5 Ways to Promote Healthy Arteries Long-Term

Arteries are a major part of your circulatory system, and keeping them healthy is key for long-term cardiovascular health. If you have a condition that affects your arteries, such as peripheral artery disease, Third Coast Vascular works closely with you to improve your vascular health and prevent complications. 

Our board-certified radiologist Awais Siddique, MD, specializes in screening, diagnosing, and providing interventional strategies for a range of vascular issues. 

Whether you have artery disease or are at risk for it, it should empower you to know that there are things you can do right now to promote healthy arteries long-term. Here are five steps to get you started.

The importance of healthy arteries

Good circulation and healthy arteries ensure that oxygen-rich blood and essential nutrients reach all parts of the body. Healthy arteries allow for optimal blood flow, which is crucial for maintaining organ function, energy levels, and the body's ability to heal and repair itself. 

Poor circulation can be debilitating and have an impact on your daily life, from leg cramps and pain that make it challenging to lead an active lifestyle to muscle weakness. People with severe PAD commonly report an impact on their quality of life. 

Stay active and exercise regularly

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to your organs and tissues. When they’re healthy, they’re soft, flexible, and wide enough for blood to flow through with ease. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to promote healthy arteries long-term.  

Exercise stimulates positive changes in blood vessels, encouraging blood vessels to expand, boosting circulation, and keeping arteries flexible. Brisk walking is one of the best places to start. It’s low-impact, convenient, and provides numerous benefits. 

Manage cholesterol effectively

Safeguarding against high cholesterol is crucial for artery health. A buildup of hardened cholesterol plaque is the primary cause of peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

Monitoring cholesterol levels with regular screening, and taking prompt action to lower elevated levels can protect arteries. Medication and lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of managing elevated cholesterol. 

Maintain healthy blood pressure

Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range is essential for artery health. Over time, blood pressure that remains too high damages arteries, making them less flexible and more prone to narrowing and blockage. 

Regular blood pressure monitoring, and maintaining healthy blood pressure through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication if necessary can prevent arterial damage. 

Breakup sitting with active breaks

Sitting for hours is bad news for your circulation. It weakens leg muscles and slows down blood flow in your legs. 

If you’re aiming to support arterial health long-term, consider making some changes to your daily routine to avoid sitting for extended periods. This could look like switching out your stationary desk for a sit/stand desk or taking periodic breaks to take a short walk to the water cooler.  

Ditch the tobacco

Tobacco use is extremely damaging to blood vessels, causing both immediate and long-term damage. Nicotine, the active chemical, damages blood vessels, causing arteries to harden and narrow (atherosclerosis). This promotes plaque buildup in the arteries, a major risk factor for PAD.

What’s more, smoking increases blood pressure and reduces oxygen in the blood, adding additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Quitting smoking is a crucial step in improving arterial health. 

If you’re concerned about your arterial health, contact Third Coast Vascular today to request an appointment. We’re dedicated to providing the best care and support to keep your vascular system as healthy as possible.