Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque, made of fats, cholesterol, and calcium, builds up inside artery walls, narrowing and stiffening them. This condition progresses silently and commonly causes heart attacks and strokes.

Older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, smokers, and those who are overweight, obese, or sedentary face a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Small lifestyle changes can help prevent the condition early.

Adopt a healthy diet

According to the Times of India, regularly eating green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish supplies the body with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can lower bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessel walls.

Conversely, diets rich in processed foods, fried items, red meat, and saturated fats can raise blood cholesterol. Over time, excess cholesterol accumulates on artery walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques that narrow vessels and impede blood flow. This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables can prevent atherosclerosis due to their fiber and antioxidant content. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Maintain a healthy weight

Overweight or obese individuals often experience increased bad cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, higher blood pressure, and insulin resistance. These imbalances make cholesterol more likely to accumulate on artery walls, promoting plaque formation.

Furthermore, excess fat tissue, particularly abdominal fat, can produce inflammatory substances. Chronic inflammation damages the inner lining of blood vessels, allowing fats and cholesterol to adhere to artery walls. Over time, these plaques grow, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes, according to Eating Well.

Effectively manage underlying conditions

High blood pressure can damage the inner lining of blood vessel walls. When this lining is damaged, cholesterol and fats in the blood more easily adhere to artery walls, forming plaque. Over time, these plaques thicken, narrowing blood vessels and impeding blood flow.

Moreover, prolonged high blood pressure forces the heart and blood vessels to operate under significant stress, increasing inflammation and accelerating arterial stiffening. Maintaining blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg helps prevent serious complications such as strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks.

Chronic kidney disease can also increase atherosclerosis risk. When kidney function declines, the body becomes prone to disorders such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, and mineral imbalances—factors that can damage blood vessel walls.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)