Honest Answers About Plaque Buildup In Arteries

As we age plaque buildup in arteries tends to occur. It can be simply a byproduct of the aging process, smoking, poor diet choices, certain disease which raise cholesterol or damage the lining of the arteries, or possibly certain types of amino acids. There are many more reasons as well, some that are know for sure and some that are suspected. But whatever the reason, when plaque buildup in the arteries occurs the one thing that is for sure is that it is dangerous and is the primary cause of such deadly diseases and coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

How does plaque buildup in arteries occur?

Plaque buildup in arteries doesn’t occur overnight, rather a culmination of years, and in many cases decades or unhealthy lifestyle choices. It all starts when the interior of the lining becomes damaged or nicked causing the body to activate immune defenses to repair the damage. Foam cells combined with cholesterol patch over the damaged area in attempt to make the interior lining of the artery smooth again. Initially this goal is accomplished and all seems well but over time this patch will tend to attract debris that is floating by in the blood; primary cholesterol and dead cells. As the plaque buildup in arteries progresses fibrous tissue may start to form, followed by a layer of calcium that hardens the ever building obstruction. The cycle is now complete creating a formula for a heart attack if a blood clot happens to come through the damaged artery completely blocking blood flow. If blood flow to the heart is blocked a heart attack will occur. If blood flow is blocked to the brain a stroke will occur.

Are there any signs or symptoms that plaque buildup in the arteries is occurring?

It is generally accepted that no signs or symptoms will occur until the arterial blockage has reached 70 percent or more with the most common symptom being angina.

Angina symptoms consist of the classic heart attack warning signs you hear so much about. Most describe angina as a tight, heavy, oppressive sensation in the middle of the chest that tends to appear when active and disappear when at rest. If the blockage is almost 100 percent angina will occur when one is at rest. If you are experiencing resting chest pain you should contact your doctor immediately.

If plaque buildup in the arteries supplying the kidneys occurs high blood pressure, skin discoloration, or kidney failure are just a few symptoms often seen.

If plaque buildup in the arteries supplying the brain are affected the person may develop numbness, speech difficulties, trouble swallowing, visual impairment, or paralysis.

One other general symptom is fatigue, which only makes sense if the heart is unable to supply our bodies with the blood and oxygen needed to function at its optimal level.

What else? If you feel as if you may have a dangerous plaque deposit building you should consult your doctor where you will likely be put on a strict low cholesterol diet, advised to stay active, lose a few pounds, and consider a natural cholesterol reduction supplement or prescription medication if needed. The sooner you take action the better your chances will be of avoiding a heart attack or stroke by reversing plaque buildup in the arteries.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com