Before we answer this for you, it’s important that we first address the problem at hand. Why do arteries get blocked? There are many factors that contribute to it; here are a few to give you the idea. Primarily, plaque buildup (accumulation of fatty substance in the artery walls) leads to blocked arteries.
So, when does the need for a surgery to fix this blockage arise? As you can imagine, only when the blockage is too high. When the buildup increases, it hinders blood flow, which can lead to the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as stroke.
Arteries are tubes in the body that transport oxygen-rich blood throughout different body systems and help them function properly. When this transport of blood is hindered, it can cause several issues for the person.
The following sections will answer how to clear blocked arteries without surgery, when it is possible, and all the natural ways to do it.
If that’s a question you’ve been asking, there’s more to it than just answering with a simple yes or no. Unclogging your arteries without surgery means that you’ll first have to know how bad the clogging is - and that requires a visit to your GP.
Some signs of severely blocked arteries include symptoms that show up in different areas of the body, depending on the artery that’s blocked:
Chest pain (coronary artery blockage)
Shortness of breath (coronary artery blockage)
Fatigue (coronary artery blockage)
Weakness in extremities (peripheral artery blockage)
Pain in the extremities (peripheral artery blockage)
Irregular heartbeat (coronary artery blockage)
Dizziness (coronary artery blockage)
Nausea (coronary artery blockage)
Sweating (coronary artery blockage)
Cold legs or feet (peripheral artery blockage)
Vision problems (carotid artery blockage)
Slow wound healing (peripheral artery blockage)
Vision loss and diplopia (posterior cerebral artery blockage)
So, when you start experiencing these signs without any “explainable cause” it’s time to consider a surgery. But in case you only feel these mildly, you do have a shot at reducing the blockage in your arteries!
But, for that to happen, you’ll need expert guidance. For example, the medical advice of your doctor, nutritionist, primary care physician, and any other expert your doctor may need on their team.
Here are all the tests your doctor will conduct to understand the level of blockage:
Blood tests such as lipid profiles measure the HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
CT coronary angiography provides detailed images of the coronary artery, which helps identify blockages and plaque accumulation.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein test that detects inflammation in the body. High inflammation indicates atherosclerosis.
Plasma ceramide tests assess the level of ceramide. High levels increase the risk of plaque in arteries and heart disease.
Imaging tests such as coronary artery calcium scans. A high CAC score indicates high plaque buildup and risk of heart diseases.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound, which detects blockages and narrowing in carotid arteries, which indicates plaque.
Stress echocardiography takes images of your heart during or after a stress test. This helps detect the heart’s reaction to stress.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is another one of the medical techniques that helps generate anatomical and physiological pictures inside the body.
Myocardial perfusion imaging is one of the important procedures that illustrate the heart muscle’s function. This helps evaluate any heart wall motion abnormalities.
Depending on the results of these tests, the doctor can determine whether your arterial blockage needs surgical removal or lifestyle changes.
Here are all the different natural ways you can bring the level of blockage down.
A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins along with whole grains will help start the journey towards reducing the plaque. Examples of such fruits and vegetables include : broccoli, berries, leafy greens,
Along with this, a healthy routine will also include regular physical activity. Both of these lifestyle changes will significantly help reduce fatty deposits and hardening of blood vessels - both of which can be a risk for poor circulation.
Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of blockages and heart disease.
Regularly monitor cholesterol and blood pressure to track progress and adjust treatment plans.
Consistently follow this plan and your doctor’s recommendations on medications and other lifestyle changes as per your needs.
If, despite following these, you still experience the symptoms of blocked arteries, these are some alternatives that can help:
Angioplasty
Coronary artery bypass grafting
Endarterectomy - plaque removal surgery
Get in touch today to receive an expert second opinion from a panel of experts from around the world.
These were some of the easiest ways you can control the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Remember that depending on the level of plaque in your arteries, these natural ways would be helpful. Always consult your doctor before starting a lifestyle change for the best and sustained results.
At Yapita Health, we can bring you in touch with the top specialists who can analyze your condition and provide expert opinion.