The cause of actor Ray Liotta’s death a yr ago this month has now been revealed.
Liotta, 67, died of pulmonary edema and acute heart failure in his sleep while working on a movie in the Dominican Republic on May 26 last yr, in response to documents obtained by TMZ — because of a condition that affects half of Americans over the (*45*) of 45: atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis, dubbed the “silent killer”, is characterised by the slow build-up of plaque in the arteries, with complications starting from pulmonary edema to acute heart failure.
Experts describe plaque as a sticky by-product in the blood that consists of a mixture of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other deposits. As plaque clogs the partitions of the vascular system, the arteries turn into hard and narrow, and may eventually completely block blood flow.
This could result in complications akin to those that led to Liotta’s death.
What are the symptoms – and deadly complications – of atherosclerosis?
In response to US National Institutes of Healthabout half of Americans between the ages of 45 and 84 have atherosclerosis and do not realize it because the disease progresses slowly and the onset of symptoms is commonly delayed until conditions turn into dire – too late for some.
Most “silent killer” symptoms are considered medical emergencies, and when you experience them, it is important to hunt medical attention immediately.
One of the commonest symptoms of atherosclerosis is painful cramps in the muscles of the hips and legs when walking and stopping when resting.
This may occasionally indicate peripheral arterial disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and arms.
One other common symptom is a “deep, aching pain” in the abdominal or back area, which could mean an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Chest pain during activity can be an indication of an impending heart attack brought on by plaque buildup in the arteries. Non-fatal symptoms of a heart attack include pain in the arm and chest, nausea and vomiting, cold sweats and shortness of breath.
Atherosclerosis may also cause a ‘mini-stroke’, formally referred to as a transient ischemic attack, which causes a sudden, severe headache, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, and difficulty moving or forming thoughts. This complication of atherosclerosis indicates that the patient could also be referred for a bigger, full stroke.
How is atherosclerosis diagnosed?
Along with the physical signals mentioned, atherosclerosis may be diagnosed using a blood panel to detect high cholesterol and blood sugar or an exercise test, and ECG readings reveal abnormalities in heart rate.
Doppler ultrasound may additionally be used: it takes blood pressure readings in the ankles and arms, showing pulses in blood flow throughout the body.
By looking deeper into the vascular system, a coronary scan can see the amount of calcium in the partitions of the coronary arteries.
How is atherosclerosis treated?
Atherosclerosis may be treated if caught in time. Lifestyle changes, akin to quitting smoking, eating healthily, and increasing physical activity, are sometimes the first steps suggested by doctors.
There are also certain medications that might help treat the condition, akin to blood thinners and statins that help lower cholesterol.
In case of heavy accumulation, the catheter can be inserted into the blood vessel, thus re-opening the path to the heart.
Who’s most in danger of atherosclerosis?
Patients over the (*45*) of 45 who’re diagnosed with hypertension, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol are considered by health workers to be at increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Genetics also plays a very important role and may result in the development of the disease despite the lack of obvious risk aspects.