These are often treated by inserting a wire mesh tube stent near the blockage to widen the artery. Doctors target smaller, unstable plaque. How do you get the cholesterol out of the plaque?
By lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood, where it travels inside particles called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein LDL deposits cholesterol into blood vessel walls. The drugs used most often to reduce LDL cholesterol levels are statins —such as atorvastatin Lipitor and rosuvastatin Crestor.
Statins block the liver enzyme that promotes cholesterol production. Another medication called ezetimibe Zetia may be added to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract.
Harvard Health Letter. Very intensive lifestyle changes have also been shown to shrink plaque. Cannon recommends that you:. Cholesterol is often vilified as the bad guy, but we need this waxy, fatty substance to make vitamin D, hormones, bile that aids digestion, and the coverings of our cells. When cells need more cholesterol, the liver sends it via the bloodstream in packages made of cholesterol on the inside and protein on the outside. These cholesterol-laden particles are known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL.
Too much LDL in the blood can cause cholesterol to lodge in the artery walls and form plaques. That's why LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol. Not surprisingly, high levels of cholesterol in the diet raise blood levels of LDL. But high levels of saturated fat and trans fat in the diet are even more important: they cause the liver to produce lots of LDL cholesterol and send it into the blood.
Another review study suggests that people should avoid saturated fats because they increase LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a direct cause of heart issues. Unsaturated fats are the good fats. They contain HDL cholesterol, which can help to take bad cholesterol from the arteries before it turns into plaque. According to the AHA, unsaturated fats may help improve blood cholesterol when eaten instead of trans or saturated fats. Drinking teas, such as green or black tea, rooibos tea, or ginger tea may be good heart-healthy substitutes for other beverages.
A study from found that drinking 6 cups of rooibos tea per day for 6 weeks helped to lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood in adults who were at risk for heart diseases. Green tea can also help. A review reported that green tea and its extracts could lower LDL cholesterol in the blood, though this did not affect HDL cholesterol. Ginger supplementation may also improve significant markers that can lead to cardiovascular events, according to a study.
Ginger root can be found as a supplement, but people can also brew it in hot water, and drink it as a tea.
A range of herbal teas is available for purchase online. Obesity is a risk factor for plaque buildup and heart disease. In addition to eating a healthful diet, regularly exercising may help a person to lose weight and reduce their risk of heart problems. Taking part in cardiovascular exercise, otherwise known as cardio, on a regular basis may also help strengthen the heart and reduce plaque. A person should aim to do 30 to 60 minutes of exercise that raises the heart rate for a good workout.
A doctor may recommend a specific exercise routine to fit an individual, based on various lifestyle factor. Stop smoking. According to the AHA, smoking is a major risk factor. It directly damages the arteries and can make fatty deposits grow faster and become larger. Stress reduction. Psychological stress levels may also cause a reaction in the body. We have answers. Our FREE cholesterol guide will help you understand and manage your cholesterol, so you can take action and live healthy!
Atherosclerosis and cholesterol Plaque fatty deposits build up in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. This can lead to conditions such as: Coronary heart disease plaque in arteries in or leading to the heart Angina chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle Carotid artery disease plaque in neck arteries supplying blood to the brain Peripheral artery disease , or PAD plaque in arteries of the extremities, especially the legs Chronic kidney disease Plaque presents a double threat Plaque itself can pose a risk.
In either case, the artery can be blocked, cutting off blood flow. How it starts and how it progresses Atherosclerosis is a slow, lifelong progression of changes in the blood vessels that may start in childhood and get worse faster as you age.
Last Reviewed: Nov 6, Watch, Learn and Live See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations. Beta blockers are often used to treat coronary artery disease by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the work your heart has to do. This can help relieve angina. Beta blockers also reduce the risk of heart attacks and some arrhythmias. Anti-platelet medication can help keep blood platelets from clumping in the arteries.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ACE inhibitors help reduce blood pressure, which helps slow the progression of atherosclerosis. They can also reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks. Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure and may be used to treat angina. Diuretics lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Other medications may be taken to manage related conditions, such as medicine to control diabetes, or to treat symptoms of atherosclerosis.
Surgery When medication and lifestyle changes are not enough to treat atherosclerosis and your condition is severe, you may need surgery to open narrowed arteries.
Angioplasty with stent placement involves compressing plaque deposits against the affected artery wall and inserting a stent into the artery to help keep it open. Endarterectomy is removing plaque deposits from the arterial walls.
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