Infertility and cupping

1. Cupping Therapy and Infertility • Dr Muhammad M El Hennawy • • Ob/gyn Consultant • Rass el barr central hospital and dumyat specialised hospital • Dumyatt – EGYPT • www. Mmhennawy.co.nr

2. • If you accept this lecture, take it as a science • If you not accept it, take it as a fun

3. Cupping Therapy • Cupping is an ancient method of causing local congestion. • A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat (old) or suction (recent). • This draws up the underlying tissues. • When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. • Cupping therapy was originally used in Egypt and China dating back some 3,500 years • Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain Acupuncture points, • as well as to region of the organ or the area of dysfunction • as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled)

4. Types of Cupping Therapy • Dry Cupping • Wet Cupping

5. Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, • causing tissues to release toxins, • activate the lymphatic system, • clear colon blockages, • help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, • activate the skin, • clear stretch marks • and improve varicose veins. • Cupping is the best deep tissue massage available. • Cupping, the technique, is very useful and very safe, being free from side effects and can be easily learned

6. Infertility • biologically, inability to procreate can be classified as • Infertility – the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (6 months for women over 35) • infecundity (the inability of a couple to produce a live birth)

7. Causes Of Infertility – Female factor ~40% – Male factor ~30% – Combined ~30% AETIOLOGY • Sperm disorders 30.6% • Anovulation/oligoovulation 30% • Tubal disease 16% • Unexplained 13.4% • Cx factors 5.2% • Peritoneal factors 4.8%

8. Female Infertility • Female – Ovary – Tube – Corpus – Cervix – Peritoneum

9. Male Infertility – Sperm count and function – Ejaculate characteristics, immunology – Anatomic anomalies                                                                                                               (P.T.O)

10. Female Infertility

11. Timing Of Treatment • around day 5 of the cycle until day 11 (induction-augmentation) • Ovulation phase (around day 12 of the cycle until day 16)--(triggering ovulation) • Luteal phase (around day 17 of the cycle until day 28)--(luteal phase support- improve implantation)

12. Ovulation Disorder stimulate follicle development It is likely that the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis is involved in cupping -driven ovulation induction, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear The result with an average of 38.7% • Hormonal Infertility

13. For Induction Of Ovulation (as clomid) • use st28 or st 30 or k13 or Zi Gong or • + or- sp6 • 3 times in follicular phase • (around day 5 of the cycle until day 11) eg At day 5,7,9

14. For Ovarian Hyperstimulation for IVF (augmentation of ovulation as hMg( • Bl 23 and Gv 4 • Every 2 day till day of retrieval of ova

15. Some use st28 or st 30 or k13 or Zi Gong + or- sp6 Plus Bl 23 and Gv 4 In PCOS decrease points to avoid OHSS

16. Triggering Ovulation as HCG• Ovulation phase (around day 12 of the cycle until day 16): • Two sessions of Cupping treatment, • using the acupoints CV3, CV4, ST29, Zi Gong + or - SP6

17. In Vitro Fertilisation • researchers have remarkably increased pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). . In the cupping group, 42.5 percent of patients became pregnant, while in the IVF-only group, 26.3% of patients conceived • Many are using Cupping in conjunction with traditional medical treatments such as fertility drug • Cupping: Shuidao (ST28), Zhongji (CV 3) and Guanyuan (CV4) on days 3, 6, 9 • and in some cases 11 • Do with follicle-stimulating hormone injections • then one prior to having fertilized embryos transferred into their uterus, • and one directly afterwards

18. PCOS • it appears that cupping may have a beneficial effect on women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and anovulation, supported by both clinical and experimental evidence.” • But In PCOS decrease points to avoid OHSS • Start at morning 8 am for ½ hr

19. Hirsutism • Add D 14(C7-T1), • St 30 (ovary) • Bl 20(T11) (adrenal)

20. Thyroid Dysfunction • Add • Si 16 (C3-C4) • D14 (C7) • D12 (T3)

21. Galactorrhea • Add Gb 34, Gb41

22. Tubal Inflammatory Block • Cupping is trying in the treatment of female infertility due to inflammatory obstruction of the fallopian tubes, where it seems to be superior to conventional therapy with intrauterine injection of gentamicin, chymotrypsin and dexamethasone • Because cupping stimulates ACTH which increases CORTISONE which relieves inflammation and edema • Bl32( S2), Cv4 • + or - Bl 20 ( T11)

23. Uterine Cause • Increase receptivity Of Endometrium-- Cv3 or Cv2 • Decrease contractility of uterus -- Li 4 • Luteal Phase support –St28, Sp6 or Bl32 • Twice / Week • for 4 Weeks after ovulation

24. Improve Implantation • “The peripheral impact of cupping in improving uterine artery blood flow and hence endometrial thickness also provides encouraging data regarding its potential positive effect on • Cv3 or Cv2

25. Luteal phase Support • Luteal phase (around day 17 of the cycle until day 28): • One to two Cupping sessions were given/week. • The acupoints used were ST29, Zi Gong + or - SP6

26. Endometriosis • Cv2, Cv4, Sp 8 • + or - D 10 ( T6-T7) + or- Cv 16 • + or – Bl20(T11) • 10 minutes / point/day • Course -- 7 day • Need 2 courses

27. Obesity • Add D14(C7) • D12(T3) • Bl 10(T6-T7) • Bl 21(T12) • Cv 16

28. Immunological cause • Add D 10 ( T6-T7) , Cv 16

29. Psycological cause • Add D20 - D14 (C7)- Bl 19(T6) – D3(L4-L5)

30. Unexplained Infertility Cv 16 Cv3 or Cv2 St28 or St 30 Si 16 ( C3-C4) D14 (C7) Bl 19(T6) D 10 ( T6-T7) Bl 25 D3(L4-L5)

31. In Clinical Practice • Cupping physicians typically see about a 30% success rate (depending on age of patient) to treat infertility. • The treatment course could be anywhere from 3 to 6 months or up to one year, • depending on severity. • The outcome can be most rewarding, however. Along with giving birth to a healthy baby,

32. Observation of the effectiveness of the treatment for each cause of infertility Cause of infertility Success rate(%) Ovulatory factor 48% Tubal factor 35% Endometriosis 36% Unexplained 48%

33. Observation of the effectiveness and the duration of treatment in cases pregnancy Duration of the treatment Percentage)%( 1st cycle 24% 2nd cycle 25% 3rd cycle 22% 4th –9th cycle 29% •The results suggest that, among pregnancy cases, about 70% of the patients became pregnant in the first course (first three months) of the treatment. •Nevertheless, still close to 30% of the patients became pregnant during the second or third course of the treatment.

34. How can Cupping help improve my success rate with in-vitro fertilization? 1. Regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles 2. Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs 3. Relax the patient and decrease stress 4. Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining 5. Strengthen the immune system 6. Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF 7. Prevent the uterus from contracting 8. Improve semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos 9. Decrease chances of miscarriage

35. Conditions unlikely to respond to cupping - complete blockage of the fallopian tubes, - extremely low sperm count, - Permanent premature ovarian failure. In these cases, IVF or other reproductive techniques are usually suggested

36. Male Infertility

37. Spermatogenesis induction • use C3 + sp6 Plus Bl 23 and Gv 4 • Every 3 day for 3 month • With good diet • And calm head

38. Thyroid Dysfunction • Add • Si 16 ( C3-C4) • D14(C7) • D12(T3)

39. Varicocele • Add St30 • Bl 21(T12) • Bl 25(L4) – • D 3(L4-L5) • (S2)28-29 30-31

40. Prostate cause • Add D14 • D12 • Bl 19 • C4 • C2

41. Genital Tract Inflammation • ....” “Males with genital tract inflammation exhibited the most remarkable improvement in sperm density...” “It is concluded that cupping may be a useful, nontraumatic treatment for males with very poor sperm density • ....“A definite increase in sperm count was detected

42. Sexual Weakness • Add Cv 4-Cv3- Cv 2 • St 30 • D14(C7-T1) • D12(T3) • Bl 19(T6) • Bl 25(L4) • D3(L4-L5)

43. Obesity • Add D14(C7) • D12(T3) • Bl 19(T6) • Bl 219T12) • Cv 16

44. Immunological cause • Add D 10 ( T6-T7) , Cv 16

45. Psychological cause • Add D20 • D14 (C7) • Bl 19(T6) • D3(L4-L5)

46. Unexplained Infertility Cv 16 Cv3 or Cv2 St28 or St 30 Si 16 ( C3-C4) D14 (C7) Bl 19(T6) D 10 ( T6-T7) Bl 25 D3(L4-L5)

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REMOVE TOXIC BLOOD

Stagnation of body systems can be the result of lack of movement, injury, stress, a lack of blood or the invasion of cold into the body and joints. Cold drinks and foods or irregular feeding habits can also cause accumulation problems. All these impair the Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation. Clinical manifestations of this are restlessness, vomiting, and the production of phlegm, diarrhea, constipation, a hardened stomach and painful abdomen. Hijama relieves all these symptoms.

OEDEMAS (SWELLINGS)

What is oedema?

The definition of Oedema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet, ankles and legs, where it is referred to as peripheral edema. Edema of the foot is sometimes called pedal edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues.

All tissues of the body are made up of cells and blood vessels, and connective tissues that hold the cells together called the interstitium. Most of the body's fluids that are found outside of the cells are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels (as the "liquid" or serum portion of your blood) and the interstitial spaces (not within the cells). In various diseases, excess fluid can accumulate in either one or both of these compartments.

The body's organs have interstitial spaces where fluid can accumulate, and there are a number of different types of edema. An accumulation of fluid in the interstitial air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs occurs in a disorder called pulmonary edema. In addition, excess fluid sometimes collects in what is called the third space, which includes cavities in the abdomen (abdominal or peritoneal cavity - called "ascites") or in the chest (lung or pleural cavity - called "pleural effusion").

Anasarca or extreme generalized edema refers to the severe, widespread accumulation of fluid in the all of the tissues and cavities of the body at the same time.

Cerebral Oedema is an accumulation of excess fluid in the brain.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

What Is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms inside a vein, usually deep within your leg. About half a million Americans every year get one, and up to 100,000 die because of it. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through your bloodstream. It could get stuck in your lungs and block blood flow, causing organ damage or death.

Symptoms

Swelling or redness and tenderness or pain in the area of the clot. But you won't always have these. Unfortunately, about half of people with DVT get no warning signs.

Pulmonary Embolism

This is a clot that moves into your lungs and blocks the blood supply. It can cause trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, a faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these, call 911 and get medical care right away.

What Causes DVT?

Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT -- surgery, an injury, or your immune system. If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it's more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that's already damaged. People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more at risk for blood clots, too.

Who Is Likely to Get DVT?

Some people with a higher risk are those who:

Have cancer

Have had surgery

Are on extended bed rest

Are older

Smoke

Are overweight or obese

Sit for long times, like on a long airplane flight

Pregnancy

Women are more likely to develop DVT during pregnancy and the 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. That's when they have higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood clot more easily. The pressure of their expanding uterus can slow blood flow in the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost their risk even more.

Hormone Therapy

Like pregnancy, birth control pills and some treatments for postmenopausal symptoms raise the amount of estrogen in a woman's blood. That can increase her risk of DVT, even if she doesn't have a blood disorder.

Get a Diagnosis

Your doctor will check you for signs of DVT. He may also ask about your medical history, medications you're taking, medical problems of close relatives, and things that put you at risk. An ultrasound is the most common way to confirm a diagnosis. It uses sound waves to "see" the blood flow and reveal a clot. You might also need other tests, such as a blood test called a d-dimer.

Blood Thinners

Drugs called anticoagulants are the most common way to treat DVT. Although they're known as blood thinners, they don't really thin your blood. They make it less "sticky" to prevent new blood clots from forming. They can't break up a clot you already have, but they will give your body time to dissolve it on its own. You take these medications in a pill or by needle.

Side Effects of Blood Thinners

People who take these may get bruises often or bleed more easily. When you take certain ones, you'll need to watch what you eat. And you'll need to go to a lab regularly to get your blood checked to make sure you've got the right amount of the drug in your body. You don't have to do that for newer medications, but they make it harder to stop bleeding if you have an accident.

Let your doctor know if you bleed a lot from minor injuries.

Internal Bleeding

Blood thinners can also make it easier to bleed inside your body, where you can't see it. Bleeding in your belly can cause pain, vomit that's red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools. Bleeding in your brain can cause severe headaches, vision changes, unnatural movements, and confusion.

Vena Cava Filter

If you can't take blood thinners or they aren't working, your doctor may recommend putting a filter into your biggest vein, called the vena cava. This filter catches breakaway clots and stops them from getting into your lungs and heart. It won't stop new clots from forming or cure DVT, but it can help prevent a dangerous pulmonary embolism.

Clot Busters

Medications that dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so doctors use them only in emergencies -- to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot in your lung, for example. You get thrombolytics by IV in a hospital.

Compression Stockings

These special socks put gentle pressure on your legs to keep your blood moving. They can help prevent clots from forming as well as reduce swelling and relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter, but your doctor will need to write a prescription for ones with more pressure. Wear them even at home.

Long-Term Effects

Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant reminder. You may see long-term swelling or changes in skin color where the clot was. Or it could hurt. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up as much as a year after the clot.

Exercise

Use your muscles to promote blood flow. Work your lower leg muscles especially. When you're not active -- at your desk, for example -- take breaks to stretch your legs. Stand up. Step away for a bit. Regular exercise also helps keep you at a healthy weight, and that lowers your risk, too.

Prophetic Cures

Hijamah and Fasd(venesection)

Results of the latter treatments bring about natural homeostasis...Alhamdulillah!!

KNOWING SCIATICA

What Is Sciatica?................

Sciatica is a pain that radiates from the low back down a lower extremity; it is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve transmits sensation from the lower extremities and lumbar area of the low back. It is common for people to recover from sciatica without a surgical operation.

Sciatica Symptoms

Low back pain that radiates to the hip, buttock, and down a lower extremity is the most common symptom of sciatica. Sometimes sciatica pain worsens with bending at the waist, coughing, sitting, or sneezing. Sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness, or weakness of the leg. Sciatica symptoms can occur rapidly and persist for weeks.

Sciatica or Other Back Pain?

Back pain is extremely common. There are many causes of lower back pain that are not sciatica. Frequently, low back pain is caused by back strain of muscles and ligaments. The characteristic feature of sciatica is pain that radiates down the leg from the low back, often reaching the foot.

Who Is Likely to Get Sciatica?

Sciatica is common as we reach middle age. Pregnancy can lead to sciatica as a result of direct pressure on the sciatic nerve by the enlarging uterus. Other causes of sciatica are degenerative spinal arthritis and lumbar disk herniation.

Cause: Herniated Disk

Disk herniation is a common cause of sciatica. The disk cushions between the spinal vertebrae weaken and are more vulnerable to injury as we age. The weakened disk can herniate its gel-like centre to cause direct pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal that form the sciatic nerve.

Cause: Spinal Stenosis

Degeneration of the vertebrae of the spine can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal; this is called spinal stenosis. This can lead to pressure on the spinal nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be a symptom of spinal stenosis.

Cause: Spinal Tumors

Tumors are rare causes of sciatica when they put direct pressure on the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots.

Cause: Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle in the buttock can sometimes lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is referred to as piriformis syndrome.

Cause: Infection or Injury

Rarely, sciatica can be caused by injury, fracture, infection, or inflammation. Any condition that leads to direct pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. Sometimes, no specific cause of sciatica can be detected.

Diagnosing Sciatica: Exam

To detect the cause of sciatica, the doctor will ask about all the symptoms the patient is experiencing as well as their location and aggravating or relieving features. During the examination, the patient may be asked to do various manoeuvres with the lower extremities.

Diagnosing Sciatica: Imaging

Various tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, and others, may be used to help detect the cause of sciatica. With a precise diagnosis, the treatment program can be optimized.

Complications Related to Sciatica

When sciatica is complicated by uncontrolled loss of bowel or bladder control, it is considered an emergency. These symptoms are evaluated rapidly to consider whether or not an immediate surgical operation is necessary.

Sciatica Relief: Use Ice and Heat

Home remedies for new sciatica include heat-pad or ice-pack applications. Each can be applied for approximately 20 minutes every couple of hours. Some benefit from alternating heat and ice applications.

Sciatica Relief: Medication

Medications that are over the counter and are used for sciatica include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Cortisone injections into the spinal canal can be helpful for selected patients.

Sciatica Relief: Stretching

Strict bed rest is recommended less often than in the past. Physical therapists are experts at designing optimal exercise programs for sciatica. Brief walking can be helpful for certain people with sciatica.

Sciatica Relief: Injections

Spinal injection of cortisone medication (steroids) can be beneficial for severe sciatica. This medication rapidly reduces the inflammation around the nerves.

Sciatica Relief: Surgery

For persisting sciatica that does not respond to medical management, surgical operation can sometimes be required. Various operations differ depending on the exact condition causing the sciatica. Sometimes disk material and bone is actually removed to free up the adjacent irritated nerves.

Complementary Therapies

Adjunctive therapies, such as massage, yoga, chiropractic, and acupuncture, can sometimes be helpful for back pain.

Preventing Sciatica

Sciatica can recur. To minimize the chances of recurrence, people should exercise regularly, maintain proper posture, and protect the back by bending at the knees to lift heavier objects.

Hijamah.

One of the best forms of treatment for Sciatica is hijamah...points administered in the lower lumbar region following a path to the sacral area and then all the way down to the leg towards the foot not forgetting the buttocks where the Piriformis muscle lies.

As ALWAYS results are superb!!

ARTERIAL PLAQUE- CLOGGED ARTERIES -

-ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. They go to your brain as well as to the tips of your toes. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Some people, however, develop clogged arteries. Clogged arteries result from a buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Arterial plaque can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether.

Clogged arteries greatly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Because of these dangers, it is important to be aware, no matter how old you are, of the causes of artery plaque and treatment strategies to prevent serious consequences.

What causes arterial plaque?

Plaque that accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, a material involved in blood clotting. In response to plaque buildup, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.

As plaque deposits grow, a condition called atherosclerosis results. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden.

Although experts don’t know for sure what starts atherosclerosis, the process seems to stem from damage to the arterial wall. This damage, which enables the deposition of plaque, may result from:

High ''bad'' cholesterol and low ''good'' cholesterol

 High levels of ''bad'' cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are major contributors to arterial plaque formation. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Everyone also has ''good'' cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), circulating in the blood. HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated.

High blood pressure . Having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries.

Cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke seems to increase the rate of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, legs, and the aorta -- the largest artery in the body.

Diabetes, or elevated circulating blood sugaris also a major culprit. Even people who have elevated sugars not yet at the level of diabetes, such as seen in the metabolic syndrome, also have increased risk of plaque formation.

Plaque often starts to develop during the childhood or teenage years. Then clogged arteries develop in middle age or later.

What are the dangers of arterial plaque and clogged arteries?

It depends on where arterial plaque accumulates. Clogged arteries in different parts of the body can lead to multiple medical conditions, including:

Coronary artery disease. When plaque accumulates in the arteries carrying blood to the heart, it results in coronary artery disease, or heart disease. This condition can lead to heart attacks and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Carotid artery disease . The carotid arteries run up either side of your neck. They supply oxygen to your brain. The accumulation of arterial plaque in the carotid arteries can lead to stroke.

Peripheral artery disease. If plaque builds up in the blood vessels that carry blood to your legs, it can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered. The reduced blood flow can cause you to experience pain, numbness, or serious infection in your legs and feet.

Do clogged arteries cause any symptoms?

In many instances, clogged arteries do not cause any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.

At other times, especially when the the artery is blocked by 70% or more, the buildup of arterial plaque may cause symptoms that include:

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Weakness or dizziness

Nausea

Sweating

The first symptom, chest pain, is also called angina. It may result from reduced blood flow to the heart. That reduced blood flow is caused by plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.

Clogged arteries in carotid artery disease may cause stroke precursors known as transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs. TIAs may produce the following symptoms:

Sensation of weakness or numbness on one side of your body

Inability to move an arm or a leg

Loss of vision on one side only

Slurring of words

Clogged arteries in peripheral artery disease may cause:

Leg pain

Delayed healing of injuries to the feet

Cold feet

Gangrene

Are there tests for clogged arteries?

Yes. There are several tests for clogged arteries. Your doctor will determine which tests to prescribe based on your symptoms and medical history. The tests may include:

Cholesterol screening

Chest X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

Echocardiogram and/or cardiac stress test

Electrocardiogram

MRI or PET scanning

Angiogram

How are clogged arteries or arterial plaque treated?

There are a variety of prevention and treatment options for clogged arteries. What your doctor prescribes to reduce arterial plaque and prevent clogged arteries will depend on the severity of your condition and your medical history. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

1. Lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle is essential for the management of arterial plaque and treatment of clogged arteries. This includes:

Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with less sugars and simple carbohydrates, and rich in fruits and vegetables

Maintaining a healthy body weight

Not smoking

Exercising regularly

Managing stress levels

Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down

Maintaining low blood sugars

2. Surgical procedures. In some instances, surgery may be necessary to treat clogged arteries and prevent additional arterial plaque accumulation. Surgery may include:

Stent placement. A metal tube called a stent, which may contain medication, can be placed in an artery to maintain adequate blood flow.

Bypass surgery. In this operation, arteries from other parts of the body are moved to bypass clogged arteries and help oxygen-rich blood reach its target destination.

Balloon angioplasty. This procedure helps open clogged arteries that have become partially or fully blocked.

3. Medications. A number of medications may help control some of the factors that contribute to the accumulation of arterial plaque. These include:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Blood pressure-lowering drugs

Aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, which reduce the likelihood of dangerous blood clot formation

Hijamah.

If performed correctly and at the systemic points coupled with a good diet Artherosclorosis can be kept to a minimum,,inshaAllah!!

ARTERIAL PLAQUE- CLOGGED ARTERIES -

-ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. They go to your brain as well as to the tips of your toes. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Some people, however, develop clogged arteries. Clogged arteries result from a buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Arterial plaque can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether.

Clogged arteries greatly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Because of these dangers, it is important to be aware, no matter how old you are, of the causes of artery plaque and treatment strategies to prevent serious consequences.

What causes arterial plaque?

Plaque that accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, a material involved in blood clotting. In response to plaque buildup, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.

As plaque deposits grow, a condition called atherosclerosis results. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden.

Although experts don’t know for sure what starts atherosclerosis, the process seems to stem from damage to the arterial wall. This damage, which enables the deposition of plaque, may result from:

High ''bad'' cholesterol and low ''good'' cholesterol

 High levels of ''bad'' cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are major contributors to arterial plaque formation. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Everyone also has ''good'' cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), circulating in the blood. HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated.

High blood pressure . Having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries.

Cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke seems to increase the rate of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, legs, and the aorta -- the largest artery in the body.

Diabetes, or elevated circulating blood sugaris also a major culprit. Even people who have elevated sugars not yet at the level of diabetes, such as seen in the metabolic syndrome, also have increased risk of plaque formation.

Plaque often starts to develop during the childhood or teenage years. Then clogged arteries develop in middle age or later.

What are the dangers of arterial plaque and clogged arteries?

It depends on where arterial plaque accumulates. Clogged arteries in different parts of the body can lead to multiple medical conditions, including:

Coronary artery disease. When plaque accumulates in the arteries carrying blood to the heart, it results in coronary artery disease, or heart disease. This condition can lead to heart attacks and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Carotid artery disease . The carotid arteries run up either side of your neck. They supply oxygen to your brain. The accumulation of arterial plaque in the carotid arteries can lead to stroke.

Peripheral artery disease. If plaque builds up in the blood vessels that carry blood to your legs, it can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered. The reduced blood flow can cause you to experience pain, numbness, or serious infection in your legs and feet.

Do clogged arteries cause any symptoms?

In many instances, clogged arteries do not cause any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.

At other times, especially when the the artery is blocked by 70% or more, the buildup of arterial plaque may cause symptoms that include:

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Weakness or dizziness

Nausea

Sweating

The first symptom, chest pain, is also called angina. It may result from reduced blood flow to the heart. That reduced blood flow is caused by plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.

Clogged arteries in carotid artery disease may cause stroke precursors known as transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs. TIAs may produce the following symptoms:

Sensation of weakness or numbness on one side of your body

Inability to move an arm or a leg

Loss of vision on one side only

Slurring of words

Clogged arteries in peripheral artery disease may cause:

Leg pain

Delayed healing of injuries to the feet

Cold feet

Gangrene

Are there tests for clogged arteries?

Yes. There are several tests for clogged arteries. Your doctor will determine which tests to prescribe based on your symptoms and medical history. The tests may include:

Cholesterol screening

Chest X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

Echocardiogram and/or cardiac stress test

Electrocardiogram

MRI or PET scanning

Angiogram

How are clogged arteries or arterial plaque treated?

There are a variety of prevention and treatment options for clogged arteries. What your doctor prescribes to reduce arterial plaque and prevent clogged arteries will depend on the severity of your condition and your medical history. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

1. Lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle is essential for the management of arterial plaque and treatment of clogged arteries. This includes:

Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with less sugars and simple carbohydrates, and rich in fruits and vegetables

Maintaining a healthy body weight

Not smoking

Exercising regularly

Managing stress levels

Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down

Maintaining low blood sugars

2. Surgical procedures. In some instances, surgery may be necessary to treat clogged arteries and prevent additional arterial plaque accumulation. Surgery may include:

Stent placement. A metal tube called a stent, which may contain medication, can be placed in an artery to maintain adequate blood flow.

Bypass surgery. In this operation, arteries from other parts of the body are moved to bypass clogged arteries and help oxygen-rich blood reach its target destination.

Balloon angioplasty. This procedure helps open clogged arteries that have become partially or fully blocked.

3. Medications. A number of medications may help control some of the factors that contribute to the accumulation of arterial plaque. These include:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

Blood pressure-lowering drugs

Aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, which reduce the likelihood of dangerous blood clot formation

Hijamah.

If performed correctly and at the systemic points coupled with a good diet Artherosclorosis can be kept to a minimum,,inshaAllah!!