A blockage in the arteries develops when the coronary arteries which supply the heart with blood, nutrients and oxygen get diseased or impaired. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) and inflammation are the chief causes for artery blockages and coronary artery disease.
When plaques accumulate in the artery, the arteries get narrow, thus reducing the blood flow to your heart.
What Causes Blockage In Arteries?
Blockages tend to commence with injury / damage to the inner layer of a coronary artery. The damage occurs due to:
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- A sedentary lifestyle with no exercise.
- High levels of cholesterol.
- Radiation therapy to the chest.
Once the inner wall of the artery is impaired, plaques of cholesterol buildup at the site of the damage. If the surface of the plaques ruptures, platelets clump at the site to try to repair the artery. This clump blocks the artery, triggering a heart attack.
Signs And Symptoms Of Blocked Arteries
Initially, reduced flow of blood may not produce any symptoms at all. When the plaques accumulate in the arteries, signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease become apparent:
- Angina: There will be pain, tightness and pressure in the chest. The pain is triggered by physical or emotional stress. Characteristically, it tends to fade away within a few minutes. The pain may refer to the arm, back or abdomen.
- Breathlessness: When the heart fails to pump adequate blood to meet the body’s requirement, you develop breathless and exhaustion.
- Heart attack: A complete blockage causes a heart attack. This is seen as severe pressure in the chest and pain in the arm and shoulder with sweating and shortness of breath.
Natural Remedies To Clear Blocked Arteries
Lifestyle changes and home remedies help prevent as well as slow down the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD):
- You need to quit smoking.Smoking is a huge risk factor for CAD. Nicotine narrows the arteries and compels the heart to work harder; and carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen in the blood and impairs the lining of your blood vessels.
- Keep a check on your blood pressure. Go for regular B.P. checks. Ideal blood pressure is 120 systolic and 80 diastolic mm Hg. Take your prescribed medications to prevent hypertension
- Keep checking your cholesterol levels. You should aim for an LDL level below 130 mg/DL.
- In case you have diabetes mellitus, make sure your blood glucose level is normal; go for regular assessments and take your medications correctly.
- Exercising thrice a week is very crucial. Exercise helps attain as well as maintain a healthy body weight, keep cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar normal.
- Ensure that you consume a healthy diet. Incorporate loads of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. 1 to 2 servings of fish per week is beneficial.
- Garlic is the most effective and potent home remedy to clear up blockages. Have 3 to 5 flakes of the herb daily.
- Most importantly, manage your stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is inevitable; however, you can deal with how it affects you. Practice healthy techniques to successfully handle stress, such as muscle relaxation, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pranayama and deep breathing.