Your arteries transport blood containing oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout your body. When your arteries accumulate plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis, the buildup can cause blockages — raising your risk for serious health problems.
But why does arterial plaque? Understanding that can prompt you to take preventive measures that may save your life.
Our family medicine team at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain the best overall health possible.
Read on to learn more about clogged arteries, including factors that cause the buildup.
Complications of blocked arteries
Arterial plaque is a waxy substance made up of fat, calcium, cholesterol, cellular waste, and the protein fibrin. As plaque accumulates in the arteries, the artery walls become stiff and thick. Next, your arteries gradually narrow, increasing your risk of blocked blood flow.
Blocked arteries in your limbs mean you have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Blocked arteries that lead to your heart indicate coronary artery disease (CAD). In either case, you can develop a partial or total blockage.
When an artery is completely clogged, you can experience a heart attack or heart failure. If the plaque in your arteries bursts, you can develop a dangerous blood clot that interferes with blood flow to your brain or heart.
Reasons your arteries are blocked
Numerous factors raise your risk for arterial plaque, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
Six key risk factors for artery blockage include the following:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
- Eating an unhealthy diet
While many people with arterial blockage have more than one risk factor, just one is a sign you should take your heart health seriously.
Paving the way to healthier arteries
Thankfully, much can be done to lower your risk for serious complications of blocked arteries. Coming into our office for routine checkups can ensure early signs of arterial problems are addressed before matters worsen.
You can also protect your arterial health by exercising at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes, five times per week. Eating a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fat sources, such as oily fish, nuts, and seeds, can also help. Meanwhile, consider shifting to plant-based protein sources, like beans, lentils, and tofu.
Quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep also improve your cardiovascular health. The same goes for managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
To learn more about blocked arteries or get the preventive care or treatment you need, call Arundel Medical Group, Inc., or request an appointment via this website today.