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7 SIMPLE SWAPS TO KEEP YOUR ARTERIES (AND HEART) HEALTHY Kim Wilson- Dietitian, Lifestyle Health
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roadway intersection will ever come close to the intricacy found in our own internal highway system – our arteries, veins and capillaries. Running a complex network that reaches every inch of our body, our blood vessels serve to deliver essential goods to their desired destination and then carry wastes away. The overall health of our body relies heavily on this highway system being free from roadblocks and potholes.
HEART DISEASE (or cardiovascular disease) is the number 1 cause of death worldwide, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives per year. Cardiovascular Diseases include coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease (affecting the brain), rheumatic heart disease (affecting the lungs) and other conditions. With the newest pandemic having cardiovascular health implications, it’s more important than ever that we arm ourselves with the tools to keep our arteries and veins flowing freely and smoothly.
it triggers an immune response to fix the problem. While well-intentioned, it’s this immune response that ultimately leads to the development of plaque, where scar tissue is laid down to cover damaged areas.
POTENTIAL ROADBLOCKS
SIMPLE SWAPS YOU CAN MAKE TODAY
Roadblocks within our circulatory system are caused by a build-up of a substance called plaque. This leads to a narrowing of the artery walls, and restricts the flow of blood to and from the heart. Eventually this can lead to serious outcomes such as a heart attack or even death.
1. Swap the escalator for the stairs Exercise is fantastic for artery health. It lowers blood pressure, helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress, increases your good cholesterol levels, and improves blood sugar balance. When given the choice, always choose to take the stairs or park slightly further from the entrance to a building whenever possible. If you’re working from home or bound to your office chair most of the day, try to take short breaks in between tasks or meetings to simply stand up and move around. This increases your “background” movement.
Previously the belief was that plaque simply built up over a lifetime much like the rings on a tree. Now we know that irritation of the lining of the blood vessels is the main cause. When the lining of our blood vessels is inflamed or damaged,
Many factors contribute to the build-up of plaque in our blood vessels, but a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle can certainly help keep your arteries clear, flexible and free-flowing.
