What are the Causes of Clogged Arteries?
Clogged arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, are caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup forms a hard deposit called plaque that narrows or blocks the artery. Plaque can also rupture, triggering a blood clot that can block the artery.
Some of the risk factors for clogged arteries include high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
What are the Symptoms of Clogged Arteries?
Clogged arteries can cause a number of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. If the arteries become completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
How Can You Unclog Arteries?
There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help unclog arteries, including:
• Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber.
• Exercising regularly.
• Quitting smoking.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Taking medications, such as statins, to lower cholesterol levels.
• Taking aspirin or other medications to reduce the risk of blood clots.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to unclog arteries. This includes angioplasty, which is a procedure to widen the arteries, and bypass surgery, which is a procedure to create a new route for blood to flow around the blocked artery.