Optimal health depends on unobstructed blood flow to all our organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis obstructs blood flow acutely (e.g. heart attacks, strokes) or chronically. Prior columns in this series discussed heart attacks, which are preventable but which unfortunately remain the number one cause of death in the U.S. Today’s column is about other problems caused by atherosclerosis.

Musculoskeletal problems: Let’s start with something that most people including many physicians are not aware of. According to an academic orthopedist who spoke at the International Conference on Plant-Based Nutrition a couple of years ago, poor circulation caused by atherosclerosis to areas like the low back and rotator cuff in shoulders contributes to injuries—and hinders postoperative healing.

Sexual dysfunction occurs when blood flow to sex organs is compromised. The penile artery is small and thread-like. Men with erectile dysfunction not only need a prescription for Viagra but an evaluation for arterial disease elsewhere. Unobstructed blood flow is also necessary for optimal sexual function in women.

Strokes: Most are cause by rupture of atherosclerotic plaque in an artery in the brain that causes a clot to form that blocks an artery. Others are caused by a piece of plaque in a carotid artery in the neck that breaks off and travels to the brain where it blocks an artery.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is caused by atherosclerotic blockages in arteries in the legs, leading to need for surgery to open or bypass the blockages. Sometimes it leads to amputation.

Angina is caused by a slow-growing partial blockage in a coronary artery, that results in chest pain with exertion due to inadequate blood flow to part of the myocardium (heart muscle).

Intestinal angina is caused by partial blockage of an artery that supplies blood to intestines, resulting in abdominal pain after eating.

Chronic kidney disease: The kidneys are very vascular organs. When renal arteries become diseased, kidney function starts to decline, eventually resulting in dialysis and kidney transplant. Blockages to one or both arteries that deliver blood to the kidneys is one of the causes of hypertension.

Loss of vision:  Problems with blood flow to the eyes can damage vision and even result in blindness.

Dementia: Multiple small strokes lead to “vascular dementia.” Atherosclerosis is linked to Alzheimer’s as well.

Heart valves: Calcification of heart valves can lead to leaky or obstructed valves. It is thought to be caused by the same process that causes atherosclerosis.

Heart failure: Poor blood flow due to atherosclerosis in coronary arteries can damage heart muscle, resulting in poor pumping action, a.k.a. heart failure.

As a reminder, a good way to access the health of your arteries is a carotid IMT, which is being offered at a discount at Compass Peak Imaging in Glenwood during February (Heart Month). Atherosclerosis is preventable, treatable, and even reversable through simple lifestyle modifications, and when necessary medications.

Dr. Greg Feinsinger is a retired family physician who started the non-profit Center For Prevention and Treatment of Disease Through Nutrition. For questions or to schedule a free consultation about nutrition or heart attack prevention contact him at gfeinsinger@comcast.net or 970-379-5718.