A clogged artery is a condition where there is a deposit of fatty plaque which consists of fat, cholesterol and other substances. The blood that carry oxygen and nutrients cannot reach different organs and tissues which result to damage and poor functioning.
The plaque can spread and eventually cause narrowing of the arteries and result to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can cause disorders such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.
Factors that can worsen the condition include a high-fat diet, smoking, lack of physical activity, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, being overweight and high blood pressure. It can also be due to inflammation from conditions such as lupus, arthritis and infections.
Symptoms of clogged arteries
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or angina
- Weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Anxiety
Treatment
- Avoid saturated fats and trans-fats to prevent raising the level of cholesterol which includes margarine, butter, cheese, red meat and processed meats. Limit the daily caloric intake of at least 5-6% or 13 grams.
- Use healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil or sesame oil in cooking foods. These oils reduce the cholesterol level in the blood and lessen inflammation due to clogged arteries.
- Increase the consumption of omega-3 fats or “good” fats to reduce the risk of clogged arteries. Foods rich in omega-3 include salmon, tuna and trout. Eat at least 2 servings of these foods every week. Other foods rich in omega include walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, leafy green vegetables, avocados, soy products and tofu, chia seeds and legumes
- Eat whole grains such as wheat pasta, quinoa, oats, brown rice, and nine-grain breads
- Minimize sweets to at least 5 or less sugary foods every week.
Additional measures
- Quit smoking to prevent damage to the blood cells and disruption in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. It also prevents accumulation of plaques.
- Perform regular exercises at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activities such as jogging and cycling 5 times every week. Aerobic exercises that are good for the heart includes high-impact running or sports and low impact exercises such as biking and swimming.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid being overweight.
- Avoid being stressed to prevent the release of stress hormones in the body that cause chronic inflammatory effects and increase the risk of clogged arteries. Ways to lessen stress include meditation, yoga and tai chi as well as listening to music, watching movies and other relaxing hobbies.
- Minimize alcohol intake to at least 2 drinks for men and 1 for women per day. The measurement size for a beverage varies on the type of alcohol.
FACT CHECK
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321238.php
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/clogged-arteries-arterial-plaque#1