Arteriosclerosis causes restriction of blood flow in the arteries that can affect the heart, brain and other organs. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. The condition develops when cholesterol and fatty deposits build up inside the arteries. Consuming high amounts of high-cholesterol whole milk and whole-milk products can increase your risk of developing arteriosclerosis.
Decreased Blood Flow
Decreased blood flow to the heart from arteriosclerosis can lead to heart disease. When arteries become completely blocked, a heart attack or stroke can ensue. The terms arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are sometimes used interchangeably, according to the Mayo Clinic website, because they are part of the same process. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty deposits that eventually leads to arteriosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries and restriction of blood flow.
Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
Saturated fat, which comes from whole milk and other products, raises LDL cholesterol, known as the bad cholesterol. Excess amounts of LDL cholesterol can can cause plaque buildup along the artery walls and lead to arteriosclerosis. Other foods containing saturated fat include meat and poultry. Fish contains saturated fat, but usually less than meat and poultry. Whole milk and other dairy products, such as eggs, contain saturated fat and dietary cholesterol and increase the risk of artery blockage over time.
Low-Fat Protein
Milk and other dairy products, as well as meat and poultry, contain healthy protein. Protein helps boost energy and repairs muscle tissue. To avoid the cholesterol buildup from milk and other proteins, choose low-fat or nonfat varieties. Replace whole milk and whole-milk products with skim milk or 1-percent milk, the Cleveland Clinic advises. Make your other dairy-product selections low-fat or fat-free, as well.
Reduce Fat
Arteriosclerosis develops slowly. Choosing low-fat or nonfat protein sources reduces cholesterol buildup and decreases your risk of heart disease. The Cleveland Clinic recommends decreasing the amount of fat you eat to 25 to 35 percent or less of your total daily calorie intake. Limit dietary cholesterol to no more than 300 mg daily. Saturated fat should account for less than 10 percent of your total calories. Check with your doctor to determine your cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol is high, your doctor can advise you on dietary remedies and perhaps a cholesterol-lowering medication.
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