|  | Conditions Treatments | Heart Disease

The Best Ways of Removing Plaque From Arteries

Plaque is not just something found on teeth. It is a mixture of cholesterol, calcium, and other elements transported in the blood that amasses in the tiny blood vessels that nourish the heart. Gradually, this accumulation constricts the arteries so badly that blood flow to the heart is insufficient. Plaque buildup can also split artery walls and produce blood clots. However, certain steps can help eliminate plaque from the arteries.

  1. Angioplasty

    • During an angioplasty procedure, a long, bendable tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel by making a small cut in the skin. The catheter contains a deflated balloon on its point. When the catheter arrives at the clogged blood vessel, the balloon inflates, condensing the plaque against the blood vessel's side. The balloon can inflate and deflate numerous times. Many times, a small metal tube, called a stent, is placed in the artery functioning as a bridge to allow the artery to stay open, preventing the plaque from moving away from the walls back to the middle of the blood vessel.

    Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

    • A coronary artery bypass graft is a common heart surgery in which an artery or portion of vein from your leg is connected to a blood vessel to reroute blood around blockage. Expect six weeks to recover from this type of major surgery.

    Olmesartan

    • The Science Daily Web site reports that olmesartan, a pharmaceutical often used to lower blood pressure, can help reduce plaque. Patients with angina who daily received doses of olmesartan showed a substantial decrease in plaque buildup after 14 months.

Heart Disease - Related Articles