Let's learn everything about the highways that carry life to our bodies: Arteries!

We all talk about our hearts all the time, and think about them a lot, don't we? But how much do we really know about that amazing 'pipe system' that carries the precious blood pumped by the heart to every tiny cell in our body, from our hair to our toenails? Today, we are going to talk about the arteries, which perform that super important function and on which our body's life depends. Simply put, these are like the highway system inside our body.

What are arteries simply?

Think about the water pump in your house. After the pump pumps water, it needs a pipe system to carry that water to the kitchen, bathroom, and garden, right? That's how it is. Our heart is the main pump in the body. The pipe system that distributes the oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood pumped by this pump to every corner of the body is called the arteries. These are a very important part of our circulatory system. Without these arteries, our brain, kidneys, limbs, and any other organ would not get the oxygen and energy it needs to function. That means our very life depends on the health of this arterial system.

Are there main types of arteries?

Yes, there are slight differences in the function of arteries as well, depending on what they do. We can mainly talk about two types. Although both of these carry clean blood from the heart to the rest of the body, the method is slightly different.

1. Elastic Arteries: Imagine you are squeezing a balloon full of water. That pressure is sucked into the balloon, right? Similarly, when the heart suddenly pumps blood with great pressure, these are the arteries with elastic, strong walls to withstand that intense pressure. These are the largest arteries closest to the heart. For example, the largest artery in our body, the aorta, and the pulmonary artery, belong to this type.

2. Muscular Arteries: Now the blood that comes from those large arteries needs to be sent to specific parts of the body, to be precise, to an arm, a leg, or a part of the brain. That is what these muscular arteries are for. They have more smooth muscle in their walls. Therefore, they can contract and expand a little as needed. This is how the amount of blood going to different parts of the body is controlled. For example, the ``Femoral artery`` in the thigh, the ``Radial artery`` in the wrist, and the ``Brachial artery`` in the arm.

What is the difference between Arteries and Veins?

This is something that many people get confused about. Although arteries and veins are two major types of blood vessels in our body, they have completely different functions. You will understand this easily when you look at this table.

How do arteries help our organs?

Every organ in our body has its own specific artery or arterial branch system. Just as there are roads from different cities to Colombo, our organs also have specific arterial pathways that supply blood.

Some interesting facts you may not know about arteries

• Blood pressure control: Based on signals from your central nervous system, your arteries can constrict and dilate (widen). This process is important for keeping your blood pressure stable.

• Blood volume: At any given moment, about 10% of the total blood volume in your body is inside your arteries.

• The Different Artery: As we mentioned earlier, all arteries normally carry oxygen-rich, clean blood. But there is one exception to this. That is the pulmonary artery . This carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs to be re-oxygenated. This is a very special job.

How is an artery formed?

An artery is not just a tube. It is a complex structure made up of three layers.

1. The innermost layer (Tunica intima): This layer forms the blood's path. It is very smooth. This allows blood to flow easily without clotting.

2. Middle layer (Tunica media): This is the strongest part of the artery. It contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers. It is this layer that allows the artery to contract and dilate.

3. The outermost layer (Tunica externa): This is where the artery is protected and connected to the surrounding tissues. Nerves are also connected to this layer.

What are the common conditions that affect the arteries?

There are several medical conditions that can damage our precious arterial system. It is very important to be aware of these.

• Atherosclerosis: This is the most common problem. Cholesterol, fat, and other substances build up inside the artery walls (we call this 'plaque'), narrowing the blood flow.
• Aneurysm: A weak part of an artery wall that bulges out like a balloon. This is dangerous because it can burst and bleed into the body.
• Blood clot: A blood clot can form inside an artery and completely block blood flow.
• Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This is the main cause of heart attacks.
• Carotid artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Can lead to stroke.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the artery walls.
• High cholesterol: A major cause of atherosclerosis.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood, usually to the legs.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the artery walls.

What are the symptoms that can identify a problem with the arteries?

The scary thing here is that many diseases that damage the arteries, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, don't show any symptoms in the early stages. Even if fat deposits start to build up inside the arteries and start to block them, you may not feel it. Symptoms only appear after the problem has become serious.

Symptoms that may appear when a problem becomes serious:

• Chest pain or tightness (may be a sign of a heart attack)
• Sudden difficulty speaking, drooping of one side of the face, loss of feeling in an arm (signs of a stroke)
• Numbness or pain in the arms and legs (especially when walking)
• Difficulty breathing
• Stomach pain
• Excessive fatigue for no reason

If you have any of these symptoms, please do not ignore them. See your doctor immediately. If you experience chest pain or symptoms of a stroke, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a hospital without delay.

How is the health of the arteries checked and treated?

Your doctor will determine what tests are needed based on your symptoms and family medical history.

• Tests: Tests such as `Angiography` (a special X-ray test), `CT` scan, `MRI` scan, and `Echocardiogram` (an ultrasound scan of the heart) can check the condition of the arteries.
• Treatment: Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the condition.
• Lifestyle changes: This is the foundation of everything.
• Medications: Medications such as cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure-controlling medications, and blood thinners may be prescribed.
• Specialized treatments: If an artery is severely blocked, you may need to undergo things like angioplasty (a procedure that widens the artery and inserts a mesh-like device called a stent) or coronary artery bypass grafting (a surgery that bypasses the blockage and creates a new blood vessel).

What should we do to keep our arteries healthy and clean?

This is the most important part. It's much easier to prevent disease than to treat it after it occurs. The same things you do to keep your heart healthy are also good for your arteries.

• Eat a healthy diet: Reduce your intake of foods high in oil, salt, sugar, fast food, and deep-fried foods. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats, such as baked goods and margarine. Include more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
• Exercise regularly: Even brisk walking until you break a sweat for at least 30 minutes a day is enough.
• Avoid smoking completely: Smoking is the biggest damage you can do to your arteries.
• Sleep well: It is essential for an adult to get between 7-9 hours of sleep per day.
• Manage stress: Relax your mind through meditation, yoga, or listening to music.
• Control other diseases: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol, control them well according to your doctor's instructions.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption.

Just as we think about the heart, we also need to think about this arterial system that carries life to that heart and the entire body. If you take good care of your arteries, they will take good care of you throughout your life.

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