Introduction
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s important to be aware of the signs that your heart may be clogged with plaque. Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Knowing the signs of plaque buildup can help you take steps to prevent or treat the condition. Here are five signs that your heart may be clogged with plaque: chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swollen ankles. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help reduce your risk of developing plaque buildup in your arteries. Eating foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and high in fiber, can help keep your heart healthy. Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing stress can also help reduce your risk of developing plaque buildup.
5 Signs Your Heart is “Clogged With Plaque” — Eat This Not That
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and one of the most common forms of heart disease is atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances that can build up in the walls of the arteries and cause them to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart. If left untreated, plaque can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Here are five signs that your heart may be clogged with plaque.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the most common signs of plaque buildup in the arteries is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, crushing sensation. It may be worse when you are active or when you are under stress. If you experience chest pain or discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
2. Shortness of Breath
If your heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, you may experience shortness of breath. This can be especially noticeable when you are active or when you are lying down. If you experience shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
3. Fatigue
If your heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, you may experience fatigue. This can be especially noticeable when you are active or when you are lying down. If you experience fatigue, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
4. Swelling in the Legs and Feet
If your heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, you may experience swelling in the legs and feet. This can be especially noticeable when you are active or when you are lying down. If you experience swelling in the legs and feet, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
5. Irregular Heartbeat
If your heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, you may experience an irregular heartbeat. This can be especially noticeable when you are active or when you are lying down. If you experience an irregular heartbeat, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help reduce your risk of developing plaque buildup in the arteries. Eating foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can help reduce your risk of developing plaque buildup in the arteries. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also help reduce your risk of developing plaque buildup in the arteries.
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease that affects over 20 million U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition happens when plaque buildup takes place in the walls of the arteries and blocks blood flow to the heart. Knowing the signs and how to help prevent CAD can be a matter of life or death and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Eric Stahl, MD Non-Invasive Cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital who shares what to know about plaque buildup and symptoms not to ignore. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Stahl explains, “Atherosclerosis is the process by which fatty deposits or plaque buildup in the walls of arteries. As plaque builds up, the arteries harden and narrow, limiting their ability to deliver blood to different organs. Atherosclerosis is a lifelong process that starts in the second and third decade of life and is most impacted by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Limiting these risk factors is the best way to prevent atherosclerosis.”
Dr. Stahl tells us, “Once atherosclerosis develops, lifestyle modifications can slow the progression and, in some cases, reverse it. Quitting smoking is the most important modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. Following a heart healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, losing weight if obese, and increasing physical activity should be implemented as well. If these changes are insufficient, medications should be started to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and treat diabetes. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can progress and lead to heart attack, stroke or peripheral artery disease (PAD).”
“Coronary artery calcification (CAC) can be quantified by performing a non-contrast CT scan of the heart. CAC is a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and can predict future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events,” says Dr. Stahl.
According to Dr. Stahl, “Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides or lipoprotein (a) directly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. More fatty plaque will accumulate as these levels increase over time. These lab values should be checked regularly and treated if elevated.”
Dr. Stahl shares, “Many of the toxic chemicals that are inhaled with smoking contribute to atherosclerosis. Smoking is the most important modifiable risk factor of heart disease because it is well known to cause plaque buildup.”
Dr. Stahl says, “Metabolic syndrome and its individual components are major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. High cholesterol, diabetes, large waist circumference or obesity, and hypertension make up the metabolic syndrome. If present, atherosclerosis develops more rapidly.”
Dr. Stahl states, “When atherosclerosis progresses and the arteries narrow, people will eventually start to feel symptomatic. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue are symptoms that indicate significant narrowing of their coronary arteries.”
“Atherosclerosis does not only affect certain areas of the body,” Dr. Stahl reveals. “If there is evidence of buildup in one area, atherosclerosis has developed throughout the body. For this reason, those who have had a previous stroke or have carotid stenosis or peripheral arterial disease, are at increased risk for having a heart attack.”
Heather Newgen