Can Clogged Arteries Be Reversed Naturally?

Arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood to all organs from the head to the toes. While healthy arteries are smooth and allow easy blood flow, they may become clogged by plaque, which is made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste. This leads to clogged arteries or atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow and can cause an array of health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. Some people develop symptoms, whereas most people learn of this condition during a routine cardiac examination. While a cardiologist personalises the treatment plan based on your condition, some people wonder if it is possible to reverse clogged arteries.

We spoke to Dr Deebanshu Gupta, Cardiologist at Sarvodya Hospital, Jalandhar, to understand if the natural reversal of atherosclerosis is possible and how one can do it.

Understanding Clogged Arteries: Causes and Risks

While the exact cause of clogged arteries is not known, experts believe certain factors lead to plaque deposition in the arteries. The potential causes of clogged arteries are:

• Low 'good' cholesterol and High 'bad' cholesterol: According to a report published in the journal ‘Open Biology’, having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
• High blood sugar: Having diabetes or persistent high blood sugar.
• High blood pressure: Hypertensive people are at increased risk, as high BP increases the rate of plaque build-up and hardening of arteries.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoking may potentially increase the risk of atherosclerosis in the heart, aorta, and legs.

Also Read: Why Healthy People Develop Clogged Arteries?

Risks of Clogging Arteries

If plaque develops in your arteries and clogs them, here are some medical conditions that you might be at risk of:

• Coronary artery disease: When plaque clogs the arteries that transport blood to the heart, it can cause coronary artery disease.
• Peripheral artery disease: If plaque clogs the arteries that transport blood to the legs, it leads to peripheral artery disease.
• Carotid artery disease: According to a study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, if plaque clogs the arteries that transport blood to the brain, it can lead to carotid artery disease, which may cause stroke.

Is It Possible To Reverse Clogged Arteries?

While it is not possible to cure or completely reverse clogged arteries, it is partially reversible and can be managed through medical intervention and lifestyle modifications. This would eliminate soft plaque and reduce the risk of heart disease.

The key strategies for management and reversal include:

• Medication: Doctors generally prescribe statins to reduce the levels of LDL. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe blood thinners to prevent clotting.
• Healthy diet: Eating clean and heart-healthy foods is crucial for clogged arteries to reduce the risk of further complications.
• Regular exercise: Doctors can prescribe safe exercises based on the patient's condition to boost blood flow and arterial health.
• Weight Management: If you are overweight, consider losing some weight, as it can reduce inflammation and rupture the plaque.

NOTE: Complete reversal of clogged arteries is rare. While the soft plaque can shrink, the hardened plaque remains. People with severe blockage need aggressive medical treatment.

Also Read: High LDL, High HDL, and Low Triglycerides: What Does This Lipid Profile Mean and Is It a Risk?

Lifestyle Changes to Reverse Arterial Blockages

Partial reversal of clogged arteries can be achieved by making certain changes in your diet and lifestyle. Here are some suggestions by Dr Gupta:

Heart-healthy diet

It is important to focus on what you eat for the benefit of your heart.

• Consume a plant-based diet that includes whole foods, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
• Limit or restrict the intake of trans/saturated fats through foods including full-fat dairy, red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks.
• Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, salmon, and mackerel fish.
• Consume more soluble fibres to reduce LDL levels.

Physical Activity

• Exercising regularly is important for cardiovascular health. You must do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can include cycling, brisk walking, and swimming. However, consult your doctor before starting.

Stress Management

• Stress is a potential trigger for heart problems that may manifest into critical illnesses over time. Stress management, therefore, is crucial for managing arterial blockages. Practice mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other therapeutic techniques to relieve stress.

Final Word

Clogged arteries can be partially reversed through medication, diet, and lifestyle approaches. If you have arterial blockages, you must consult your doctor for the right treatment approach.