damage to the inner layer of the vessel walls. During the disease, lipids, collagen fibres, and calcium deposits accumulate on the inner side of the blood vessels.
This formation is called an atherosclerotic plaque. Over time, the changes gradually calcify, known as atherosclerotic arterial sclerosis. As a result, the elasticity of the arteries decreases, and their lumen significantly narrows, hindering blood flow. The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque can lead to complete closure of the artery and acute ischemia of the organ supplied by that artery.
Atherosclerosis usually develops over years. Atherosclerotic plaques can deposit from childhood, but the disease might only become apparent after years. The first symptoms typically appear after menopause in women and after age 50 in men.
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is influenced by several conditions contributing to lipid deposition in the vessels. Although we may not be aware of it on a daily basis, we are responsible for many of these factors.
Factors influencing the development of atherosclerosis include:
- improper diet,
- lack of physical activity,
- stress,
- smoking,
- diabetes,
- hypertension,
- overweight and obesity,
- older age,
- gender (men are more frequently affected than women),
- high cholesterol levels,
- family history of atherosclerosis-related diseases.
It’s important to remember that these factors are responsible not only for the development of atherosclerosis but also for the diseases it leads to, especially heart attack and stroke.
Atherosclerosis – symptoms
High blood cholesterol levels do not produce alarming symptoms for long. The first complaints only appear when the blood vessels are narrowed by half – we tire more quickly and have evident problems with concentration and memory.
Symptoms largely depend on which artery is obstructed and which organ is under-oxygenated. The most characteristic symptoms of atherosclerosis in specific organs include:
- cerebral atherosclerosis – limb paralysis, sensory disturbances, vision problems, balance issues accompany the disease,
- atherosclerosis of the lower limbs – involves pain in the thighs, calves, and feet, cold and pale skin, muscle cramps, and ulcers,
- atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries – results in dizziness, disorientation, and temporary paralysis,
- atherosclerosis of the abdominal cavity arteries – the patient experiences increased abdominal pain after eating,
- atherosclerosis of the renal arteries – hypertension and renal failure are observed.
In its early stages, the disease may be difficult to diagnose, but over time, ischemia worsens, and characteristic atherosclerosis symptoms appear.
Consequences of atherosclerosis
It’s indisputable that atherosclerosis should be treated. However, if the patient neglects any therapies, it can have serious consequences. Complications are usually caused directly by organ ischemia and disturbed organ function.
Patients with atherosclerosis are at high risk of developing diseases such as:
- coronary artery disease,
- heart attack,
- arrhythmias,
- circulatory failure,
- hypertension,
- stroke,
- chronic kidney ischemia,
- kidney failure,
- vision disorders,
- memory and concentration disturbances,
- pulmonary embolism,
- tissue necrosis.
Upon diagnosis of atherosclerosis, treatment should be started as soon as possible to avoid the above complications.
Leeches in the treatment of atherosclerosis
One method for treating atherosclerosis is leech therapy. It involves applying leeches to the patient’s skin, which releases hirudin compounds into the body, showing a positive impact. Leeches used for treatment are bred in sterile conditions and fed in a controlled manner so they do not risk the patient’s health and life. While biting into the skin, the leech also anaesthetizes it, making the treatment virtually painless.
Clinical studies confirm the beneficial impact of leech therapy on the lipid concentration in the body. As a result of the treatment, total cholesterol (TCI), triglycerides (TG), and reduced LDL cholesterol normalize. This is due to the cholesterol esterase and lipases (triglycerides) secreted by leeches, which break down triglycerides. Saratin and hirudin produced by leeches counteract the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and dissolve existing ones. At the same time, orgelase in cases of severe ischemia causes the development of collateral circulation and improves limb blood supply. Hirudin compounds additionally improve the condition of the vessels.
Leech therapy can support conventional treatment, thereby improving the health condition of patients with atherosclerosis. Before undergoing leech therapy, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor to ensure there are no contraindications to the treatment.