Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. They go to your brain as well as to the tips of your toes. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Some people, however develop clogged arteries. These result from a build-up of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries.
This plaque build-up can reduce blood flow or, in some instances block it altogether. Cloggedarteries greatly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, or even death. Because of these dangers, it’s important to be aware no matter how old you are, of the causes of plaque treatment and signs to prevent serious consequences. Here are things you need to know about clogged arteries.
WhatCauses Arterial Plaque?
Plaque that accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, a material involved in blood clotting. In response to plaque build-up, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.
As this plaque grows, a condition called atherosclerosis results. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden. Note that, plaque often starts to develop during the childhood or teenage years. Then clogged arteries develop in middle age or later.
WhatAre The Dangers Of Arterial Plaque And Clogged Arteries?
It depends on where arterial plaque accumulates. Clogged arteries in different parts of the body can lead to multiple conditions. One of the condition is coronary artery disease. When plaque accumulates in the arteries carrying blood to the heart, it results in coronary artery. Coronary artery disease can cause chest pain or shortness of brain.
This condition can lead to heart attacks and is the leading cause of death in many states. The other condition is peripheral disease. If plaque build in blood vessels, it can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered. The reduced blood flow can cause you to experience pain, numbness, or serious infection in your legs and feet.
Bottom Line
These are some of the things you need to know about clogged arteries. However, there are a variety of prevention and treatment options for clogged arteries. That’s why you should look into the symptoms of blocked arteries to ensure you know what you are dealing with in the first place.