Blocked arteries, also known as arterial blockages or atherosclerosis, are a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). When fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate in the arteries, they restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of serious vascular complications. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to keep your arteries clear and, when necessary, advanced treatment options to restore circulation. At Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, our board-certified vascular specialists provide cutting-edge minimally invasive and surgical treatments to manage and treat arterial blockages.
Preventing Blocked Arteries: Key Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining healthy arteries starts with lifestyle choices that promote good circulation and reduce plaque buildup.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can reduce cholesterol levels and slow plaque buildup. Limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and sugar helps maintain optimal vascular health.
- Exercise Regularly Physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps prevent arterial plaque formation. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Quit Smoking Smoking is a major contributor to arterial disease, as it damages blood vessels, increases inflammation, and accelerates plaque buildup. Quitting significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and PAD.
- Manage Blood Pressure & Cholesterol High blood pressure and cholesterol can lead to arterial damage and plaque accumulation. Regular screenings, medications (if needed), and a healthy diet help keep these levels in check.
- Control Diabetes Uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases the risk of vascular disease. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication reduces arterial complications.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight Excess weight contributes to inflammation, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which impact artery health. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can improve circulation and heart function.
- Reduce Stress Levels Chronic stress triggers hormonal changes that negatively affect vascular health. Practicing meditation, deep breathing, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress-related artery damage.
Signs of Blocked Arteries: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blocked arteries do not always cause symptoms early on, but as plaque builds up, warning signs may appear, including:
- Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
- Chest pain or pressure (angina)
- Numbness, weakness, or coldness in the extremities
- Slow-healing wounds on the feet or legs
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, early evaluation by a vascular specialist is crucial to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, or limb loss.
Expert Treatments for Blocked Arteries at Vascular Surgery Associates
At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, our leading vascular surgeons offer advanced, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments to restore proper circulation and prevent life-threatening complications.
Minimally Invasive Treatments for Blocked Arteries
- Angioplasty & Stenting A catheter-based procedure that opens narrowed arteries using a balloon and places a stent to keep the artery open.
- Atherectomy for PAD A highly effective technique that removes plaque buildup from the arteries, improving blood flow.
- Balloon Angioplasty A non-surgical method to widen narrowed arteries and improve circulation in patients with PAD.
- Carotid Artery Stenting Used to treat carotid artery disease, this procedure prevents strokes by keeping blood flow to the brain open.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) A minimally invasive solution for aortic aneurysms, preventing rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
Surgical Treatments for Severe Blockages
- Bypass Surgery In cases where arteries are completely blocked, bypass surgery creates a new path for blood flow using a graft from another part of the body.
- Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) A highly effective procedure that removes plaque from the carotid arteries, reducing stroke risk.
- Thrombectomy & Embolectomy Surgical removal of blood clots that obstruct circulation to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and embolism.
Why Choose Vascular Surgery Associates for Artery Health?
- Top vascular surgeons with decades of experience
- State-of-the-art minimally invasive and surgical techniques
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs
- Locations in Los Angeles & Santa Monica for accessible care
- Comprehensive vascular evaluations to detect and treat artery disease early
Take Control of Your Vascular Health | Expert Artery Care in Los Angeles & Santa Monica
Blocked arteries can be life-threatening, but with preventive care, early detection, and expert vascular treatments, you can maintain healthy circulation and reduce your risk of serious complications. At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, our leading vascular specialists offer cutting-edge treatments to improve artery health and restore proper blood flow.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about preventing and treating blocked arteries for long-term vascular health.
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