My dad just went to the doctor. When my father received the results of his most recent blood test, they were not what he had anticipated. My father was told by the doctor that his cholesterol was too high. He had high blood pressure, according to a prior test. Blocked arteries are a result of both high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The blood channels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body are called arteries. An artery in good health will be elastic, flexible, and robust. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is a dangerous disorder that causes the arteries to gradually block. It is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, which encompasses heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of almost 600,000 people annually. [4] Because it has no symptoms, it is frequently referred to as a silent killer. That is, unless the issue gets worse.
The symptoms of clogged arteries probably vary depending on the type of artery that is affected. Carotid arteries: Carotid artery disease is a condition where plaque blocks or narrows the carotid arteries in the brain, causing breathing difficulties, sudden weakness, confusion, severe headaches, loss of consciousness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, paralysis, difficulty walking, dizziness, unexplained falls, and loss of coordination or balance. Coronary arteries: Coronary heart disease, or CHD, is a condition where the arteries in the heart are clogged.
In the event that the heart muscle does not receive enough blood, plaque will obstruct or constrict the coronary arteries. Angina, or chest pain, will consequently develop. You may have pressure in your jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, or back, but it seems like it’s pressing your chest. Occasionally, angina might also feel like indigestion. Angina is also frequently brought on by emotional stress. Breathlessness and irregular heartbeat are additional signs of congestive heart failure.
Renal arteries: Clogged renal arteries in the kidneys will result in chronic kidney disease. Chronic renal disease can gradually deteriorate kidney function over time.
- Peripheral arteries: Peripheral arterial disease will result from plaque buildup in the arms, legs, and pelvis. These arteries are known as peripheral arteries, and if they are blocked or narrowed, you may experience pain or numbness. On occasion, there are also dangerous infections.
What Causes Artery Blockage?
Atherosclerosis is often referred to as the hardening, thickening, and narrowing of the arteries. A thin layer of endothelial cells that help keep the inside of your arteries smooth and toned lines your arteries. This process allows your blood to keep flowing. However, several factors will damage the endothelial cells, including platelet cells, increased homocysteine levels, and free radicals from toxins and antioxidant deficiency. Also, vitamin C deficiency and homocysteine will damage the arteries from the degradation of a gel-like substance called the ground substance. It is found between the cells and helps maintain the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier.
The hardening, thickening, and constriction of the arteries is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. Your arteries are lined with a thin layer of endothelial cells that keep the inside of them toned and smooth. This process allows your blood to keep flowing. However, a number of things, such as platelet cells, elevated homocysteine levels, free radicals from pollutants, and an antioxidant deficit, will harm the endothelium cells. Additionally, homocysteine and vitamin C deficiency will harm the arteries by causing the ground material, a gel-like substance, to break down. It is present in the spaces between cells and aids in preserving the integrity of the cell barrier.
The hardening, thickening, and constriction of the arteries is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. Your arteries are lined with a thin layer of endothelial cells that keep the inside of them toned and smooth. This process allows your blood to keep flowing. However, a number of things, such as platelet cells, elevated homocysteine levels, free radicals from pollutants, and an antioxidant deficit, will harm the endothelium cells. Additionally, homocysteine and vitamin C deficiency will harm the arteries by causing the ground material, a gel-like substance, to break down. It is present in the spaces between cells and aids in preserving the integrity of the cell barrier.
10 Natural Foods to Help Prevent Clogged Arteries
There are many well-studied foods that can prevent clogged arteries naturally, but your doctor may also prescribe blood pressure-lowering beta-blockers or cholesterol-lowering medications like statins, which will help slow the progression of plaque buildup (albeit with serious side effects):
1. Curcumin (in Turmeric)
Turmeric is a popular spice used in Indian and Ayurvedic cooking, but its true benefit comes from one active ingredient. The primary polyphenol in turmeric called curcumin has long been known for its cardioprotective effects. Turmeric extract is thought to reduce LDL cholesterol and the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
In a 2011 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, researchers found that turmeric could reduce cholesterol and suppress early atherosclerotic lesions better than the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin.[8] Also, a 2006 study on mice suggested that curcumin can help prevent artery damage associated with carotid artery blockage.
2. Garlic
Additionally, garlic is regarded as one of the greatest meals for artery support. Garlic has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure, halt atherosclerosis, and prevent heart disease. Garlic may help stop plaque from accumulating in the arteries, according to a 1999 study that was published in the journal Atherosclerosis.
According to a 1997 review in the journal Nutrition, clinical studies on garlic showed promise in both preventing and treating atherosclerosis. [11] Garlic can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by over 50%, according to another 1999 study. [12] Due to its blood-thinning properties, garlic is believed to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
3. Ginger
Ginger has incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Ginger contains heart-protective compounds like shogaols and gingerols, which can effectively prevent plaque buildup by reducing total cholesterol. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2000, researchers found that ginger extract could reduce aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, LDL-linked fat peroxides, and LDL aggregation.[13]
4. Cayenne pepper
Something spicy can also help support your arteries. The compound capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. Cayenne pepper can also lower your risk of stroke and heart attack, and improve blood circulation. Also, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir is associated with accelerating atherosclerosis and pulmonary artery hypertension. A study published in 2009 found that capsaicin could help prevent pulmonary and vascular complications associated with HAART drugs.
5. Lemon
Adding lemon juice to your morning water is a healthy habit and good for your heart. Lemon is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, and it helps the arteries by preventing oxidative damage. Lemons are also a great source of the potent antioxidant vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C have been found to strengthen arteries, reduce total cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), inhibit platelet aggregation, and reduce inflammation.
6. Cinnamon
7. Ground flaxseed
8. Fermented cabbage
9. Sesame seed
10. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice’s punicic acid and strong antioxidant content are believed to aid in the battle against atherosclerosis and the reduction of plaque formation. Important heart-healthy minerals like magnesium and selenium are also found in pomegranate juice. Drinking 240 milliliters (ml) of pomegranate juice every day for up to 18 months delayed the progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a 2009 randomized, double-blind, parallel study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.