Blood vessels that are responsible for carrying blood. These arteries are present in every single organ or part of the body, from the brain to the toes. When an artery’s inner walls are not smooth then blood does not flow easily. A good flow is linked with the smoothness of the arteries’ inner walls.
However, when there are certain problems people experience clogged arteries, and this condition occurs due to the buildup of substance in the arteries’ inner walls, and this substance is known as plaque. According to the heart specialist in Lahore, blood flow reduces due to the buildup of plaque and even it can block the arteries.
The risk of strokes, heart diseases (especially heart attacks, and even death increases significantly due to clogged arteries. Therefore, it becomes essential for anyone to get information about clogged arteries because it is a serious condition and can even lead to death as mentioned above.
When various substances that circulate in the blood tend to accumulate then there is a plaque in the inner walls of clogged arteries. These substances include cellular waste, cholesterol, and fibrin. These substances singly or collectively can cause blood clotting. In the process of plaque buildup in the arteries, some other substances can also play a role.
High levels of bad cholesterol are considered the major culprit of plaque formation in the arteries. However, it does not end here because there are also good cholesterols in the body, and a reduction in their levels also contribute to this condition. In addition, hypertension can also increase the rate or risks of plaque buildup and can also harden the arteries. Cigarette smoking can also be among the causes of plaque buildup.
Tips for Clogged Arteries
When it comes to unclogging the clogged arteries, some tips work wonders in a number of ways:
1- Don’t Consume Trans Fats
Trans fats can leave a mild to moderate and even great effect on plaque buildup in the arteries. Therefore, AHA recommends that people have to minimize their intake of trans and saturated fats. As mentioned above, bad cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup, and these types of fats are full of bad cholesterol.
There are some foods you need to avoid:
- Products or foods with partially hydrogenated oils
- Foods that are fried or preserved
- Consumption of vegetables in low amounts
- Cakes or pastries
- Butter substitutes
- Biscuits or cookies
When you consume trans fats in a combination with saturated fats then they may leave a bad effect on heart health. Though the opinion and evidence of medical researchers are divided on that matter. When you consume animal products like pork or beef, and even coconut oil, the levels of saturated fat tend to increase in the body.
A review of scientific studies concluded that the problems associated with cardiovascular issues decrease when people minimize their intake of saturated fat. In addition, it would be a healthy step if you substitute bad fats with unsaturated ones.
Another review, of several studies, also found that people also have to avoid saturated fats because they are responsible for increasing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body which is considered a major and direct cause of heart issues.
2- Fatty Fish
Don’t be surprised, fat is not your enemy at all. It is the type of fat that affects your health. Fish, as you know, is full of omega-three fatty acids that are considered essential in decreasing the levels of triglycerides.
However, in some parts of the world, fresh fish is not available. In that case, you can, with the consent of the doctor, add fish oil supplements into your diet. But you need to remember that the best source to get omega 3 fatty acids is natural fish such as tuna. Therefore, try to get this natural fish.
3- Drink Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are considered the best substitutes for other beverages such as soft drinks or sodas. These herbal teas include ginger tea, black tea, etc.
A study, that was conducted in 2011, found that consuming rooibos tea six cups a day for six weeks helped a lot in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood in adults who were prone to heart diseases.
In this regard, green tea can also help in a number of ways. Regular consumption of green tea and its extract also reduces bad cholesterol. However, the consumption of green tea will not increase the levels of good cholesterol.
In addition, ginger supplements can also be effective in improving cardiovascular health. However, if you make tea from the roots of ginger, it would also leave some wonderful benefits on your health.
The Bottom Line!
The plaque buildup is a fatal condition because it can increase the risks of strokes and even death. Therefore, to prevent plaque buildup, it is essential to take some measures.