Plaque build-up in arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is a major cause of heart attacks. The sticky layer of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances makes the artery walls harder and narrower, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. For a long time, it was believed that once plaque formed, it could not be reversed, and treatment was limited to medicines, stents, or surgery.
Factors for Plaque Formation:
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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Obesity
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Family history
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Insulin resistance
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Older age
However, addressing the root cause may help reduce the risks and even reverse plaque formation.
Is plaque buildup permanent?
Many heart attacks are caused by soft plaque rupture, too, not just by calcium deposits blocking arteries. Let us start with an interesting fact. Most heart attacks happen from soft plaque that ruptures, not from arteries blocked by calcium buildup. Individuals can have a normal stress test and still be at high risk, and surgery or stenting can fix the immediate symptom and can be life-saving when needed, but these measures do not fix the underlying disease process. That’s why we must address the root cause to reverse plaque and attempt to prevent heart attacks.
How to treat the root cause
The importance of advanced testing to better understand cardiovascular risk. Standard cholesterol readings may not fully reflect the picture.
First is precision testing. APOB tells us your true lipid particle load; high-sensitivity CRP with LP-PLA2 shows inflammation markers that fuel the plaque; and a CCTA scan with clear analysis shows the plaque where it’s forming and what type of plaque exists.
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Doctors advise lifestyle changes as part of the treatment. Targeted nutrition, a Mediterranean-style diet, high in polyphenols, omega-3s, and fiber. One must avoid added sugars and ultra-processed foods. These can cause endothelial damage.
Physical activity, including walking for 5 to 10 minutes after every meal and cardio exercises at least 3 times a week. Further, sleep is important; getting at least 7.5 hours each night helps reduce cortisol and CRP levels.
Therapeutic Support
In addition to diet and exercise, some therapeutic support can be useful. Niacin and berberine can help lower APOB and LPA, and peptides like BPC-157 and Mod-C may help reduce vascular inflammation and potentially improve mitochondrial function. IV nutrients like glutathione and arginine could help improve nitric oxide and vascular health.
Changes take time, but it is possible to obtain measurable results in six to twelve months using a targeted approach. To ensure a good heart health, one must ensure to adopt healthy and active lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
