A healthy artery is a tube with flexible walls and a smooth inner lining. Blood circulates freely through a healthy artery. Arterial problems start when the inner lining of the arteries gets damaged. It is usually the result of risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure. These can harden the artery walls. A plaque builds up on the lining, which is a fatty substance that contains a mixture of cholesterol and other substances. The space inside the artery becomes narrower. The plaque can rupture and further limit blood flow through all the vessels. This can also lead to clot formation. That clot can completely block the artery.

There are some changes you can make to improve the health of your arteries and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have heart disease, you may need to change some aspects of your lifestyle. Remember that what is good for the arteries, the heart, and the brain is also good for the rest of the body.