What are the early signs of atherosclerosis?

The early manifestations of atherosclerosis mainly include endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress and hemorheology changes. Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation: Vascular smooth muscle cells are one of the main cells in the vascular wall. Its proliferation is one of the early manifestations of atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation will lead to vascular wall thickening, blood lumen stenosis, affecting blood supply. 3. Inflammation: atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Inflammation is one of the early manifestations of atherosclerosis. Inflammation can lead to vascular endothelial cell damage, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and promote plaque formation and development. 4. Oxidative stress: Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance of oxidation and antioxidant systems in the body, resulting in excessive production of free radicals. Oxidative stress is one of the early manifestations of atherosclerosis. Free radicals can damage vascular endothelial cells, promote inflammation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and accelerate the process of atherosclerosis. 5. Hemorheological changes: Hemorheological changes refer to changes in viscosity, fluidity and coagulation of blood, which are one of the early manifestations of atherosclerosis. Hemorheological changes can lead to poor blood flow in blood vessels, increase pressure and damage of blood vessel wall, and promote the formation and development of atherosclerosis. In summary, the early manifestations of atherosclerosis are complex processes involving multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms that provide the basis for the further development of atherosclerosis and, if left untreated, may lead to serious cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Therefore, for high-risk groups with family history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc., regular physical examination should be carried out to detect and treat early manifestations of atherosclerosis and prevent the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, moderate exercise, weight control, etc., also helps to prevent the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.