What vitamins help open clogged arteries? Diet can play a big role in improving your heart health and reducing your risk for a buildup of plaque. Cholesterol is often vilified as the bad guy, but we need this waxy, fatty substance to make vitamin D, hormones, bile that aids digestion, and the coverings of our cells. It does this by shuttling calcium out of arteries and into bones where it belongs. The 2 Heart-Healthy Vitamins That Help Combat Plaque, When Plaque Builds Up in Your Arteries, Statins May Be the Answer, High Cholesterol: Separating Myth and Fact, Guy L. Mintz MD, cardiologist, director, cardiovascular health and lipidology, Sandra Atlas Bass Hospital, Manhasset, New York, American Heart Association: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol, Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease, Harvard Health Publishing: "11 Foods That Lower Cholesterol", Inflammatory diseases Arterial plaque formation stiffens and narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow and interfering with the oxygen supply to vital organs and tissues. Its important to always talk with a doctor before starting a new exercise routine. PCSK9 injectables. Phytic acid is a mineral chelator that easily binds to calcium. dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH). Talk with a doctor about the next steps that are most important for your situation. Fish oil tablets contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help increase the "good" cholesterol in the body and decrease triglycerides. (2020). If you were diagnosed with arterial blockages, now is the time to reverse plaque and prevent additional buildup. For example, atherosclerosis is most common in your 60s and 70s. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Research suggests that the ketogenic diet positively affects cardiovascular health and lowers several risk factors of plaque formation, including obesity, insulin resistance, and imbalanced cholesterol levels. (n.d.). 7. Low-dose intake (400 mcg) has been recommended for overall health. The immune system reacts to tissue damage and triggers the repair of the affected blood vessel. Unsaturated fats are mainly found in plants and fatty fish. However, a 2017 review concluded that the Cuban study was more accurate than the studies taken outside of Cuba. A., Geleijnse, J. M., & Hornstra, G. (2017, April). The first measure that most doctors recommend for the treatment of plaque buildup involves healthy lifestyle changes, according to the NIH. But can it be reversed? (2013). Artichokes are an edible thistle that may provide numerous benefits. There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. BONUS! The day you quit smoking, your health will start to rebound. Niacin supplements can make your skin flushed and prickly feeling, and they might cause nausea. In some cases, efforts can even reverse some of the damage to improve your heart health. Schizophrenia: Researchers say network disruptions in the brain may be a factor, Schizophrenia: How blood vessel growth in the brain may be a factor, Why adults in rural areas face higher risk of heart failure, Everything you need to know about carotid artery disease, What to know about coronary artery disease, products with partially hydrogenated oils, otherwise known as trans fats, some vegetable oils including sunflower and olive, fatty fish, including trout, herring, and salmon. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? This supplement is sometimes referred to as artichoke leaf extract, or ALE. High blood levels of cholesterol encourage the formation and growth of vascular plaques that put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Its believed that excess calcium in the bloodstream can accumulate in arterial walls, leading to arterial hardening and loss of flexibility. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? There are two kinds of cholesterol. This causes calcification, buildup, and blockages within the arteries. I have recommended these plant extracts to thousands of patients and have seen the favorable results firsthand. Last medically reviewed on March 8, 2019. At what age do your arteries start clogging? Can calcium supplements cause arterial stiffness? More research into policosanol is still needed. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, collectively referred to as plaque, clog your arteries. In Germany, an extract made of its leaves and berries is sold as a heart disease medicine. Some procedures and interventions can also remove plaque or strengthen arteries. A review of several randomized controlled trials found that regularly supplementing vitamin K2 in combination with Vitamin D3 reduces coronary artery calcification progression and improves the flow of oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. This is based on wishful thinking, not science. (2020). 4 Ways To De-Calcify arteries Take Vitamin K2. They are a major component of your circulatory system, an intricate network that also includes capillaries and veins. Its 14 mg for most women, 17 mg for lactating women, and 18 mg for pregnant women. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Its clear that having a nutritious diet is essential to maintain healthy arteries. By lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood, where it travels inside particles called lipoproteins. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Zheng, X.-X., Xu, Y.-L., Li, S.-H., Liu, X.-X., Hui, R., & Huang, X.-H. (2011, August 1). When we don't consume enough, our body pulls calcium from our bones and puts it into our arteries instead. Vitamin D3 has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and according to the National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology information research suggests that vitamin D inhibits coronary artery calcification by protecting the lining of blood vessels from inflammatory damage and injury. This supports healthy calcium blood levels and directly reduces calcium deposition into arterial plaque. Vitamin K2, vitamin D3, magnesium, and phytic acid are powerful nutrients that can help reduce the plaque in your arteries. But there are some foods and supplements that lower LDL and thereby benefit your arterial health overall. Still, adopting a heart-heathy diet and regular exercise routine and taking certain medications may help reduce plaques and prevent them from getting worse. Avocados, walnuts, and fatty fish all contain unsaturated fats. Too much LDL in the blood can cause cholesterol to lodge in the artery walls and form plaques. When you eat better and move more, the natural result might be that you lose weight. DOI: Zeb I, et al. Arterial plaque can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Learn about its potential power to help prevent and treat disease, from heart disease to cancer. Sources include: The AHA recommend that people aiming to lower their LDL cholesterol eat a diet rich in: They also recommend limiting sugary foods, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages. While supplements are a quick and simple way to get a dose of healthy vitamins and nutrients, it's better to get what you need from the food you eat, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Can Artery Plaque Buildup Be Reversed With Diet? Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient, which aids your metabolism and nervous system and which you must obtain through your diet. Its important to work with a doctor to create a treatment plan if you have clogged arteries. That triggers muscle cells in the artery wall to multiply and form a cap over the area. In fact, calcium deposits and plaque buildup is a signs of early aging.. (2022). Stress-reduction techniques, including yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises may help some people relax during a hectic day. Rondanelli M, et al. Studies in humans have shown bromelain to be an effective anti-clotting agent. Angioplasty, also called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or PTCA, involves inserting a long flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through a small incision in your skin. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This is a purified form of fish oil that has recently been shown to reduce triglycerides as well as stave off heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death. That's why it's often referred to as "good" cholesterol. People can prevent clogged arteries with the following lifestyle changes: The type of fat a person eats can affect plaque in the arteries. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts are also good sources of the nutrient, according to the NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. A drug made from a highly purified form of EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish) appears to help reduce plaque in the heart's arteries, according to a study published online Aug. 29, 2020, by the European Heart Journal. Removing plaque from the arteries is not a simple process. All rights reserved. Helping children who are neurodiverse build friendships, Preventable liver disease is rising: What you eat and avoid counts, Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods. Nettleton, J. A buildup of plaque can eventually lead to coronary artery disease, says the Cleveland Clinic. Although technically not vitamins, magnesium and phytic acid can block the accumulation of calcium in tissues, which may prevent the calcification of organs and arterial walls. Very intensive lifestyle changes have also been shown to shrink plaque. Studies show that ALE can help raise your good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Icosapent ethyl. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. "For example, if your blood pressure spikes, it puts pressure on the thin wall of the plaque, which can break open, form a clot, and cause a heart attack," says Dr. Cannon. In contrast, research suggests that high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol, can reduce plaque buildup and lowers inflammation within arterial walls. Green tea can also help. This is because these kinds of fats contain high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the main material of plaque in the arteries. This could involve inserting a tube into the artery to remove the plaque while leaving behind a stent to support the artery walls and increase blood flow. It contains the chemical quercetin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol. Beer, liquor, and wine have different effects on your cholesterol levels. (2019). They may leave behind a tiny metal structure called a stent that helps support the artery and increase blood flow. A plant-based, heart-healthy diet may help treat existing plaques while preventing others from forming. Garlic is a nutrient-rich addition to any diet. Alcohol can also negatively affect your cholesterol levels. Consulting your doctor is especially important if youre pregnant or nursing. However, how much and how often you drink has a bigger impact than what you. However, there are many things you can do to improve the health of your arteries. ( 9) Vitamin K2 also improves blood pressure and other markers of artery health. . (2014). Spertus JA, el al. If combined with vitamin K2, vitamin D3 can inhibit arterial calcium deposition and reduce LDL oxidation linked to accelerated plaque formation and the narrowing of blood vessels. Keep in mind that these measures are not a substitute for medical treatment for people with serious heart problems. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic supplementation and serum cholesterol: A meta-analysis. However, studies on garlic and heart health are mixed. Nevertheless, vitamin C deficiency has been linked with a higher rate of death due to cardiovascular disease. Statin medications are a common option. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. For anti-aging purposes; For healthy blood flow and circulation; To help reduce your risk of heart problems. Cholesterol and protein deposits form plaque similar to scar tissue, leading to stiff blood vessels that lower the bodys ability to regulate blood pressure. Obesity is a risk factor for plaque buildup and heart disease. However, coronary artery calcification can cause stiff arteries and high blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, cardiac arrest, and stroke. However, no studies show a reduction in PAD or cardiovascular risk . 5. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. According to the AHA, smoking is a major risk factor. Lifestyle interventions and carotid plaque burden: A comparative analysis of two lifestyle intervention programs in patients with coronary artery disease. Similarly, a blocked artery may require surgical treatment. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. A doctor may also prescribe medication, such as aspirin, or cholesterol-reducing drugs, such as statins. One possible option is the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which emphasizes eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting saturated fat, sugar, and salt. People who smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and dont exercise enough are more likely to develop it. Vitamin C has been shown to be decreased in people with PAD. Beta-sitosterol (found in supplements and some margarines, such as Promise Activ) Blond psyllium (found in seed husk and products such as Metamucil) Calcium Cocoa Fish oil Garlic Green tea Oat bran (found in oatmeal and whole oats) Sitostanol (found in supplements and some margarines, such as Benecol) Inositol hexaphosphate, also known as phytic acid, is a natural compound and powerful antioxidant. Garlic powder intake and cardiovascular risk factors: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. The findings may explain why the drug, icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke by 26% in . We include products we think are useful for our readers. In this article, we take a close look at how to prevent plaque buildup, along with risk factors and complications when someones arteries are clogged. During this procedure, a surgeon removes arteries from other parts of your body and replaces the blocked artery. A 1999 study shows that it can significantly lower your levels of cholesterol. The power of red yeast rice lies in the substance monacolin K. It has the same makeup as lovastatin, a prescription statin drug used for lowering cholesterol. reduces coronary artery calcification progression and improves the flow of oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. Stress reduction. Characteristics that also put people at increased risk for heart disease include the following, according to Dr. Mintz: Dr. Mintz adds that measures to improve your cardiac risk factors include eating (and drinking) right and "knowing your numbers" with regard to the following: These factors can vary from person to person. Garlic also comes with anti-bacterial qualities. While HDL cholesterol is essential in repairing damaged blood vessel linings, LDL cholesterol depositions cause oxidation and inflammation creating more blood vessel damage and triggering a vicious cycle of plaque formation and arterial inflammation. Vitamin K2 : It is also known as "menaquinone." It has subtypes, from MK4 to MK13. Theres no proof that any supplement will cure atherosclerosis on its own. Although vitamins alone can not clear plaque completely, certain supplements may help improve your heart health, preventing accumulation in the arteries. 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