Can we remove plaque in your arteries?

As a cardiovascular health expert, I can tell you that plaque in the arteries, which is a buildup of fatty deposits, can indeed be reduced or even removed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Here's a breakdown of the approaches: 1. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which can help reduce the amount of plaque in your arteries. Regular exercise also plays a significant role in improving cardiovascular health and can contribute to plaque reduction. 2. Medications: Certain medications, such as statins, can help lower bad cholesterol levels. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol," is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated. 3. Blood Pressure Control: High blood pressure is a risk factor for arterial plaque buildup and the hardening of clogged arteries. Managing blood pressure through medication and lifestyle changes is essential. 4. Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary to physically remove or bypass the plaque in the arteries. It's important to note that while these methods can help manage and reduce arterial plaque, the process is often gradual and requires ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle and medical regimen.

HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated. High blood pressure . Having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries.