Understanding the common causes of arteries harden

Artery hardening, also known as atherosclerosis, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It happens when the walls of your arteries become thick and stiff, reducing blood flow to vital organs like your heart and brain.

This condition doesn’t develop overnight. It’s usually the result of a combination of lifestyle choices, health problems, and aging.

Let’s take a closer look at the common causes of artery hardening and what research says about it.

One major cause of atherosclerosis is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to function, but too much of it can be harmful.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” can stick to the walls of your arteries, forming plaques.

Over time, these plaques harden and narrow your arteries. Studies published in the journal Circulation show that high levels of LDL cholesterol are strongly linked to the development of atherosclerosis.

Another big contributor is high blood pressure. When your blood pressure is consistently too high, it puts extra strain on your artery walls. This can damage the lining of your arteries, making it easier for cholesterol and other substances to build up and form plaques.

Research in the Journal of Hypertension has found that people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are significantly more likely to develop hardened arteries compared to those with normal blood pressure.

Smoking is another common cause of artery hardening. Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that damage the lining of your blood vessels.

Smoking also lowers levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good cholesterol,” which helps remove bad cholesterol from your arteries.

According to a study in the American Heart Journal, smokers are twice as likely to develop atherosclerosis as non-smokers. The good news is that quitting smoking can slow or even reverse some of the damage.

Diabetes is also a key factor. High blood sugar levels can damage the inner lining of your arteries, making it easier for plaque to build up.

People with diabetes often have other risk factors too, like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, which increase the likelihood of artery hardening.

Research in Diabetes Care shows that people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease, partly because of atherosclerosis.

Unhealthy eating habits can play a big role as well. Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sugar can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which contribute to hardened arteries.

A study published in The Lancet found that people who follow a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, have a much lower risk of atherosclerosis.

Finally, aging is a natural factor that contributes to artery hardening. As you get older, your arteries lose some of their elasticity, making them more prone to stiffness and plaque buildup. While aging is unavoidable, leading a healthy lifestyle can slow down this process.

In summary, artery hardening is caused by a combination of factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, unhealthy eating, and aging. While some causes, like aging, can’t be avoided, many others can be managed through lifestyle changes.

Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control are all important steps to protect your arteries and maintain good health.

If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and scientists find how COVID-19 damages the heart.

For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about Aspirin linked to higher risk of heart failure, and results showing Blackcurrants could improve artery functions, blood pressure in older people.