how can we stop or limit the plaque in heart veins

Plaque buildup along artery walls makes them hard and narrow. This in turn increases blood pressure and may restrict blood flow to the heart and brain, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If there is a significant amount of plaque buildup and a high risk of complications, then medication or surgery may be needed to remove the plaque. While diet and exercise work best to prevent plaque buildup, a healthy lifestyle may be able to reduce the level of existing plaque.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that travel through the bloodstream. When plaque builds up and narrows the blood vessels, this is called atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease. Lifestyle can help prevent plaque buildup; these aspects include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Preventing plaque buildup is easier than reversing plaque buildup, which may or may not occur in some patients. Reversing the disease requires intensive lifestyle changes, according to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Within one year after following a strict exercise and diet regimen, some patients were able to reverse plaque buildup. Patients who followed the plan for five years were able to reverse plaque buildup even further. The program involved following a very low-fat vegetarian diet, moderate aerobic exercise, stress management training, smoking cessation and group psychosocial support, which takes a lot of dedication to stick to.

Cholesterol

Part of preventing and reversing plaque buildup is to eat a diet low in cholesterol. Limiting cholesterol intake needs to be combined with consuming foods high in fiber, plant sterols and plant stanols, as all three inhibit the body from absorbing cholesterol. Getting 1,200 mg twice a day of red yeast rice can also help, as red yeast rice can limit the amount of cholesterol your body makes, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. While these dietary changes may or may not reverse plaque buildup that has already occurred, limiting cholesterol intake may stop the disease from getting worse. A general goal is to consume no more than 200 mg of cholesterol a day if you have or are at risk for plaque buildup.

Fat

While some types of fat are healthier than others, it is important to limit intake of all fats to manage plaque buildup. Trans fats, which are found in partially hydrogenated oil-containing products, saturated fats found in meats, some vegetable oils and whole dairy products, can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to atherosclerosis. Getting most of your daily fat allowance from unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats, may reduce your risk of heart disease by 19 percent, notes the Harvard School of Health. Polyunsaturated fats are found in plant-based foods and oils as well as fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Limit intake of all types of fat to no more than 25 to 30 percent of your total daily caloric intake.

Exercise

Along with limiting fat, cholesterol and salt intake, exercise reduces many risk factors for heart disease, as it can help you lose weight, improve your cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. When it comes to plaque buildup; lowering blood pressure may be the key. According to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, patients with a blood pressure higher than 140/90 appear to have higher levels of plaque buildup, while patients who lowered their blood pressure to less than 120/80 showed signs of a reversal of plaque buildup. To improve blood pressure readings, along with the dietary changes noted above, get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic type exercise at least five days a week.