How to Unclog Your Arteries

Heart disease is a killer. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease kills more people in the U.S. than any other cause. When arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged with fat, cholesterol and other materials that make up arterial plaque, a heart attack occurs, which happens about every 34 seconds in the U.S. Making some relatively simple changes in your life can reduce your risk of a heart attack tremendously by unclogging the arteries in your heart.

Instructions

• 1

  Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty material in arteries, increasing the chances they will become blocked and result in a heart attack. Smoking makes it more difficult to remain physically active and lessens the blood's ability to flow freely, both important elements in keeping arteries unclogged.

• 2

  Eat healthy foods. That means avoiding excess fat and salt and taking in a reasonable number of calories based upon your height, age, gender and physical condition. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish and lean proteins make good choices. Limit alcohol intake, and follow diet guidelines outlined by a health professional if you are diabetic or have other specific dietary needs.

• 3

  Exercise. At least 30 minutes of physical exercise five days a week can help reduce plaque and unclog arteries. The American Heart Association notes that some studies claim every hour spent walking may actually increase your life expectancy by two hours.

• 4

  Lose weight if you are obese or overweight. Other lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise can help you reach a goal weight without fad diets or strenuous workout routines. Reducing your weight helps reduce cholesterol.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about medications. Many different kinds of medications exist that can help the body prevent buildup of plaque. They may thin the blood so it is less likely to coagulate or help prevent cholesterol from binding to artery walls.

• 6

  Investigate surgical options. Doctors can place tubes inside the arteries that help prevent further buildup and increase blood flow or inject agents that dissolve clots.

• 7

  Take a low-dose aspirin daily. Studies show that low doses of aspirin help thin the blood and clogged arteries.