Can you reverse plaque buildup in your arteries?

As a cardiovascular health expert, I can tell you that while it's challenging to completely reverse plaque buildup in your arteries, it is possible to slow down, halt, and even reduce its progression through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Here's a detailed breakdown: 1. Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial. This includes consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet are two examples that have been shown to be beneficial. 2. Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve heart health by increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol and reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. It also helps in weight management and blood pressure control. 3. Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective ways to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of further plaque buildup. 4. Weight Management: Losing weight, if you're overweight or obese, can significantly reduce the strain on your heart and help in plaque management. 5. Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications such as statins to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of plaque rupture, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. 6. Procedures: In severe cases, medical procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary to improve blood flow, but these are not considered reversal methods. It's important to note that while these methods can help manage and potentially reduce plaque, the process of reversing atherosclerosis is complex and depends on various factors, including the extent of the disease and the individual's overall health.

Can Artery Plaque Buildup Be Reversed With Diet? ... Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. Plaque, made from fatty deposits, calcium, cellular waste and blood clotting materials, can harden and narrow your arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.