Arteries are the major vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of your body. Over the course of time, they have a tendency to become hard and thick, due to stress, smoking and other reasons.This is a condition called arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, a type of arteriosclerosis, is caused by fatty deposits called "plaque" building up on the arterial walls that restrict blood flow and increasing the risk for a heart attack. But there are several ways to slow and even reverse it.
Statins
When your cholesterol is high, you have an increased risk of getting arteriosclerosis. Your doctor may put you on a statin drug to lower the LDL (the "bad") cholesterol and raise the HDL ("the good") cholesterol in your blood. Examples of these include Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and Mevacor.
Aspirin
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication that is generally used to treat headaches. But they are also anti-platelet medications. Your doctor might prescribe these to keep blood clots from forming in narrow arteries.
Other Drugs
Your doctor may prescribe other drugs as well to help lower your blood pressure or thin out your blood. Examples of these would be ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and anticoagulants.
Inflation
An angioplasty is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a tube, called a catheter, into a blocked artery. At the end of this tube, a small balloon comes out and gets inflated to unclog the artery. A mesh apparatus, or a stent, is then placed in the area of the blockage. This is a hollow tube that allows blood to flow through freely.
Bypass
During bypass surgery, a vessel is removed from another part of the body and transplanted to the blocked area. The new artery gets attached in front of and around the blockage causing the blood to bypass it altogether.
Exercise
Exercise can help improve circulation and also help develop new blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, "ideally, you should exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week." This can be done in bouts throughout the day if you do not have the time to do it all at once.
Diet
Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in nutrients is ideal. Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to help control your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.
