Since the arteries are the largest of all the blood vessels, they do the heavy lifting of bringing blood to and from the heart and carrying it to the smaller blood vessels.
The vascular system is composed of two independent pathways (Cardiopulmonary and Systemic) that work together to bring blood to your cells and remove cellular waste.
The cardiopulmonary pathway circulates blood from the heart to the lungs and back again while the systemic pathway helps to supply oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body.
While the vascular system is incredibly efficient, damage from factors like inflammation, cholesterol oxidation, or calcium deposits can trigger plaque buildup inside your arteries.
This buildup overtime can narrow and stiffen your arteries, causing the blood flow to be reduced and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet and improving your cardiovascular fitness with regular exercise is a good first step towards healthier arteries.
In addition to diet and exercise, supplements such as Citrus flavonoids, Garlic, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K can help in preventing arterial damage and improving blood flow.