First off, despite what you may read, there is some hope of reversing micro-vascular damage, which comes from understanding the underlying causes and acting to correct them. Micro-vascular disease refers to damage and dysfunction of the small blood vessels, typically those that supply the organs and tissues throughout the body.
Mechanisms
There are several mechanisms by which micro-vascular disease can cause damage.
Plaque Buildup
Firstly, atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels, limiting the flow of blood and oxygen to the tissues. This can result in tissue damage and eventual organ dysfunction.
Inflammation
Secondly, inflammation plays a significant role in micro-vascular disease, as chronic inflammation can cause damage to the blood vessel walls, leading to their dysfunction and reduced blood flow.
Blood clots
The formation of blood clots within the small vessels can also obstruct blood flow and cause tissue damage.
Exacerbation
Diabetes and hypertension, which are common risk factors for micro-vascular disease, can further contribute to damage by impairing the ability of blood vessels to dilate and constrict appropriately.
Overall, micro-vascular disease mechanisms involve a combination of narrowed blood vessels, inflammation, clot formation, and impaired vascular function, all of which contribute to tissue damage and organ dysfunction.
Effects on Organs
Micro vascular disease affects the small blood vessels in various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, skin, digestion system, kidneys, ligaments, and bones. These tiny blood vessels, also known as micro-vessels, are responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to different tissues and organs. When these vessels become damaged or diseased, it can lead to a variety of health problems.
Brain
One of the most common effects of micro-vascular disease is seen in the brain. The brain relies heavily on a steady supply of blood to function properly. When the micro-vessels in the brain become narrowed or blocked, it can result in reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cognitive impairment, memory problems, and an increased risk of stroke.
Heart
Micro vascular disease also has significant effects on the heart. The micro-vessels in the heart can become damaged due to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. This can result in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, known as angina, or even a heart attack.
Skin
In the skin, micro-vascular disease can cause poor circulation, leading to slow wound healing and an increased risk of ulcers and infections. This is especially common in people with diabetes, where high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels.
Digestive System
Micro-vascular disease can also impact the digestive system, particularly in the arteries that supply the intestines. The reduced blood flow can cause abdominal pain after eating, weight loss, and even tissue death in severe cases.
Kidneys
The kidneys, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, are also affected by micro-vascular disease. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can lead to kidney damage and, ultimately, kidney failure.
Ligaments and Bones
Moreover, micro-vascular disease can affect ligaments and bones. The micro-vessels play a crucial role in maintaining bone health by supplying oxygen and nutrients. When these vessels are damaged, it can lead to weakened bones, reduced bone density, and an increased risk of fractures. Additionally, ligaments may become weaker, making individuals more prone to injuries.
Inflammation as Root Cause
What causes atherosclerosis and micro blood clots is inflammation in the body. Inflammation, an immune reaction, occurs as a response to injury or damage to the blood vessels, leading to the accumulation of fatty deposits called plaques. These plaques, made up of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, harden and narrow the arterial walls, resulting in a condition known as atherosclerosis. The immune system responds to the presence of plaques by triggering an inflammatory response, which can further increase plaque formation and trigger the activation of blood clotting factors. This activation leads to the formation of blood clots, which can block blood flow, potentially resulting in serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Thus, addressing and managing inflammation is crucial in preventing the development and progression of both atherosclerosis and blood clots.
Causes of Inflammation
Certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, have been identified as culprits in causing infections that result in the narrowing and obstruction of blood vessels. This restricts the oxygen and nutrient supply to the affected tissues, causing the death of cells and tissue damage. Viruses like Cytomegalovirus (CMV) have also been associated with micro-vessel ischemia, particularly in organs such as the retina and the kidneys. Illness from CMV can be much more severe in people who have impaired immune systems. Various pathogens disrupt the normal functioning of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and subsequent ischemic injury, highlighting the significance of pathogen identification and targeted treatment in managing micro-vessel ischemia-related conditions.
Lyme Disease
Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is a disease caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, involving the nervous system. It usually manifests as lymphocytic meningoradiculitis, but in rare cases, it can also lead to cerebrovascular complications. Vessels most commonly affected in one review were: middle cerebral artery (19 cases), basilar artery (17 cases), and anterior cerebral artery (16 cases). The 2017 review, article titled Cerebrovascular Manifestations of Lyme Neuroborreliosis—A Systematic Review of Published Cases [link], found good response to antibiotic treatment was achieved in the vast number of patients (75.3%) with the overall mortality rate low at 4.7%. The majority of patients were treated with ceftriaxone or penicillin. Because it can appear even in the absence of earlier more characteristic symptoms of Lyme disease, LNB-associated vasculitis should be excluded in all patients with vasculitis and multiple ischemic lesions of unknown origin.
COVID-19
It is hypothesized that most of Long COVID-19 manifestations, which are mainly neurologic in nature, are caused by underlying microangiopathic mechanisms.
Treatment
Treatment for micro-vascular disease usually involves managing the underlying conditions that contribute to the disease. These can include viral and bacterial pathogens, and contributing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking are often recommended. Medications to control infections, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels may also be prescribed by healthcare professionals. Natural remedies may be effective in addressing inflammation causes. What works best can depend on the underlying causes.
Search Review
Microvascular disease, also known as coronary microvascular disease (MVD), affects the tiny vessels that deliver blood to heart tissue. When these small blood vessels are damaged, they can spasm, decreasing blood flow to the heart and causing lasting chest pain, which can raise the risk of heart attack[1]. MVD is a subset of disorders affecting the structure and is prevalent in patients across a broad spectrum of cardiovascular risk factors[4]. It is associated with increased risk of adverse events and is often associated with macrovessel atherosclerosis[4].
Conclusion
In conclusion, micro-vascular disease has a significant impact on multiple organs and systems in the body. Understanding the effects and taking proactive steps to manage the underlying conditions is crucial in preventing further complications and maintaining overall health and well-being.
Citations:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21052-microvascular-coronary-disease
[2] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain/coronary-microvascular-disease-mvd
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-vessel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352117
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6296779/
[5] https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/treating-microvascular-disease.html