Atherosclerosis is a very serious condition. It is caused by a build-up of fatty matter on the arterial walls. This fatty matter, also known as plaque, has a tendency to rupture and form blood clots. These blood clots can then lodge in arteries that go to the brain and heart. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Instructions
1. Get an angioplasty. This is a surgical process where a balloon is sent into a clogged or partially clogged artery to reduce the blockage.
2. Get a coronary artery bypass graft. This is another medical procedure where a vein or artery is taken from one part of the body and placed in an area where there is blockage. Blood is then bypassed around the blocked artery.
3. Eat more fiber. There are two types of fiber--soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and it helps block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Some examples of soluble fiber are oatmeal, oat bran and beans.
4. Get some stanols and sterols. These are similar to fiber in the fact that they block the absorption of cholesterol. They can be found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, cereals and vegetable oils.
5. Quit smoking. It is already well known that smoking causes lung cancer. But it can also cause blood vessels to constrict and get damaged, which can exacerbate atherosclerosis.
6. Get some exercise. According to the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute, you should get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all days of the week. This can also be broken up into shorter bouts of exercise that add up to 30 by the end of the day.
7. Avoid foods that are high in cholesterol. High cholesterol is a major reason for atherosclerosis. Some examples of foods to avoid would be deep fried foods, processed foods, refined foods and foods that are high in saturated fat.
Tags: absorption cholesterol, block absorption, block absorption cholesterol, blood clots, fatty matter, foods that
