Common myths around clogged arteries debunked
Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. When they are clear and healthy, blood moves easily to where it is needed. Clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, occur when fatty deposits and inflammation build up inside the vessel walls (known as plaque), making them narrower and stiffer. This can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious problems.
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Many people have misconceptions about how arteries become clogged and what can be done to prevent or treat it. Understanding the real facts is essential, the main reason behind clogged arteries is persistent inflammation, high BP, sugar and cholesterol levels, excessive smoking - all of which harm the arterial lining over time. These wounds lead to the buildup of fatty plaques over time, which hardens and obstructs the blood flow.
How do people end up suffering from clogged arteries?
The causes are typically tied to lifestyle and medical inattention. Today’s sedentary lifestyle, dependence on processed foods which leads to obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and stress all tend to hasten this process. Also, while genetic may factor in, lifestyle choices are generally the greater influence. An estimated 11% of Indian adults experience clogged arteries and cardiovascular diseases, i.e. an estimated 150 million people suffered from this in 2025. If left untreated, narrowed arteries are compromised oxygenation that creates weakness and pain or life-threatening heart attacks and strokes. There are still some myths that are associated with this serious health condition. So, let’s debunk them: -
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Myth 1: “You only need to worry about heart disease if you have symptoms.”
Heart disease often develops silently, without any warning signs in its early stages. You can have significant artery narrowing, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure and feel completely fine, yet damage to your heart and blood vessels may already be underway. Waiting for symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath can mean the disease has already progressed to a dangerous stage. Regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol testing allow problems to be detected early, when treatment is most effective and the heart can be protected from long-term harm.
Myth 2: "Because heart disease runs in my family, I can't lower my risk."
Although heart disease is influenced by family history, this is not the only conclusion. Lifestyle decisions decide how aggressively those risks materialize, even though genetics may increase the risk. The risk can be greatly lowered by quitting smoking, eating foods that are good for the heart, exercising daily, and keeping cholesterol levels within normal ranges.
Myth 3: "As long as I take my medication, diabetes won't harm my heart."
Medication is important for controlling blood sugar, but it does not completely remove the risk that diabetes poses to your heart. High blood sugar can speed up the buildup of plaque in the arteries and damage blood vessels, even when you feel well. The best protection comes from combining medication with healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress. This approach can greatly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems linked to diabetes.
Myth 4: "Pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. It has no connection with my heart."
During walking if you are experiencing pain, cramping, or loss of sensation in the legs that can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow. PAD is a strong danger sign of systemic cardiovascular disease and should not be thought of as a “normal” part of aging.
Myth 5: "You can eat anything if you're taking a cholesterol-lowering medication."
While there are medicines to lower the cholesterol levels, they do not provide a free pass to gobble junk food. It is important to remember that eating excess sugar, junk foods, or saturated fats can also increase blood pressure, all of which cause plaque to form in arteries. Eating a heart-healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is the best way of consuming medication.
Clogged arteries are not inevitable nor are they beyond our control. Simply following a healthy and active lifestyle and managing chronic conditions while also following medical advice are some of the best ways to protect your heart. By debunking myths and accepting reality, people can take proper care of their heart health and lead longer, healthier lives.
Dr. V S Prakash, Director - Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital
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