Can I Reduce Atherosclerosis?

You never want to deal with clogs, whether it’s your ear, toilet, or drain. Drs. John Yoo and Benjamin Wilson at Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, are most concerned with clogs that can happen in your cardiovascular system. 

Fortunately, there’s a way to keep your blood vessels open and support your long-term heart health. Here’s everything you should know about atherosclerosis and how to prevent it. 

A brief introduction to atherosclerosis

Inside healthy arteries, the walls are smooth and clean, making it easy for blood to pass through your heart to other areas of your body.  

However, plaque, a sticky substance made of fats and cholesterol, can accumulate and stick to the walls of your arteries. This buildup gradually hardens your arteries and causes a condition called atherosclerosis. 

As your artery narrows, there’s less room for your blood to pass through efficiently, which drives up your blood pressure and increases your risk for serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. 

Atherosclerosis is common, and the complications of plaque buildup are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. What’s worse, around half of people ages 45 to 84 have atherosclerosis and aren’t aware. 

That’s where we come in. 

Atherosclerosis is a challenging condition but also preventable. Below are some of the best ways to avoid atherosclerosis and keep it from progressing. 

Kick your bad habits

There’s a direct link between smoking and damage to artery walls; the chemicals you inhale when you smoke significantly increase your chances of developing atherosclerosis. You’re even more at risk if you have other underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. 

But it doesn’t stop at traditional tobacco products. E-cigarettes, vaping, and even exposure to second-hand smoke can be just as detrimental to your heart health. 

Talk to us if you need help with smoking cessation, and we can guide you toward the best resources, products, and programs. 

Adjust your diet

Is your diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol? You might be eating your way to cardiovascular problems like atherosclerosis. 

We recommend that you start eating with your heart in mind. Eat more whole fruits, vegetables, and grains, choose leaner cuts of meat, stick to healthy fats, reduce your sodium and salt intake, and opt for low-fat dairy options. 

It’s also a good idea to avoid packaged foods, but if you must, check the labels for saturated fat and sugar content before indulging and consider snacking on something else. Your pre-made frozen foods might be ultra-convenient, but they also tend to be higher in salt and cholesterol. 

We're here for you if you need help making healthy diet changes. Talk to us about your eating habits, and we can show you some of the best places to start. 

Get moving

Regular aerobic exercise can help you ward off atherosclerosis by lowering the fat in your blood and regulating your blood pressure and cholesterol. You also lose weight, which goes a long way in supporting your cardiovascular health. 

You don’t need to sign up for a 5k or join your local CrossFit gym. All you need to do is start moving. 

A brisk walk around your neighborhood, swimming laps in the pool, and bicycling are all excellent, low-impact exercises that your heart will benefit from. 

Start slowly and aim for 30-40 minutes of exercise 4-5 days a week. As with your diet, our team is standing by to guide you toward the best heart-healthy exercises that fit your needs, abilities, and interests. 

Do not be a stranger

Symptoms from atherosclerosis don’t show up until it’s too late, so you should stay on top of your cardiovascular health. Whether you know you're at risk or want to stay one step ahead, we recommend regularly checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

If we detect an uptick in your vitals, we can help you be proactive against atherosclerosis. 

Don’t let a cardiovascular problem sneak up on you. Call our friendly staff at 817-321-0951 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation with one of our experts and get more answers to your questions.