Protect yourself from atherosclerosis with these steps.

Protect yourself from atherosclerosis with these steps.

 

According to the German Heart Foundation, atherosclerosis is caused by the presence of deposits on the walls of blood vessels, which causes narrowing and thus increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in the United States, atherosclerosis is a common condition that occurs when a sticky substance called plaque builds up inside the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which substances containing fatty acids and cholesterol build up on the artery wall, which leads to the narrowing of the artery and may lead to its complete blockage.

The Foundation stated that the risk factors that increase the risk of atherosclerosis are as follows:

• Hypertension
• Diabetic
• High in fat
• obesity
• smoking
• drinking wine
• getting old
• genetic factor

Prevention of atherosclerosis

The Foundation added that atherosclerosis can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle based on healthy nutrition, that is, eating foods that improve blood flow characteristics and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, such as:

1. Fish (salmon, mackerel, herring)
2. vegetable oils (such as olive oil)
3. Whole grain products
4. legumes
5. Nuts
6. Eat fruits and vegetables at a rate of 5 servings per day (3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit), especially garlic and onions, as they contain sulfur compounds which has efficacy with regard to blood clotting.

In addition to a healthy diet, you should also do regular exercise and physical activity, as well as quit smoking.