Atherosclerosis (Hardening Of The Arteries) : Causes & Treatment

If you have even seen a picture of the human heart or looked at an animation of it, you will see a number of arteries running over and into the heart. These arteries carry blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The inner lining of the arteries is a smooth wall allowing the blood and oxygen to flow through the artery uninterrupted. In an event where the artery wall gets damaged, it may cause some friction with some of the blood cells flowing through it, casing a constant build up of fat cells contained in the blood, thus leading to a blockage. If the blockage becomes too severe, it may completely prevent blood from reaching the heart muscle through this avenue, thus anything from a mere heart pain to a severe heart attack. Arteriosclerosis can also occur on arteries that lead up to the brain. With much the same process for the build up of a blockage in the artery, the most common causes are impure blood containing excessive amounts of nicotine, cholesterol fats and high blood pressure. All the above factors cause initial damage to the artery walls. People with obesity and / or emotional stress issues also put themselves at risk of developing arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis in the arteries supplying the brain with oxygen can lead to very severe complications like paralysis and memory loss. Arteriosclerosis could also impair vision and kidney performance. Further more it could affect the functioning of the uterus, the thyroid gland or the legs. Signs of possible arteriosclerosis would greatly depend on the type of artery that is afflicted. For example, a blockage in a heart artery would give rise to noticeable chest pain; the brain artery would lead to a feeling o numbness and dizziness. Severe cramps in the legs can be a telling sign of arteriosclerosis as well.  However, the symptoms would normally show only after the entire artery has been blocked.

Atherosclerosis Home Remedies

In order to reduce the effects of arteriosclerosis, finding out the underlying cause and controlling it will go a long way in preventing any further complications. A whole lifestyle change is normally imperative. From the ingredients used in cooking to habits like smoking, a complete overhaul is most often required.

• At the start, a person must follow a strict diet of only fruit juices for a few days.


• Grape fruit, pineapple and lemon are highly recommended for this purpose.


• Parsley is said to contain useful elements that help considerably in helping maintain blood vessels in healthy conditions. Simmer some parsley in water for a few minutes and add this concoction to your beverages throughout the day.


• Apples help reduce the fat in the artery, so increase your intake of apples.