It is well understood that clogged arteries (artery plaque) can increase one’s chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Understanding the causes of artery plaque and what you can do to prevent this devastating condition, puts you in the driver’s seat to leading a healthy, long life.
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen rich blood to all necessary organs of your body. With clear smooth walls these arteries allow the blood to flow effortlessly. When a build up of plaque grows on the walls of the arties, the blood flow can become narrow and in some very dangerous situations, prevent the flow of blood altogether. What causes this build up is what is being carried in the blood. It is typically abnormally high contents of fats, cholesterol, calcium.
There are suitable dietary changes one can make to lessen the high content of these dangerous substances in your blood.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians there are several ways to improve your lipid levels.
Eat at least five to seven servings of vegetables and fruits daily.
Eat soy products and legumes daily.
Use oils that contain monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids (such as canola and olive oil).
Eat monounsaturated-rich nuts in moderation.
Eat garlic regularly (if acceptable).
Increase intake of soluble fiber.
Decrease intake of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and transfatty acids; in particular, follow these guidelines:
Decrease consumption of butter and margarine.
Decrease consumption of fatty meats.
Decrease consumption of dairy products made from 2% or whole milk.
Patients can reduce their intake of harmful fats by nearly 50 percent simply by cutting out butter and margarine, fatty meats and dairy products made from 2 percent or whole milk. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/masley.html
There are CPR classes being conducted all over the country to empower people to help those who have suffer a serious heart attack. These folks are learning what to do after this devastating emergency happens, make it your job to prevent it!
If your doctor has warned that you are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, work with her to create these healthy dietary changes and also develop an exercise program to help reduce your chances of ever having a heart attack or stroke.
