The thickening and hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis is a condition that usually affects the medium- and large-sized arteries of the body. The largest blood vessel, the aorta, which extends form the left ventricle of the heart and supplies oxygenated blood to all of body’s tissue via its many branches, is no exception.

When severely affected by atherosclerosis, the flow of blood through the aorta can be hindered and oxygen deficiency (ischemia) or gangrene can develop. Atherosclerosis is also the primary underlying cause of heart attacks, strokes, and aortic aneurysms, which are blood-filled dilations of the vessel wall. The rupture of an aneurysm can be deadly due to the hemorrhaging it causes.

Atherosclerosis is generally thought to result from the gradual build-up of cholesterol, fibrin, fatty materials, calcium, and other substances inside the arteries, where they form plaques. Many scientists believe that these plaques develop at sites of arterial injuries related to high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and other known atherosclerosis risk factors. However, some researchers have suggested that atherosclerosis-initiating injuries may also stem form chronic inflammation of the arterial walls. Though there is significant debate regarding the issue, viral and bacterial infections could cause such inflammation and are, therefore, currently under investigation as possible factors that contribute to atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol is essential to the body because it is a key component of cellular membranes. However, too much cholesterol in the blood appears to enable the substance to become inappropriately deposited on the walls of the arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis. Consequently, limiting dietary intake of cholesterol is often cited as one of the best ways to slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Avoiding tobacco smoke, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and maintaining healthy blood pressure are other methods that individuals concerned about atherosclerosis can take to combat the disease. For people unable to sufficiently reduce their risk for atherosclerosis via dietary and lifestyle changes, a number of medications are available that can slow the disease and reduce the chances that heart attack, stroke, or another medical emergency related to the disease will occur.

Aortic Atherosclerosis at 10x Magnification - Back pain is a common and well known complaint among the elderly. Recent investigations suggest that in some individuals back pain is linked to atherosclerosis.

Aortic Atherosclerosis at 40x Magnification - Patients with advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta reportedly are at elevated risk for deterioration of the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae of the spine, which may manifest as the lower-back pain that is so prevalent among individuals of advanced age.