Artery plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the walls of the arteries.
It can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for melting away plaque. However, people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health.
The most important lifestyle change is to improve diet. Eating a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can help reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in the arteries. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help reduce plaque buildup. Regular exercise is also important for keeping arteries healthy. Exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can help reduce plaque buildup.
In addition to lifestyle changes, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries. Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to widen the artery and a stent to keep it open. Atherectomy is a procedure that uses a device to remove plaque from the artery walls. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to bypass a blocked artery.
Making lifestyle changes and getting medical treatment can help reduce the amount of plaque in the arteries and improve heart health. However, it is important to remember that there is no quick fix for melting away plaque. It is important to make long-term lifestyle changes to keep arteries healthy and reduce the risk of serious health problems.