Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. Fat and cholesterol that build up in the walls of the arteries restrict blood flow and lead to hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis. MayoClinic.com explains that the accumulation of fat and cholesterol, or plaque, can burst and form blood clots as well as cause other medical conditions that can lead to coronary artery or other organ disease. In some cases, lifestyle changes can reduce build-up, but medical options are also available to remove plaque from arteries. Consult your physician to explore the best options for removing plaque and preventing recurrence.
Step 1
Eat a low-fat diet. Plaque is made up of fatty substances and low-density cholesterol. FamilyDoctor.org explains that eating a diet high in fats and low-density cholesterol causes narrowing of the arteries, which precedes arterial blockage. Choose a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to reduce your amount of fat intake. Eat lean meats such as chicken or seafood, which contain low levels of fat and high density, or "good" cholesterol. Simple changes to your diet will begin the process of removing plaque from your arteries.
Step 2
Stop smoking, which damages the arteries by constricting the blood vessels and reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood. This forces the heart to work harder and causes arterial damage as well as plaque buildup, notes MayoClinic.com. Reduce the amount you smoke daily, join a smoking cessation group or try medications available for managing the urge to smoke. The risk of complications from smoking is reversed significantly with early efforts at cessation. Over time, smoking cessation and other healthy lifestyle changes lead to plaque removal in the arteries.
Step 3
Check and control your blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause or become a result of plaque in the arteries. Obtain a blood pressure cuff or go to your local pharmacy for a free blood pressure check to find out if this is a factor that requires further medical intervention. If you have abnormal blood pressure readings, speak to your physician on ways to reduce blood pressure. Persistent high blood pressure will cause hardening of the arteries and plaque buildup, leading to possible aneurysm, stroke or artery disease, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Take prescribed medication. According to a 2006 study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," use of statin medications, which target cholesterol reduction in the arteries, has significant therapeutic effects on halting plaque buildup through removal of low-density cholesterol from the arteries. Other medications prescribed for plaque removal include anti-platelet medicine, which reduces clumping in the arteries, and diuretics, or water pills, to lower blood pressure. Consultation with your physician will help you choose the best medication intervention for your specific condition.
Step 5
Decide on surgery. Aggressive treatment is a consideration if severe arterial blockage threatens your health. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains a surgery referred to as endarterectomy, an option when life-threatening plaque deposits must be removed from the carotid artery. MayoClinic.com notes additional surgical options such as angioplasty, which involves placement of a catheter balloon and stent in the blocked artery to open it up and allow blood flow, and bypass surgery to allow blood flow around the area of blockage.
Tips and Warnings
- Exercise daily to improve health and reduce plaque buildup. Regular exercise improves circulation and aids in blood flow and the development of healthy blood vessels. Weight is a factor in arterial blockage. Try to lose weight by eating healthier, engaging in exercise and reducing alcohol use. Consider taking vitamins to protect your heart against artery disease.
- Do not ignore symptoms of possible arterial blockage, which may include chest pain, numbness in the extremities or pain while walking.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; "Effects of Very High-Intensity Statin Therapy on Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis"; Dr. Steven Nissen et al; March 2006
- Family Doctor: Coronary Artery Disease
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is Carotid Endarterectomy?
- Mayo Clinic: Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis
