Can You Reverse Plaque Buildup In Your Arteries?

Ok, big question: can you reverse plaque buildup in your arteries? The unfortunate answer to that is no, but kind of yes. Weird answer, we know.

You can’t reverse the damage you’ve already done, but expert treatment or minimally invasive intervention can improve the plaque buildup in your arteries.

But that requires bringing a vascular surgeon on board (which our team at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center are, admittedly, very much in favor of!)

Treating Plaque Buildup

However, there’s a lot you can do without involving a vascular surgeon to improve your peripheral artery disease symptoms and plaque build-up. After all, conservative treatments and preventative care are hugely important in mitigating circulatory weakness and arterial disease. 

So if you are noticing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take steps to mitigate future issues. Good behaviors can’t remove plaque already there, but they ensure that the problem doesn’t worsen. With supportive artery care, your vascular health should only improve!

So what is there for you to do? 

Our advice isn’t glamorous, but it is simple: take care of your body.

Conservative Care

Make sure not to smoke, consume smaller portions, watch your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and stay as active as possible. Much of the stress we place upon our circulatory system is, with attention, easily fixed. Though some patients don’t have a say in the matter due to underlying issues, for most people, your artery health is up to you.

If you’re looking for more specific steps you can take to improve your artery health, here are a few activities you can do:

Exercise

Exercising is a great way to improve vascular health, as it keeps blood flowing and prevents further plaque buildup. Walking and cardiovascular exercise are beneficial, but anything that elevates your heart rate is good. You should make a point of exercising once a day or as much as is feasible.

Eat Healthier

Diet is a major contributing factor to arterial disease. Foods high in cholesterol are a major cause of plaque buildup and increased blood pressure, so eating healthy is important in improving your health: more fruits and vegetables, less red meat and dairy.

Lose Weight

This item is the most difficult. Being overweight can significantly strain your circulatory system, as it requires more work to move blood around your body. Losing weight is a vital step to improve circulatory function and overall vascular health.

Vascular Care

In tandem with conservative care, consulting a vascular specialist is essential to continue arterial health. After all, conservative care can’t erase pre-existing plaque. Rather, it can simply prevent further unhealthy buildup and mitigate the potential worsening of symptoms.

Consulting vascular professionals is important because they can help set long-term treatment plans and medication regimens in place to eliminate the issue. This style of conservative care isn’t available purely through at-home lifestyle changes or behavioral adjustments. Medications like statins are vital for lowering cholesterol levels, a key factor in arterial disease, and require a prescription from a doctor or vascular surgeon.

Additionally, it’s worth discussing surgical or interventional care for improving your vascular health. These care alternatives are only available when consulting a vascular professional equipped with the resources to provide you with comprehensive care.

Read about why you should see an Artery Specialist in Rogers→

Turn to the Vascular Experts in Rogers!

If you need support with treating peripheral artery disease symptoms, turn to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center. Our experience and constantly expanding suite of care options enable us to guide you toward lasting wellness solutions.

We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for the highest-quality vein and artery treatments. Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and the expert staff have over 500 years of combined experience caring for patients’ vascular well-being. Helping people is what we do; our mission is to provide the people of Northwestern Arkansas and beyond with the absolute best care possible.

You can count on the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center to provide effective solutions for treating your arterial disease. Regardless of your needs or care resources, we will work with our patients to achieve optimal care results every time. 

So, if you’re concerned about your vascular well-being, check out our Virtual Vein Screening Tool or schedule a consultation!