Dr Jean-François Bézot and Dr Kahina Betroune
Though many arteries can be affected, atherosclerosis is particularly dangerous in the coronary arteries and the arteries in the neck (carotid and vertebral) as well as their branches that go to the brain.
Atherosclerosis is a gradual process that can lead to serious cardiovascular complications and must therefore be taken very seriously.
Impact of atherosclerosis on health:
Atherosclerosis in these arterial systems can lead to various health issues, such as angina, heart attack, transient ischemic attacks (TIA or mini-stroke) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA or stroke). What is more, when atherosclerosis affects the arteries in the lower members, it leads to arteriopathy in the lower members, which is responsible for claudication and can even lead to more serious complications such as ischemia and amputation. To prevent these issues, it is vital to adopt a comprehensive approach to improve cardiovascular health.
CARDIOVASCULAR ACTION PLAN: GET TESTED
BIOLOGICAL TESTS:
The first plan of action is to have various tests to check for vascular risk factors. It is important to check for diabetes, cholesterol and infl ammatory diseases, which can aggravate atherosclerosis. Regular monitoring enables us to detect any anomalies and take the necessary measures to correct them.
IMAGING TESTS:
If atherosclerosis is suspected, non-invasive imaging tests should be carried out to assess the state of the arteries. A Doppler ultrasound scan of the brachiocephalic trunk, the aorta and the lower members is the go-to examination to check arterial lumen, detect any deposits and quantify the narrowing of the arteries. For the arteries of the heart, which cannot be seen in a Doppler, we carry out an examination called a coronary CT calcium scan to check for any calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. If any anomalies are found in these examinations, a scan might be carried out after injection of a contrasting agent into the suspected zone for a more precise analysis.
MAINTAIN YOUR HEART RATE
Palpitations, whether occasional or persistent, can be connected with various factors such as thyroid issues, anomalies in the heart’s valves or heart block. However, certain lifestyle factors can also play a role, such a stress, coffee and alcohol consumption, or vitamin B, magnesium or potassium deficiencies. Following a healthy diet, doing regular exercise and managing stress can help maintain a steady heart rate.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Around 80% of patients with high blood pressure can improve their heart health by making significant changes to their lifestyle.
We recommend reducing salt consumption, following a healthy and balanced diet and doing regular exercise to keep blood pressure under control.
FIGHT AGAINST DEPOSITS
To prevent the formation of atheromatous plaques, it is important to manage all vascular risk factors. Smoking should be avoided completely, as it is one of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it is crucial to keep diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia under control by keeping cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels low, while aiming for high levels of HDL. A balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and healthy fats, combined with regular exercise will also help to prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries.
PAY ATTENTION DURING THE MENOPAUSE
Due to a drop in oestrogen levels, some women can present a phenomenon called “broken heart syndrome” (stress car-diomyopathy) during menopause. Particular attention should be paid to cardiovascular health during this transitional period. Before having any hormone replacement therapy, a full cardiovascular check-up is vital to assess the risk of atheromatous plaque rupture. We recommend reducing salt consumption, following a healthy and balanced diet and doing regular exercise to keep blood pressure under control. Particular attention should be paid to cardiovascular health during this transitional period. Before having any hormone replacement therapy, a full cardiovascular check-up is vital to assess the risk of atheromatous plaque rupture.
In anti-aging medicine
The basis of P4 Medicine©, the international brand for longevity (Personalised, Predictive, Preventative, Participative), puts the biological before the clinical, with longitudinal monitoring and intermediate control points.
To do this:
- Evaluating the “cardiovascular and infl ammatory profile” (Biopredix.com) allows us to set up suitable strategies for prevention, nutrition and micro-nutrition. Cholesterol will be measured in its various forms (LDL, HDL, etc.), as well as Lp(a), homocysteine, hs-CRP, BNP and vita-min B3.
- A triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio higher than 3 signifi es a high risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Increased Lp(a), a cardiovascular risk factor, must be detected as early as possible to help prevent cardiovascular disease, especially in menopausal women.
- Homocysteine is one of the main markers of low-grade inflammation. Its accumulation in the blood can damage and irritate the arteries, leading to the formation of atheromatous plaques in the arteries, which causes the blood to thicken, oxidising cholesterol.
- hs-CRP is a marker that predicts the risk of cardiovascular death.
- BNP is a hormone produced by the heart’s muscle cells. When the heart is “suffering” from heart failure, the amount of BNP released increases.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) levels should be measured as it reduces cholesterol in the blood and dilates the blood vessels.
It is also important to measure vitamin D, vitamin K, the antioxidant vitamins A, E and C, CoQ10, oxidised LDL, lipid peroxides and w3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.A vitamin profi le, oxidative stress profi le and fatty acid status (Biopredix.com) are also prerequisites for a medical prescrip-tion.
As you will have understood:
Taking care of your heart and its arteries is vital if you want to remain in good health and slow down the effects of aging. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing vascular risk factors and having regular cardiovascular check-ups, you can preserve your vitality and wellbeing throughout your life. Do not forget that prevention is the key to staying young and healthy.
Dr Jean-François Bézot and Dr Kahina Betroune
Doctor Jean-François Bézot. Medical biologist. Pharmaceutical doctor, Paris Pharmaceutical Faculty. Former house pharmacist in the Paris Hospitals. Has specialised in anti-aging biology and functional proteomics since 1988. Permanent member of the French Society of Aesthetic Medicine. International conference speaker. In charge of the university course in Anti-Aging Medicine (Paris Créteil university).
Doctor Kahina Betroune. Vascular and aesthetics doctor in her private practice in Paris 16 and at the American Hospital of Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Her expertise in diagnosis and treatment in vascular medicine and phlebology led her to turn her attention to aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, with an innovative approach based on prevention and using Doppler ultrasonography in aesthetic injection techniques. She teaches various university diplomas and speaks at national and international conferences.
