When Should You Actually Worry About Blood Vessel Plaque?

Emily Laurence

Woman holding a model of a heart

One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is plaque buildup in the arteries. When plaque clogs the arteries, it reduces blood flow. This can lead to very serious health problems. In addition to increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, it also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. With all of this in mind, it’s crystal clear that plaque buildup should be avoided.

What’s less clear is what causes plaque buildup and when exactly it becomes a problem. How can you even know how much blood vessel plaque you have in the first place? Here, cardiologists share everything you need to know—key info if you want to keep your heart healthy.

Related: This Is the Worst Habit for Heart Health, According to Cardiologists

What Causes Plaque Buildup?

Dr. Karishma Patwa, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology and a contributor to LabFinder, explains that plaque is a composite of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and fibrin (a type of protein) that builds up in the arteries of your body.

“Plaques are areas of a blood vessel that accumulate substances and can impede blood flow. These plaques can crack and cause blockages,” says Dr. Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, a Professor of Cardiology at Yale School of Medicine. “Plaques are like deposits in pipes that clog up your plumbing."

Related: Make These 7 Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Heart

Dr. Patwa says that plaque buildup is typically caused by increased inflammation throughout the body. Smoking, stress and anxiety, living a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all risk factors for plaque buildup.

“These plaques can be troublemakers,” Dr. Krumholz explains. “They can reduce vital blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body. They can cause heart attacks and strokes. The more you have, the higher your risk.”

Related: This Is the #1 Sign Someone Has a Healthy Heart, According to Cardiologists

How Much Plaque Buildup Is Too Much?

Both Dr. Krumholz and Dr. Patwa say that truly all plaque is “bad.” After all, the consequences of plaque buildup are life-threatening. “As the plaque begins to build up, it causes atherosclerosis—which is hardening and thickening of the arteries,” Dr. Patwa explains, adding that this can happen gradually or can progress quickly. “With the increasing plaque and narrowing of the arteries, there is reduced blood flow and oxygen reaching the target muscles and organs. If this buildup is in the heart, we call it coronary artery disease. However, plaque can also buildup in the arteries of the neck, arms, legs and abdomen."

When should you start to worry about how much blood vessel plaque you have? Dr. Patwa reiterates that any level of plaque is concerning and may require lifestyle changes and possibly medications to prevent further buildup. Once the arteries are narrowed by between 50% and 70%, she says intervention with either a stent or surgery may be required to prevent further damage to the heart.

If you want to know how much artery plaque buildup is in your body, Dr. Patwa says one way to know is by asking your medical provider or a cardiologist for a coronary CT scan. “Plaques that have calcium can be seen on a CT scan, and that is a common way that they are seen,” Dr. Krumholz says, adding that the CT scan can be helpful in understanding your risk.

Unfortunately, Dr. Krumholz says plaque is common. “Our lifestyles—including diet and activity—tend to put many people at risk for developing them. As a result, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death,” he says, adding that while people shouldn’t be overly consumed worrying about how much plaque buildup is in their body, the focus should be on actions that can be taken to reduce the risk.

For example, everyone can reduce the risk of plaque buildup by eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you have a lot of plaque buildup already, both doctors say that medication could help. “Plaque may regress with long-term intense lifestyle changes. However, cholesterol-lowering medication, statins, are usually needed. Statins can lower blood cholesterol, reduce the amount of cholesterol in the plaque, and stabilize the plaque to prevent rupture, which we call heart attacks,” Dr. Patwa explains.

Dr. Krumholz emphasizes that more is known about how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease than ever before and everyone can take action to avoid it. He stresses that cardiovascular disease is preventable.

If you’re worried about plaque buildup in your arteries, focus on what you can control through diet, exercise and stress reduction management. It may also be beneficial to meet with a preventive cardiologist to find out if medication could be fit for you. You have the power to keep your heart healthy!

Next up, this is the best daily habit for heart health, according to cardiologists.

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