Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD)
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to an illness or injury. Inflammation also plays a critical role in the development of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) which affects an estimated 26 million Americans. ASCVD is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque. Chronic inflammation irritates the blood vessels, and it can stimulate the growth of plaque deposits and loosen existing plaques resulting in blood clots. Blood clots are the primary cause of the reported 800,000 heart attacks and 795,000 strokes in the U.S. each year.
Symptoms of ASCVD
Plaque deposits build up over time so at the early stage of this disease you may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of moderate to severe of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion if the blockage affects blood flow to the brain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness in your legs
Causes of ASCVD
The exact cause is unknown, but damage to the inner lining of the artery may lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Medical conditions that cause this damage include:
- High cholesterol and high triglycerides
- Inflammation
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
Tests
C-Reactive Protein test
A high sensitivity C-reactive protein test (hs-CRP) measures the levels of CRP in the blood and, along with cholesterol testing, is one more way to optimize our understanding of your heart risk.
Treatments
On June 20, 2023, the FDA approved LODOCO® (Colchicine) as the first anti-inflammatory atheroprotective cardiovascular treatment demonstrated to reduce the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, coronary revascularization, and death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Michelle Arey, PA-C
Cardiology
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Jennifer Audibert, CRNP,C,FNP
Cardiology
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Dweep Barbhaya, MD
Cardiology & Hospital Medicine
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Angelique Duran, FNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Manisha Salvador Durkee, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Ayesha Nzeribe Hatch, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Brooke Elizabeth Huggins, PA-C
Cardiology
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Sumbal Ashraf Janjua, MD
Cardiology
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Tiffany K. McKenzie, AGACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Jennifer S. Mendes, CRNP
Cardiology
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Sunil Kewal Nachnani, MD
Cardiology
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Sana Somani, MD,MBBS
Neurology & Vascular Neurology
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Laura Keiler Topper, CRNP,ANP,BC
Cardiology
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Shannon E Watts, PA-C
Cardiology
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Camellus Okwochi Ezeugwu, MD,PhD
Cardiology
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Additional information
Vascular and Endovascular Program
Partner with a recognized leader in offering care ranging from straightforward vascular disease to the most complex vascular disorders.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.