The condition in which your arteries begin to harden due to a buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis. This can happen for a number of reasons, including an injury, genetics, a diet with high levels of fat and cholesterol, as well as other health related habits. As plaque develops, blockages can occur, making it more difficult for blood to pass through areas in the legs, arms, heart, or to the brain. When a blockage becomes severe, it may burst causing pain, heart attack, and even a stroke.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage, but these usually include pain, tingling, and numbness. You may also begin to develop symptoms associated with heart attack and stroke, such as trouble seeing, speaking or walking; fatigue; headaches; nausea; and chest pain. If you experience any of the latter symptoms, call 911 emergency services immediately.
Traditional treatment for the disorder includes drugs that are designed to thin the blood to allow easier passage through the blocked arteries. This particular type of medicine also keeps more blockages and hardening from occurring. The second method, which is used in severe cases, is surgical. Angioplasty, bypass grafting, and carotid endarterectomy may be prescribed.
When it comes to eradicating the damage resulting from arterial hardening, you should take the advice of your physician and observe traditional medical treatments. If you want to go above and beyond, here are 5 natural treatments for severe atherosclerosis that you can ask your doctor about.
1.) Make improvements on your physical health
Cardiovascular exercise is named for its benefit to your heart. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, and any other exercise which gets your heart pumping will help to make it stronger. Remember that your heart is a muscle, and muscles get healthier if they are exercised. It is recommended that you get at least 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily. If you have heart health issues, you should stick to low-impact exercises, which will not overstrain the heart, but gradually strengthen it instead.
2.) Quit bad habits
Of the 5 natural treatments for severe atherosclerosis, this is a big one. Overindulging in alcohol, cigarettes, and other unhealthy habits can increase the chances of heart disease. Smoking will also prohibit you from exercising to your full potential as it will affect your lungs as well.
3.) Brush your teeth regularly
It sounds silly to associate your teeth with your heart, but gum health has been linked scientifically to heart disease and atherosclerosis in particular. Brush three to five times daily and floss after every meal to avoid plaque buildup, and the possibility of infection in your mouth. This is because infection causes inflammation, which in turn increases cardiovascular risk.
4.) Change your diet
What you put into your body is extremely important, especially when trying to improve heart health. Cutting out high fats, sugars, and processed foods will help get cholesterol, glycemic levels, and blood pressure under control. Eat high fiber foods, such as beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, and lean meats, as well as fish.
5.) Take supplements
There are some vitamins and supplements, which can help you on your path to better heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in some nuts and fish can raise good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol in your blood stream. This helps your blood flow more freely, minimizing clotting and blockages. You can find omega-3 capsules at most pharmacies or supermarkets. Another cholesterol fighter is CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Remember to ask your doctor about these 5 natural treatments for severe atherosclerosis, especially if you have other health concerns to be wary of.