Is there a cure for small vessel ischemic and chronic multiple sclerosis?
• A: Small vessel ischemic disease occurs when arteries in the heart start to narrow. Narrowing of the arteries usually leads to angina or chest pain. Surgery is not an option typically since the vessels are so small. Treatment options usually include cholesterol medications called statins. Statins (e.g., Zocor [simvastatin] or Lipitor [atorvastatin]) decrease cholesterol and prevent plaque formation on the arteries. Angiotension-converting enzyme drugs or ACE inhibitors are also used. ACE inhibitors open the blood vessels and make it easier for blood to flow (e.g., Zestril [lisinopril], Vasotec [enalapril]). Angiotension II receptor blockers or ARBs also relax the blood vessels which lowers the blood pressure.
