Blood vessels circulate blood throughout the body. They help deliver oxygen to each organ and remove waste products. They are also responsible for maintaining optimum blood pressure. When these vessels are clear and open, blood flows easily, fueling all bodily functions efficiently. But over time, cholesterol, fat, and other substances can build up inside them, forming plaques—a condition known as atherosclerosis. But Is It Possible To Undo Atherosclerosis?Whether or not this plaque can be removed depends on the severity of its buildup and where it is located. According to a 2020 review, reversing this condition means addressing key risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure, quitting smoking, and making positive changes in your diet, exercise, and stress levels. In some cases, medical procedures such as angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery may be required to prevent complications.How Important Is Diet?While recent research questions the direct link between saturated fats and cholesterol levels, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones—like polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats—has been shown to lower the risk of coronary heart disease. One promising eating plan is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. It focuses on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while cutting back on saturated fat, sugar, and salt. The DASH diet has been shown to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and remove plaque from blood. In a 2021 study, researchers combined the DASH diet with tailored nutritionist support. The group that followed this program showed slowed progression of atherosclerosis compared to a control group. A 2022 analysis also confirmed the role of inflammation in arterial plaque buildup, suggesting that avoiding pro-inflammatory foods may help.To unclog your arteries, unsaturated fats work the best. So it is advisable to include whole grains, legumes, oats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and fiber-rich items in your diet. On the flip side, it’s best to limit or avoid highly processed foods, trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and excess salt. Lean meats, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy are part of the DASH diet. Though eggs are high in cholesterol, evidence remains inconsistent on their link to heart disease. Instead of fixating on cutting out favorite foods, aim for a balanced dietary pattern centered around whole, fiber-rich foods.What Age Do Arteries Begin To Clog? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says the risk rises after age 45 in males and 55 in females. However, plaque can begin to build up in childhood. A 2019 review found that having high cholesterol in young adulthood raises the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Physical Activity Can Slow Down AtherosclerosisBeyond diet, lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity (150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity per week), managing stress, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve heart health. High LDL and low HDL levels are linked to plaque buildup, and doctors may prescribe medications like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors to manage cholesterol.In more severe cases, surgical options like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary. Left untreated, clogged arteries can lead to complications like heart attacks, strokes, and even kidney disease.