Your heart health can be compromised by several factors, including an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol. What's common about all of these aspects is their contribution to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterised by the buildup of plaque on the inner walls of arteries, which leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow, and increasing the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), such as heart attacks and strokes. According to StatsPearls Publishing, about 50% of all deaths in Westernised society are due to this ‘silent’ condition. So what causes it? We spoke to Dr Salil Shirodkar, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, who helped explain its causes and also shared ways to cut down on its risk.
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What Causes Plaque Buildup In The Arteries?
There are a combination of factors that can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. These include:
High cholesterol
While not all cholesterol is bad and some are needed to build healthy cells, elevated levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood can lead to plaque formation in the arterial walls. This can significantly raise your risk of stroke and heart attack, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Factors, such as eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans fat, not getting enough physical activity, and smoking can contribute to the condition.
Inflammation
According to Dr Shirodkar, chronic inflammation within the arteries can damage the endothelial cells lining the arterial walls, promoting the deposition of cholesterol and other substances and contributing to plaque buildup.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Another common risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure, which refers to increased pressure within the arteries that can cause damage to the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the major contributors to plaque formation in the arteries. In general, tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide, which can damage the arteries, promote inflammation, and facilitate plaque formation. According to a 2020 news release by the WHO, 10.9 lakh people succumb to tobacco-induced heart disease each year, which equals one in five of all deaths from heart disease.
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Diabetes
Diabetes also drives atherosclerosis. According to Dr Shirodkar, high blood sugar damages the blood vessel lining, fuels inflammation, and accelerates the formation of fatty deposits that narrow arteries and raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases.
Signs Of Clogged Arteries
Some of the common signs and complications associated with plaque formation and clogged arteries include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and light-headedness are caused by a heart attack.
- Leg pain while walking (claudication), leg numbness or weakness, coldness in the affected limb, and slow-healing wounds or sores as a result of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision problems; severe headache; and loss of balance or coordination due to stroke.
Other complications include heart failure, a condition where the heart can't pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, and sudden cardiac death, which can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), said Dr Shirodkar.
Things To Help Reduce The Risk
To prevent heart-related issues and other chronic conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension, it is important to reduce the risk of clogged arteries. The strategies include:
- Adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium
- Indulging in regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress
- Monitoring and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Conclusion
Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, in the arteries, poses a significant risk to heart health. Several factors, including fatty and processed foods, physical inactivity, and smoking, can lead to high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which can lead to atherosclerosis, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. It is therefore important to adopt a heart-healthy approach to mitigate these risks. Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels regularly to stay updated about your heart health.