What Causes Plaques in Arteries?
If You Have Too Many Cholesterol Particles in Your Blood, Cholesterol May Accumulate on Your Artery Walls. Eventually, Deposits Called Plaques May Form. the...
If you have too many cholesterol particles in your blood, cholesterol may accumulate on your artery walls. Eventually, deposits called plaques may form. The deposits may narrow — or block — your arteries. These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot to form.
Can you reverse plaque buildup in your arteries?
The key is lowering LDL and making lifestyle changes.
"Making plaque disappear is not possible, but we can shrink and stabilize it," says cardiologist Dr. Christopher Cannon, a Harvard Medical School professor. Plaque forms when cholesterol (above, in yellow) lodges in the wall of the artery.
What causes plaque in arteries besides cholesterol?
Lack of physical activity can contribute to, or aggravate, other factors that can cause plaque buildup. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Experts suggest getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise—like brisk walking—most days.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
