Fatty deposits, or atherosclerosis as it is also called, means that fat accumulates on the inside of blood vessels. This buildup makes it harder for blood to pass through and increases the risk of, among other things, heart attack and stroke.
It has long been known that women are often older than men when they are affected by cardiovascular disease. Why this is the case is not entirely clear, but one theory is that estrogen has a protective effect.
13 years younger
Researchers at Linköping University Hospital have now seen that men, on average, are between 11 and 13 years younger than women when they develop fatty deposits.
We were surprised by the large difference, says Eva Swahn, professor of cardiology and chief physician at Linköping University, who was responsible for the study.
In the study, which was published in the European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Imaging, 25,580 people between 50 and 65 years old were examined with computed tomography of the coronary arteries and ultrasound of the neck arteries. The researchers took into account other known risk factors for fatty deposits and atherosclerosis, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, diet, and socioeconomic status. But even after this, the fact remains that men develop changes much earlier in life than women.
Silent disease
Those who are affected by narrowing of the vessels do not notice it, at least not initially. If it is detected, treatment with, among other things, lipid-lowering and anticoagulant medications is available, but the fatty deposits that already exist do not completely disappear. The most important thing is lifestyle changes.
There is no general screening of blood vessels, as it is not considered cost-effective. However, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits are the most effective against narrowing of the vessels, both for prevention and to reduce the risk of worsening.
The study shows that we need to focus on men in these ages so that they do not suffer from heart attack and stroke in the middle of life. It is the lifestyle factors that are most important, says Eva Swahn.
The study is based on data from the Heart-Lung Foundation's major research initiative SCAPIS.
Fatty deposits mean that fat has accumulated on the inside of blood vessels over a long period of time. This makes it harder for blood to pass through. It can lead to blood clots that can cause cardiovascular disease.
Fatty deposits do not initially cause symptoms. You will only experience discomfort when so much fat has accumulated in the same place that the blood vessel has become narrow or when a blood clot has formed. Then you can get a heart attack, angina pectoris in the heart or legs, stroke, or other symptoms.
You can reduce the risk of fatty deposits by not smoking, eating healthily, and being physically active.
Source:1177
