10 Foods That You Should Eat Daily For Clean Arteries

The other day, my dad went to see his doctor for the results of his latest blood test. Unfortunately, the news wasn’t great—he was diagnosed with high cholesterol. A previous test had also shown he had high blood pressure. Both conditions can lead to clogged arteries, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Healthy arteries are strong, flexible, and elastic. But when plaque builds up, they can become clogged—a condition called atherosclerosis. This can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for about 600,000 deaths each year. It’s often called a “silent killer” because symptoms usually appear only when the condition becomes severe.

Symptoms vary depending on the arteries affected. If the carotid arteries (in the neck) are clogged, it may lead to stroke-like symptoms: trouble speaking, sudden weakness, vision problems, dizziness, and confusion.

When coronary arteries (in the heart) are blocked, it’s called coronary heart disease (CHD). This can cause chest pain (angina), which may also affect the jaw, neck, arms, or back. It can feel like pressure or indigestion and may be triggered by stress. Other signs include heartbeat irregularities and shortness of breath.

Renal artery blockages can lead to chronic kidney disease, which progresses silently. Later symptoms may include fatigue, swelling, nausea, and kidney failure.

Blockage in peripheral arteries (in the limbs) causes peripheral arterial disease. This can lead to pain, numbness, or even dangerous infections in the arms, legs, or pelvis.

Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of clogged arteries is crucial for early detection and prevention.