Uncle Liu is 57 years old this year. He is usually very able to eat and drink, and everyone praises him for his good health.
But when the results of this year's physical examination came out, everyone was shocked - Uncle Liu actually had an atheromatous plaque in the left common carotid artery! And the LDL cholesterol was also abnormally elevated, reaching 4.22 millimoles per liter.
Uncle Liu took the report, and he was apprehensive in his heart. The doctor prescribed him cholesterol-lowering drugs and told him to have regular check-ups. Uncle Liu is an obedient person, he takes medicine on time when he goes home, and pays special attention to his diet.
When I saw Uncle Liu again a few months later, he excitedly told me, "Guess what? My carotid plaque is gone! And LDL cholesterol has dropped by more than 50%!"
Everyone curiously asked Uncle Liu how he did it. Uncle Liu said with a smile: "Just listen to the doctor, take medicine on time, and then pay attention to your diet." Don't underestimate this diet, I now eat less oil and less salt, and eat more vegetables and fruits. And just like that, the plaque slowly disappears. ”
Vascular plaque, a seemingly unfamiliar term, is actually not far away from us. With the acceleration of the pace of life and the change of dietary structure, more and more people are beginning to face the challenge of vascular health.
Plaque in blood vessels not only affects blood circulation, but can also trigger a range of serious health problems. If you want the plaque to gradually dissipate, the key is to do these 3 things well.
01
Vascular plaque refers to the formation of uneven raised structures in the endothelium of blood vessels.
Its formation is mainly related to hardening of the arteries, which leads to hardening of the arteries when too much LDL cholesterol in the blood attaches to the walls of blood vessels.
Once the endothelium of blood vessels is damaged, substances such as cholesterol can enter the endothelium and form plaque.
Vascular plaque can be triggered by diseases such as hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., which cause cholesterol, inflammatory cells, lipids, etc., to be deposited in the walls of blood vessels.
If the vascular plaque is detached, it may cause serious health problems, such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, etc.
02
Sticking to a healthy diet is an important cornerstone of plaque elimination. We need to limit the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods, such as organ meats and fatty meats.
At the same time, we should increase our intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, which are rich in fibre and various vitamins, which help regulate blood lipid levels and weaken the foundation of plaque formation.
It is also advisable to moderate your intake of foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and nuts, as they can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and prevent plaque formation.
Maintaining moderate exercise is also an integral part of dissipating plaque. Exercise not only helps with blood circulation, but also boosts metabolism, which helps to flush deposits from the blood vessels.
We can choose the right type of exercise according to our personal preferences, such as a leisurely walk, a relaxing jog or a bummy swim, and make sure to do at least half an hour of aerobic exercise every day.
We must resolutely stop smoking and limit alcohol. Both nicotine and alcohol in tobacco can cause damage to the lining of blood vessels, promoting the formation of plaque and accelerating its development. Therefore, we should be determined to abandon these two bad habits in order to maintain the health of blood vessels.
03
Plaque does not necessarily lead to serious consequences such as myocardial infarction, and with early detection and intervention, plaque may be reversed or even regressed.
Therefore, we need to have regular medical check-ups to understand the health of our blood vessels. Once plaque formation is found, seek medical attention and follow the doctor's advice for treatment.
Lowering LDL cholesterol levels is key to dissipating plaque. With a reasonable diet and medication, we can effectively reduce blood lipid levels, thereby reducing the material basis for plaque formation.
Early intervention is especially important for young and middle-aged people. Their blood vessels are more elastic and have a higher chance of plaque reversal. Therefore, we should pay attention to vascular health from a young age and develop good lifestyle habits.
04
Prolonged sedentary state. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can block blood flow, which in turn increases the likelihood of plaque formation.
Therefore, we should try to avoid staying still for a long time, but stand up and move more muscles and bones to allow the body to fully stretch and relax.
Eating too much of a food high in sugar, oil, or salt. These foods tend to trigger obesity and blood lipid imbalances, which further promote the formation of plaque in blood vessels.
We should try to avoid these unhealthy foods and instead choose a healthier, more balanced diet that provides the body with the nutrients it needs.
Frequent late nights are also one of the triggers for the formation of vascular plaques. Irregular work and rest can disrupt the body's natural rhythm, causing adverse effects on the endocrine system, which in turn increases the risk of vascular plaque.
05
Vascular plaque, a hidden danger hidden in the inner wall of blood vessels, although silent, can pose a serious threat to our health.
It may not only affect blood circulation, but also cause a series of serious health problems, such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, etc. Therefore, we must attach great importance to it and take effective measures to prevent and treat it.