Millions of people die from various heart problems each year. High blood pressure, clogged arteries, and high cholesterol levels are some of the main causes of heart diseases.
Our diet plays a major role in controlling all of these factors. There are various organic and nutritious foods that cleanse the arteries and make your heart strong. Check these out below along with some other useful information.
How can your Arteries get Blocked?
“One in 4 middle-aged adults in Pakistan has prevalent CAD. Risks are uniformly high in the young and in women.” –Heart disease epidemic in Pakistan
Blocked arteries are also known as atherosclerosis in medical terms. It happens when fats, cholesterols, and other chemicals accumulate on the inner walls of the heart arteries.
This build-up in the arteries is called Plaque. When a lot of plaque accumulates it can restrict the arteries, preventing blood flow. The dangerous thing is that the plaque might potentially rupture, causing a blood clot.
Aside from excessive cholesterol, the following factors might cause blockage in the hearts arteries:
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Inadequate physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
- Tobacco usage or smoking
What are Signs of Artery Blockage?
According to Cardiac Screen, the symptoms of clogged arteries are not often visible until they create a potentially fatal condition such as a stroke or a heart attack.
However, some people might notice the following symptoms:
- Angina or chest pain
- pain in arms, neck, back, and jaw
- Breathing difficulty
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Numbness or paralysis in one or more body parts
- Confusion
- Speaking with difficulty
- Vision impairment
- Dizziness
- Walking is difficult
- Unexpected weakness
- Consciousness loss
- Tiredness or a lack of energy
- Symptoms of a stroke
- Unexpected weakness
If you or someone you know has any of these signs and symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Click here to book an appointment with an online Cardiologist today via Marham.
Tests to Diagnose Blockage in Arteries:
Since the signs and symptoms of clogged arteries are hard to judge, there are different tests to detect a blockage. Your doctor might recommend you the following:
- Echocardiogram and/or cardiac stress test
- Electrocardiogram
- MRI or PET scanning
- Angiogram
- Cholesterol screening
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
If any problems are discovered during these testing, therapy may be used to enhance blood flow through your blocked arteries and lower your risks.
Also, see the 6 Best Exercises For Heart Health You Should Try
What are the Foods that Cleanse the Arteries?
According to research on a heart-healthy diet, some of the healthiest diets that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and obesity include the DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, and vegetarian diet.
So, if you eat some of the commonly used foods in these diets you can prevent your risk of heart disease. Here are ten foods that cleanse the arteries:
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
People with high cholesterol are the most at risk of heart artery blockage and must control their fat intake. Research has proven that extra virgin olive oil can reduce your risk of heart attacks and other diseases like atherosclerosis.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help reduce the heart’s burden and also contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that help lower cholesterol.
“Monounsaturated fat increased the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio, despite statin-like reductions in LDL cholesterol,” says a study on foods in hypercholesterolemia.
2. Dark Chocolate
Eating dark chocolate has been linked to a lower incidence of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes by research. Furthermore, cocoa and dark chocolate products are high in polyphenol plant components.
Dark chocolate also enhances physical activity in persons with atherosclerosis by increasing nitric oxide production and decreasing inflammation in the arteries.
3. Fruits
Fruits are known for their high fiber content and have plenty of vitamins and minerals. Berries or citrus fruits are particularly good for the heart.
According to one research, eating a grapefruit every day dramatically decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in persons who had just undergone coronary bypass surgery.
4. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens, such as lettuce, kale, and spinach, are high in nutrients that may help prevent atherosclerosis. Moreover, they help enhance blood vessel function and decrease inflammation.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that eating green leafy vegetables is a fantastic strategy to lower your risk of heart disease. You can easily add leafy green vegetables to your diet.
5. Oats
Eating oats can help significantly reduce atherosclerosis risk factors, including high levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, says research.
Consuming oat bran, which is packed with fiber, may be helpful as well. A study that included people with coronary artery disease found that those who consumed oat fiber regularly had lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and inflammatory markers than those who did not eat oat fiber.
6. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds can also prevent blockage in arteries. They include a lot of fiber, good fats, vitamins, and minerals including calcium and magnesium.
Flaxseeds contain secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a lignan molecule with anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects that can help prevent atherosclerosis.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts provide the greatest amounts of heart-healthy, plant-based omega-3s of any nut. Consuming walnuts as part of a high-fat diet resulted in a 55% reduction in atherosclerotic plaque growth when compared to control diets, according to animal research.
8. Fish
Fish are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to lower harmful cholesterol levels in the body. To give the fish a boost, combine it with additional foods from this list.
You can have two servings of fish per week. The different types of fish good for clogged arteries are sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, and herring. They are abbreviated as SMASH.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes include plant components that may be very beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
If you include tomatoes in your salads or sandwiches they can help reduce inflammation, improve HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart disease, according to research.
10. Turmeric
Curcumin, the major component of this spice, is a potent anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a primary cause of arteriosclerosis or artery hardening.
Turmeric also decreases artery wall damage, which can lead to blood clots and plaque buildup. Drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk every day is one method to receive your daily dosage.
The Bottom Line
It is highly important to take care of your diet so you can prevent risks of heart diseases like a blockage in arteries or high cholesterol levels. These foods that cleanse the arteries can be easily added to your daily diet.
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FAQs
What will dissolve plaque in arteries?
Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sweets and simple carbs, and avoiding smoking can help dissolve plaque in arteries.
Can Apple cider vinegar remove plaque from arteries?
There is very little proof that apple cider vinegar can assist in removing plaque from the arteries. You must consult with a doctor to get medical treatment for clogged arteries.
At what age do your arteries start clogging?
By the age of 40, over half of the people have cholesterol deposits in their arteries. Atherosclerosis symptoms in women are more likely to emerge beyond the age of 55. While men over the age of 45 may have a lot of plaque accumulation.