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Could It Be Possible To Eliminate Clogged Arteries?

Published Oct 22, 2018

Could It Be Possible To Eliminate Clogged Arteries?

A new clinical trial to study a potential way of reducing the risk of early-onset atherosclerosis may be on the way.

After evaluating previous research, a report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association concludes that a clinical trial might pave the way for a new treatment to help reduce the early onset of atherosclerosis.

According to lead author Dr. Jennifer G. Robinson, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Prevention Intervention Center at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, the key may be targeting B lipoproteins in young and middle-aged adults.

Preventing Atherosclerosis

"Lowering them may have a big impact on making atherosclerosis go away," says Dr. Robinson. "If this works, you could completely eliminate heart attacks and strokes within a generation, because you can't have a heart attack or stroke unless you have atherosclerosis."

The potential study aims to determine whether it is possible to reverse atherosclerosis in high-risk adults aged 25–55 using medications known as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors over a 3-year period. Both statins and PCSK9 inhibitors work to lower LDL cholesterol in the blood.

"The idea is to get the cholesterol very low for a short period of time, let all the early cholesterol buildup dissolve, and let the arteries heal," says Dr. Robinson, confirming that this method has been successful in animal studies. "Then patients might need to be re-treated every decade or two if the atherosclerosis begins to develop again."

Dr. Robinson continues, "But I'm excited about this, and I think it's really time to pursue this hypothesis."

How Atherosclerosis Affects Your Health

Atherosclerosis, wherein plaque builds up in the arteries, can prevent oxygen-rich blood from traveling through the blood vessels to supply the rest of the body.

Plaque is made up of different substances in the blood, such as fat, cholesterol, and calcium. Over time, this plaque begins to harden, and when it does, it narrows the arteries.

This means that a person does not get as much oxygen-rich blood as they need, which can have serious consequences, including heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to death.

There are some risk factors for atherosclerosis that people can try to control themselves, including unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. High levels of LDL and low levels of high-density lipoprotein, or "good," cholesterol are among the leading causes of the disease.

Other risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, insulin resistance, diabetes, being overweight, and a lack of physical activity. An unhealthful diet can also be a factor, particularly for people who eat a lot of foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.

Potential Study Limitations

A new way to combat early-onset atherosclerosis would be welcome, especially as heart disease is so widespread and a leading cause of death for people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that about 1 in 4 deaths are a result of heart disease.

However, Dr. John Wilkins, a cardiologist and assistant professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL — who has conducted studies on B lipoproteins but was not involved in this study — thinks that it might be difficult to convince healthy adults to take medications to keep atherosclerosis at bay.

He also notes that this type of clinical trial may be hard to do as it would involve tracking people for 20 or 30 years, which could prove difficult.

Overall, the study is promising, and as Dr. Robinson says, it could lead to big changes in how doctors and their patients fight heart disease in the future. Reducing or eliminating atherosclerosis in people is an excellent goal, and while a clinical trial has not started yet, it is definitely a good place to start.

 

Would you take medications to keep atherosclerosis at bay?

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3 comments


broandrew
on 10/27/18

We make a new enhanced drink water product that does reduce blood plague. Two surviving open heart surgery patients, now have blood flowing in the 4 arteries to the heart that where clogged before the surgery, now the are flowing the doctor said " In all my practice I have never seen, clogged arteries to the heart , after surgery and now flowing! Check out the Water Smacker dot calm.  Most will reject the water smacker, but if you read with an open mind and try and understand how this drinking water enhancer will do anything for me.


avatar
Unregistered member
on 10/28/18

Yes if i had been informed ahead in my early years .now knowing the signs for women i could maybe stopped my heartattch from happening to me 20/20 hind site so sad all the years i lost of my life and still living with constant pain ever day.please help other's with this information.sincerely s.cothron.


mohonsk
on 9/24/24

We know the idea of eliminating clogged arteries feels both hopeful and daunting. It's amazing how lifestyle changes, like healthier eating and regular exercise, can make such a difference. Advances in medical technology also offer new ways to manage and even reverse heart disease. It's a reminder that taking care of our hearts can lead to longer, healthier lives. Oral testosterone treatment can also make your heart strong by increasing your testosterone levels In the body.

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