How to Reduce Blocked Coronary Arteries

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading killers in the world, and the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Reducing blocked arteries requires dietary and lifestyle changes, usually supplemented by anti-cholesterol medication. There are certain foods which may treat blocked arteries as well.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's visit
• Prescriptions
• Dietary changes
• Lifestyle changes
• Fish oil supplements
• Whole grains
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Resveratrol

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Instructions

• 1

  See a medical professional. A cardiologist will assess your situation using interview questions and several medical tests, such as a stress test. He will then advise you the next step to take, which could be to control a small blockage with diet and lifestyle changes and anti-cholesterol medicines. If the blockage is severe, then he may recommend angioplasty, a surgical operation to remove blockages that is relatively painless.

• 2

  Control, eliminate and prevent blockages with dietary changes by reducing fat, cholesterol and sodium in the diet. The best diet is the one recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). Avoid all fried foods. Eliminate fatty and processed meats. Consume only lean meats, vegetables, fruits and reduced-fat breads. Avoid cooking with animal fat or lard; use olive oil or vegetable oil. Reduce fats from other sources such as dairy items.

• 3

  Exercise, lose weight, quit smoking and consume the heart-healthy diet approved by the AHA. Daily walking is the best exercise for heart patients. Discuss the best exercise for you with your health professional.

• 4

  Eat two servings of fish per week. The consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish oil) may reduce the risk of CAD. Persons with CAD and high triglycerides may want to use fish oil supplements. Eat whole grains. Consume resveratrol (as found in red grape skins/seeds, particularly the Muscadine/Scuppernong variety). Eat canola, flaxseed, tofu and other forms of soybeans, walnut and their oils. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which may convert to omega-3 fatty acid in the body.