You probably already know that arteries are blood vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls, and blood flows through them quickly. Unfortunately, even though everyone desires healthy arteries, you may sometimes develop clogged arteries.

Clogged arteries emanate from the buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. These plaques can potentially reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block the arteries altogether. That's why you should acquaint yourself with clogged arteries' popular signs and symptoms. You can then seek medical attention before things get out of hand.

Arterial plaque is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include fat, calcium, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin. For those who might not know, fibrin is a material involved in blood clotting. As a response to plaque buildup, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.

As the plaque deposits continue to grow, it results in atherosclerosis. This condition causes the arteries to narrow and harden. While experts are yet to know what starts atherosclerosis, there are a few assumptions. First, high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up and hastens the hardening of clogged arteries.

The same applies to high levels of 'bad'  cholesterol in your body as they significantly contribute to arterial plaque formation. Diabetes mellitus is also a primary culprit for causing clogged arteries. Other risk factors include stress, family history, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Be sure to know your family history since this information could help you get the medical assistance you need before it is too late.

We all want to maintain a healthy body, but this can only happen if you make a few changes to your lifestyle. And since clogged arteries are becoming common among individuals worldwide, it would be the ideal time to do everything it takes to prevent it.

You don’t have to go overboard for this to happen since adopting lifestyle changes can work magic. Have a word with your medical practitioner if you suspect you have symptoms of clogged arteries signs and symptoms. That way, you can get urgent medical attention.