Think of your arteries as flexible garden hoses lined with a thin, delicate skin called the endothelium. This lining controls blood flow, blood pressure, and keeps things smooth. Over decades, small injuries and imbalances can cause a slow buildup of plaque — the process known as atherosclerosis.

 

Here’s what happens:

• LDL particles sneak under the lining and can become oxidized (damaged by free radicals).

• Your immune system treats those oxidized LDL particles like invaders, sending in white blood cells called macrophages.

• Macrophages gobble up the LDL, turning into foam cells that pile up into fatty streaks.

• Over time, these fatty streaks harden into plaques, which narrow and stiffen the arteries.

 

The good news:

• Lowering ApoB/LDL and stabilizing blood sugar protects the endothelium.

• Regular movement and nutrient-rich eating boost nitric oxide (a natural artery relaxer) and reduce oxidative stress.

• Colorful plants, omega-3s, and fiber calm inflammation and help keep plaques stable.

 

Think of it as keeping your “blood highways” clean and flexible so traffic flows smoothly and nothing clogs or cracks.