October 23, 2025
In
Ecoterra
Olive oil and cardiovascular diseases
Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol-rich deposits, known as atheromas, accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, these deposits narrow the arteries and reduce the flow of blood to tissues and organs.
The progression of arteriosclerosis is influenced by several factors, the most significant being:
- high blood cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cigarette smoking
These factors contribute to the gradual deterioration of the arteries and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
When arteriosclerosis affects the heart, it can lead to:
- angima
- angina
- heart attack
- an increased risk of sudden cardiac death
When it affects the brain, it may cause cerebral thrombosis, which can result in:
- muscular paralysis
- loss of cognitive capacity
- an increased risk of dementia
Arteriosclerosis may also affect the aorta and the arteries of the legs, causing pain, difficulty in walking and, in severe cases, necrosis or gangrene.