How to prevent or help hardening of the arteries is a topic that we all should be interested in due to its role as one of the primary causes of heart disease. In this article on how to prevent or help hardening of the arteries we will first explore the primary theories as to why it occurs in the first place and then get down to business revealing ways to prevent or help reduce the impact of this potentially serious disease.

What are the possible causes of hardening of the arteries

Hardening of the arteries is thought to be caused by either high levels of blood cholesterol or repeated injury to the artery walls by the immune system. There is also a third lesser known, but more current theory that hardening of the arteries is caused by arterial inflammation. The three theory do not necessarily have to be exclusive and perhaps the real cause of hardening of the arteries may be a combination of all three varying slightly from person to person. The bottom line is that ultimately cholesterol laden plaque deposits form, narrowing the lumen (interior) of the arteries. The larger the plaque obstruction becomes the more oxygen and blood flow will be restricted, until at some point blood flow is cut off altogether triggering such serious conditions as a life threatening heart attack or stroke.

How to prevent or help hardening of the arteries

So as we look at the possible causes it becomes apparent that to reverse this condition we will need to come up with ways to either reduce inflammation, lower blood cholesterol levels, and/or find a way to repair and prevent the inner wall of the arteries from being damaged.

*Reduce Homocysteine levels: Homocysteine (an amino acid) is thought to damage the interior lining of the arteries, making the formation of cholesterol laden plaque deposits more likely. High levels of this amino acid also aids in the development of blood clots. Conditions that may increase homocysteine levels are deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, kidney failure, breast cancer, psoriasis, smoking, and ironically certain cholesterol lowering drugs such as niacin, colestipol, and cholestyramine.

*Reduce blood cholesterol through diet: Reduce blood cholesterol and reduce or reverse hardening of the arteries! A pretty simple idea, right? In theory yes, but in reality maybe not due to our love for cholesterol laden foods such as full fat dairy (cheese, butter, etc…), marbled red meat, and many other products found on our grocery store shelves and in our favorite restaurants. As a general rule in how to help or prevent hardening of the arteries is to keep your total cholesterol consumption in relation to calories under 25 percent, and saturated fat intake under 10 percent of calories. This should help you reach a goal of keeping your bad cholesterol readings (LDL) around 100 milligrams per deciliter which in turn should help turn the tables on hardening of the arteries. Additionally, to accomplish these lofty goals some have found success by implementing a natural cholesterol reduction supplement as well.

*Say no to physical inactivity: Physical inactivity is directly linked to hardening of the arteries and heart disease. It also can impact other risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, a low level of good cholesterol (HDL), and diabetes. The AMA suggests exercising for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week doing activities such as walking, pool aerobics, or bicycling.

Other factors that have been shown to contribute to hardening of the arteries that should be addressed are smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and excessive alcohol consumption.