Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs when cholesterol and other fatty substances build up on artery walls and form plaque. This causes a narrowing of the arteries that interferes with blood flow. The decrease in blood flow to the heart can result in angina, pain in the chest, or heart disease. The plaques in the arteries can become fragile and rupture, causing bloods clots. The clots can block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack, or to the brain, causing a stroke.
Progression
Atherosclerosis actually begins in childhood and slowly progresses over the years, often affecting people as they grow older, according to the American Heart Association. The disease arises from high blood cholesterol levels, often from food eaten, as well as high blood pressure, tobacco smoke or diabetes.
Excess Cholesterol
Cholesterol naturally occurs in the body and it helps build and maintain cell membranes, molecules and hormones. However, excess cholesterol from food increases the risk of building up plaque on the artery walls and leads to atherosclerosis. Saturated fats increase blood cholesterol levels, Medical News Today explains. Foods high in saturated fats include red meat, hard cheeses, pastries and cakes. Trans fats found in many commercially baked products can increase cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle
Heavy alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to high cholesterol levels. Heavy drinkers usually have significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries to produce excess cholesterol. People who consume too much alcohol also have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol may get rid of excess cholesterol by picking it up in the arteries and taking it to the liver, which aids in digestion and removes waste products and harmful substances from the blood. Exercise helps increase HDL levels. People who do not exercise or drink to excess increase their LDL levels and reduce their vital HDL levels.
Considerations
Avoiding saturated and trans fats and cholesterol and focusing on a healthy diet reduces the risk of high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Diets with plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, olive oil and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids greatly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and lake trout. Sticking to lean meats, such as chicken and turkey without the skin, can replace red meats and avoid high cholesterol levels.
Weight Loss
A heart healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps to reduce weight, which decreases the risk of atherosclerosis developing, MayoClinic.com notes. Losing just five or 10 pounds reduces the risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure that contribute to hardening of the arteries. A healthy diet along with moderate exercise or physical activity 30 minutes a day for most days of the week helps prevent atherosclerosis.
