By the time most people hit the age of 20, artery blockages that disrupt the flow of blood already exist within their arteries. Arteries are responsible for carryingoxygenated blood and life sustaining nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. That’s why healthy arteries are responsible and essential for marinating a healthy body.
But when particles of cholesterol, fat and other cells build up the arteries, they create fatty streaks and eventually form plaques that obstruct smooth blood flow. These blockages can as well affect the whole artery system. Here are some symptoms of blocked arteries you should know about.
Lower Back Pain
The arteries leading to lower back pain are among the first to obtain the plaque and fatty streaks and show the signs of blockage. Keep in mind the percentage of artery blockage is rapidly increasing to people by the age of 20. Reduced or blocked blood flow to the back can weaken the disks that cushion the vertebrae and lead to painful herniated disks and pinched nerves. According to studies, many people who suffer from chronic back pain are far more likely to have clogged lumbar arteries compared to those who do not experience back pain.
Stroke
When too muchplaque accumulates in the arteries leading them to the brain, the path of blood flow narrows, depriving portions of the brain of oxygenated blood. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die leading to what is called thrombotic stroke. Since arterial blockages in one area can indicate systematic damage, medications that treat isolated symptoms may not be the most effective way to treat the underlying problem.
Research shows that the most powerful prescription may not lie on the pill bottle but rather on our plates. Consuming plant-based diet free from cholesterol and low in fat has proven to reverse arterial blockages and improve the blood flow.
Final Thoughts
Clogged arteries may lead to so many disorders. So, it’s important that you seek urgent medical attention the very moment you notice any of the above signs. Actually, you should visit your physician and inform them on the same to check if you may have some artery blockages.
The good news is you can avoid all these problems by selecting a healthy diet. This means consuming food that are free from cholesterol and fat as well. It is then that you can boost the flow of blood in your arteries hence prevent you from other disorders.
