Cholesterol is not the bad guy that most people think it is. A fatty molecule that your body needs to work. But it can be dangerous if there is too much of it. Arteries that are blocked, also known as atherosclerosis, are a quiet but dangerous disease. Most of the time, they get worse slowly for no reason. High cholesterol and blocked vessels are strongly linked. Knowing about this link can help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
What Is Cholesterol?
It’s a waxy, fat-like material that’s in all cells of the body. It comes into your body through certain foods and is made by your liver. It is vital for producing hormones, vitamin D, and gastric juices. Cholesterol comes in two primary forms:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Also known as “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it can cause artery plaque to build up.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Also known as “good” cholesterol. It helps get rid of LDL in your blood.
The amount of LDL and HDL in your body must be just right. Problems begin when LDL increases too much or HDL decreases too low.
- LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries.
- HDL carries it back to the liver for removal.
- Normal cholesterol values depend on your age and health.
Understanding Clogged Arteries
- Fat plaque builds up on the walls of vessels and blocks blood flow. This happens slowly, and many people don’t know they have a problem until an artery is almost completely stopped.
- Plaque comprises cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood. It shrinks the arteries, making it harder for blood full of oxygen to reach the brain and heart.
Common Causes:
- High cholesterol (especially LDL)
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
Atherosclerosis can cause some nasty health issues, like
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Peripheral artery disease
Your health requires keeping your arteries clear. The longer they are blocked, the more damage they do.
How High Cholesterol Leads To Clogged Arteries
High LDL cholesterol directly blocks arteries. It gets into the walls of the arteries and causes swelling. Over time, white blood cells make foam cells to fight it. These make plaque. The plaque gets bigger as more LDL builds up. When plaque builds up, it can make vessels hard and stiff, which makes them less flexible. When the plaque breaks, blood clots form. These clots can stop all blood flow, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
How this happens step-by-step:
- LDL cholesterol gets into the walls of the arteries.
- Foam cells are made when white blood cells fight it.
- A fat line is made up of foam cells.
- The line turns into a rigid plate.
- The plaque could break and turn into a clot.
Symptoms And Risks Of Clogged Arteries
Some blocked arteries don’t show any early signs, making them risky. If signs do show up, they will depend on which organs are hurt.
Common Signs Include:
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Being unable to breathe
- Being tired while doing things
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- A lot of blood pressure
Long-term Risks Include:
- A heart attack
- Strokes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Circulatory problems
Damage may already be terrible by the time signs show up. That’s why it’s essential to get regular check-ups.
Preventing And Managing High Cholesterol To Reduce Clogged Arteries
You can deal with your cholesterol, which is good news. You can also avoid clogged arteries by changing how you live. Little things you do every day can significantly affect your heart health.
Diet Tips:
- Plant-based foods should be eaten more often.
- Don’t eat trans fats, and try to reduce heavy fats.
- Include oats, whole grains, and foods that are high in fiber.
- Instead of butter, use olive oil.
- Two times a week, eat fatty foods like salmon.
Exercise Tips:
- Aim to do 30 minutes of mild exercise every day.
- You can go walking, riding a bike, or swimming.
- Working out raises HDL and drops LDL.
Medical Options:
- Statins are often used to lower LDL.
- Ezetimibe might stop the body from absorbing cholesterol.
- For people at high risk, PCSK9 inhibitors are newer choices.
Regular blood tests help monitor cholesterol levels. Adults over 20 should check their cholesterol every 4 to 6 years or more often if they are at risk.
FAQs
1. What Are The Signs Of High Cholesterol?
There are no signs for most people. There is only one way to know: a blood test.
2. Can Clogged Arteries Be Reversed?
Medications and lifestyle changes can help lower plaque. Damage can be slowed down but not always completely reversed.
3. How Does Cholesterol Affect Heart Disease?
Plaque builds up in vessels when LDL levels are high. This makes them narrow and raises the risk of heart disease.
4. What Foods Help Reduce Cholesterol?
Fish, nuts, fruits, veggies, olive oil, and oats can all help drop LDL and raise HDL.
5. How Frequently Should I Check My Cholesterol Levels?
Every 4 to 6 years for healthy people. When you’re more likely to get sick.
