Artery plaque buildup, also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when fatty deposits accumulate in the walls of arteries, leading to restricted blood flow.
Step 1: Review Your Diet
If you have a poor diet that is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar, then it’s time to make some changes! Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to improve your overall cardiovascular health.
Step 2: Increase Your Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle is bad for your heart. Regular exercise helps stimulate blood flow, which in turn can help prevent artery plaque build-up.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Step 3: Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoking is associated with increased plaque buildup. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to help improve your overall health.
Step 4: Manage Your Weight
Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk for atherosclerosis. Losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise can help reduce the build-up of plaque in your arteries.
Step 5: Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress can create hormonal responses that increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to artery plaque accumulation. Find ways to unwind, such as yoga, meditation, or even taking up a new hobby.
Step 6: Consider Prescription Medications
Your doctor may recommend certain medications to help manage your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, and always take medications as prescribed.
Step 7: Undergo Medical Procedures
If your artery plaque buildup is severe, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention. These include angioplasty, stent placement, or even bypass surgery in some cases.
Step 8: Regular Check-ups
One of the essential ways to manage artery plaque build-up is by having regular check-ups with your doctor. Through regular check-ups, your doctor can monitor your heart health and make adjustments to your treatment plan when necessary.
Step 9: Manage Diabetes
Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing artery plaque buildup. If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to work with your doctor to manage and control your condition effectively.
Step 10: Avoid Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution, can contribute to artery plaque accumulation. Try to avoid overexposure to toxins by checking air quality reports and avoiding times and places with high pollution.