BLOCKED ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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A blocked artery refers to a medical condition characterized by the obstruction or narrowing of one or more blood vessels within the body. Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the various tissues and organs throughout the body. When an artery becomes progressively narrowed or completely blocked, it hampers the flow of blood, thereby compromising the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to the targeted tissues.
The primary cause of a blocked artery is the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances on the inner lining of the arterial walls. These deposits, also known as plaques, can gradually build up and cause the arteries to become narrowed, restricting blood flow. In some cases, blood clots may form on the plaque's surface, which can further obstruct blood vessels. This condition is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis or arterial plaque buildup.
Blocked arteries can have severe health implications, depending on the location and extent of the blockage. Common symptoms include chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and even heart attack or stroke. Diagnostic tests such as angiography, Doppler ultrasound, or computed tomography angiography (CTA) are typically performed to identify the presence of blocked arteries.
Treatment options for blocked arteries may include lifestyle changes (e.g., dietary modifications and increased physical activity), medication to manage risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure and cholesterol), or interventional procedures like angioplasty and stenting to open up the blocked arteries. In more severe cases, surgical interventions like bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow to the affected areas. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications associated with blocked arteries.
Common Misspellings for BLOCKED ARTERY
- vlocked artery
- nlocked artery
- hlocked artery
- glocked artery
- bkocked artery
- bpocked artery
- boocked artery
- blicked artery
- blkcked artery
- bllcked artery
- blpcked artery
- bl0cked artery
- bl9cked artery
- bloxked artery
- blovked artery
- blofked artery
- blodked artery
- blocjed artery
- blocmed artery
- blocled artery
Etymology of BLOCKED ARTERY
The term "blocked artery" consists of two elements: "blocked" and "artery".
1. "Blocked": The word "blocked" comes from the Old English word "bloccian", meaning "to stop up, obstruct, or block". It has Germanic origins and shares a common origin with words like "block" or "plank". Over time, "blocked" became associated with any form of obstruction or hindrance.
2. "Artery": The word "artery" comes from the Latin word "arteria", which means "windpipe" or "artery". The Latin term itself derives from the Greek word "artēria", which originally referred to the bronchial tubes in the human body. The Greeks used this term because they thought arteries carried air rather than blood. It was not until the second century that Greek physician Galen discovered that arteries carry blood instead.
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