Clogged arteries or atherosclerosis is considered a major underlying cause of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of about 50% of deaths in Western countries.
How your arteries can become clogged
You’re more likely to develop atherosclerosis if you:
have high LDL (bad) cholesterol
have high blood pressure
smoke cigarettes
have diabetes
have a family history of atherosclerosis
have obesity
consume a poor diet
engage in a sedentary lifestyle
On the flip side, here are the drinks that clear out those arteries fast.
1. Garlic Juice
Garlic has been shown to be a natural way to clear blocks in the arteries, as well as reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. It can also reduce blood sugar levels, which aids in weight loss because when sugar levels are in normal ranges. It also makes it easier to control your appetite, which in turn aids in weight loss.
Ginger has been linked to the prevention of heart disease because of its ability to increase blood flow. It also has energy-producing capabilities that will help you to be more physically active, thus aiding in weight loss.
Lemon has been shown in research studies to regulate the heartbeat, restoring the proper function of the heart, helping blood to flow throughout the body more easily.
Apple cider vinegar has antioxidants that play a crucial role in removing toxins from the body and blood. It also has healthy vitamins, minerals and enzymes to keep the body healthy.
Honey fights bacteria, energizes the body and has been shown to reduce cholesterol and heart disease.
Ingredients:
1 cup ginger juice 1 cup garlic puree 1 cup lemon juice 1 cup apple cider vinegar 2 cups organic honey
Directions
Extract the juice from the ingredients. Put ginger, garlic, lemon juice and vinegar in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Add 2 cups of honey and mix well. Poor the mixture in a clean bottle and store in the refrigerator.
How to use it:
Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture each morning, afternoon and evening on an empty stomach. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.
2. Green Tea
Green tea can also help. Green tea contains high levels of catechins, which hinder the absorption of cholesterol during digestion. A 2011 review reported that green tea and its extracts could lower LDL cholesterol in the blood, though this did not affect HDL cholesterol.
People used green tea in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.
Studies suggest that green tea may have positive effects on weight loss, liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
In countries where green tea consumption is high, some cancer rates tend to be lower.
Drinking other teas, such as black tea, rooibos tea, or ginger tea may be good heart-healthy substitutes as well.
3. Pomegranate and Cranberry Juice Mix
Pomegranate is a fun fruit that contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the lining of the arteries against damage. Pomegranate juice stimulates the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps to keep your blood flowing and your arteries open.
That combined with cranberries can help tremendously.
Cranberries are another antioxidant-rich food that can reduce LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels. In fact, regular consumption of pure cranberry juice may help reduce your overall risk of heart disease by as much as 40%!
4. Heart Wine
This recipe is over 1000 years old invented by Abbess Hildegard. It’s been known to clean arteries and improve heart health because of the properties that red wine has.
Red wine, in limited amounts, has long been thought of as healthy for the heart. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks. Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one part of red wine that’s gotten noticed for being healthy.
Ingredients:
1 Large bunch of Parsley 1 Bottle of Red wine 3 Tablespoos Red Wine Vinegar 350 grams of Pure Honey.
Directions
Place all ingredients, except the Honey into a saucepan and heat to boiling point but then simmer for 10 minutes. Add the honey and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain liquid into a STERILE bottle. Then store in a cool place, a fridge is ideal.
How to Use It: Take 2 Tablespoons in large glass of water each day
5. The Super Smoothie
Fresh, dark berries always have had good health benefits, so this smoothie combines all of what’s good with berries plus the health benefits of dark greens. Dark greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries. They are all packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup blueberries 1/3 cup strawberries 1/3 cup raspberries 1/3 cup spinach 1/4 cup kale
Directions:
Blend together and drink immediately once a day.
6. Tomato Juice
Tomatoes and tomato products contain plant compounds that may be particularly helpful for reducing the development of atherosclerosis.
Tomatoes contain the carotenoid pigment lycopene. Studies show that consuming lycopene-rich tomato products may help:
reduce inflammation
boost HDL (good) cholesterol
reduce the risk of heart disease
Combining cooked tomato with olive oil may offer the greatest protection against clogged arteries.
7. Arjuna bark tea
Arjuna bark tea is a classic Ayurvedic solution for heart vitality and is brewed from the bark of the Arjuna tree. It has known heart-protective characteristics.
How it works:
It Lowers Bad Cholesterol This tea contains potent compounds that help to control and lower the quantity of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, notoriously known as bad cholesterol. With consistent consumption, this tea can reduce plaque accumulation in your arteries and promote heart health.
It Enhances Good Cholesterol Levels Besides suppressing bad cholesterol, Arjuna bark tea amplifies the High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or good cholesterol. This elevation in good cholesterol aids in flushing the bad cholesterol from the arteries and maintains the cholesterol balance in the body.
This tea rejuvenates the heart muscles, boosts blood flow, and minimizes cholesterol levels. To prepare, boil a teaspoon of the dried Arjuna bark in water for about 10 minutes. Enjoy this revitalizing tea twice daily.
There are several ways to manage cardiovascular disease, including:
Lifestyle changes: A heart-healthy lifestyle can help manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease:
Eat healthy foods: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Be physically active: Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, five days a week.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Get enough sleep: Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Manage stress: Learning how to manage stress can improve your emotional and physical health.
Get regular checkups: Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.
Take medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage your cardiovascular disease.
Consider procedures or surgeries: If medications aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may recommend procedures or surgeries.
Consider cardiac rehabilitation: A monitored exercise program can help your heart get stronger.
Diagnosis
To diagnose heart disease, a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart. They usually ask you questions about your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.
Tests
Many different tests are used to diagnose heart disease.
Blood tests. Certain heart proteins slowly leak into the blood after heart damage from a heart attack. Blood tests can be done to check for these proteins. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test checks for a protein linked to inflammation of the arteries. Other blood tests may be done to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray shows the condition of the lungs. It can show if the heart is enlarged.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is a quick and painless test that records the electrical signals in the heart. It can tell if the heart is beating too fast or too slow.
Holter monitoring. A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that’s worn for a day or more to record the heart’s activity during daily activities. This test can detect irregular heartbeats that aren’t found during a regular ECG exam.
Echocardiogram. This noninvasive exam uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart in motion. It shows how blood moves through the heart and heart valves. An echocardiogram can help determine if a valve is narrowed or leaking.
Exercise tests or stress tests. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart is checked. Exercise tests help reveal how the heart responds to physical activity and whether heart disease symptoms occur during exercise. If you can’t exercise, you might be given medicine that affects the heart like exercise does.
Cardiac catheterization. This test can show blockages in the heart arteries. A long, thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted in a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the heart. Dye flows through the catheter to arteries in the heart. The dye helps the arteries show up more clearly on X-ray images taken during the test.
Heart CT scan, also called cardiac CT scan. In a cardiac CT scan, you lie on a table inside a doughnut-shaped machine. An X-ray tube inside the machine rotates around your body and collects images of your heart and chest.
Heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. A cardiac MRI uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the heart.
Treatment
Heart disease treatment depends on the cause and type of heart damage. Treatment for heart disease may include:
Lifestyle changes such as eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, getting more exercise, and not smoking.
Medicines.
A heart procedure.
Heart surgery.
Medications
You may need medicines to control heart disease symptoms and prevent complications. The type of medicine used depends on the type of heart disease.
Surgery or other procedures
Some people with heart disease may need a heart procedure or surgery. The type of treatment depends on the type of heart disease and how much damage has happened to the heart.
Can You Have Heart Disease Without Symptoms? Yes, Here’s What to Look Out For
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s hitting Black communities the hardest. But here’s what many people don’t realize: you can have heart disease without even knowing it. No chest pain. No dramatic collapse. Just subtle, easy-to-miss signs—if there are any signs at all.
So, yes, you can have heart disease with no symptoms. And for Black folks, understanding the hidden risks, knowing your body’s warning signs, and staying on top of check-ups is not just helpful—it’s life-saving.
Silent Doesn’t Mean Safe
Some heart conditions can go undetected for years. They’re called silent because they don’t come with the “classic” signs like sharp chest pain or heart palpitations—until suddenly, they do. Often, the first noticeable symptom is a heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac event. That’s why early detection is critical.
Here are common types of “silent” heart disease:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD is when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. You can have significant blockage without any symptoms, especially during rest. A heart attack can occur when a plaque ruptures suddenly—even if you felt fine the day before.
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Known as the “silent killer,” hypertension usually causes no immediate symptoms, but quietly damages your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels over time.
Leaky or narrowed valves can lead to heart failure. Many cases are undiagnosed until they show up on an EKG or echo during routine screening.
5. Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Disease)
This can happen from high blood pressure, diabetes, or even genetic conditions. Often, there are no early symptoms, but it can lead to heart failure if left unchecked.
Hidden Risks for Black People
Here’s where it gets deeper. Black communities face a double burden: higher risk + lower detection.
Black adults develop high blood pressure earlier and with greater severity.
Chronic stress from systemic racism impacts cortisol levels, inflammation, and heart function.
Medical bias means symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed.
This isn’t just about personal lifestyle—it’s about structural inequality. From food deserts to inadequate healthcare access, the odds are stacked. But knowledge is power—and taking control of your health is revolutionary.
Know the Clues Your Body Gives
While some forms of heart disease don’t give clear early signs, many folks do have symptoms—they just don’t recognize them as heart-related.
Here are subtle red flags your body may be waving:
1. Fatigue You Can’t Explain
We all get tired, but persistent fatigue that isn’t fixed by sleep could be your heart saying, “I’m working too hard.”
You’re short of breath after light activity
You need naps to get through the day
You feel sluggish even without exertion
2. Shortness of Breath
This is often chalked up to aging or being out of shape—but if you’re winded from walking across the room, something deeper may be going on.
3. Swelling in the Legs or Feet
Also known as edema, this may indicate your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup.
4. Irregular Heartbeat or Fluttering
If your heart skips, races, or flutters without reason, that could be AFib or another arrhythmia. These can lead to stroke if untreated.
Mild Chest Discomfort or Pressure
Not all heart pain feels like a movie heart attack. Some people feel:
A tight band around the chest
A heaviness or squeezing
Pain that radiates to the shoulder, jaw, or back
6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or fatigue. It could mean your heart isn’t pumping enough oxygen-rich blood.
7. Nausea, Cold Sweats, or Feeling Off
Heart attack symptoms in women—especially Black women—can be vague and atypical. Many report nausea, back pain, or “just not feeling right” instead of chest pain.
Why ‘Just Tired’ Might Be a Red Flag
Let’s keep it real: Black people—especially women—are used to pushing through pain. We call it “just tired,” “just stress,” or “just aging.” But too often, those brush-offs come at a cost.
For example:
That “random” fatigue might be the first sign of heart failure.
That “tight chest” might be angina, a warning sign of blocked arteries.
That “I just need to rest” could be a body begging for intervention.
Our culture values resilience—but we can’t let that resilience become resignation.
The Check-Up Cheat Sheet: What to Ask Your Doctor
Most heart disease is detectable—and manageable—with the right screenings. Here’s what to ask for at your next visit:
Blood Pressure Check
Ideal: Under 120/80
High risk: 130/80 and above
Have it checked at least once a year, more if you’re over 40 or have risk factors
Cholesterol Panel (Lipid Profile)
Total cholesterol
LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
HDL (“good” cholesterol)
Triglycerides
Ask: “What’s my heart disease risk based on these numbers?”
A1C or Fasting Blood Glucose
Diabetes and heart disease are tightly linked. Many people are pre-diabetic without knowing it.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Checks for irregular rhythms or signs of a silent heart attack.
Stress Test or Echocardiogram
If you have symptoms (even vague ones), ask about deeper testing. You don’t need to wait until something “obvious” happens.
Know Your Family History
Heart disease can run deep in Black families. Ask your relatives:
Has anyone had a heart attack, stroke, or bypass surgery?
At what age were they diagnosed with high blood pressure or cholesterol?
Any sudden deaths or fainting episodes?
Bring that info to your doctor—it matters.
Lifestyle Tools That Help (No Celery Sticks Required)
Prevention and care don’t have to mean dramatic overhauls. Small, consistent changes go a long way:
Eat Smart, Not Bland
Season with herbs instead of salt
Try whole grains, greens, lean proteins
Soul food can be made heart-healthy (air fryers are clutch!)
Move That Body
Walk 30 minutes a day
Dance, garden, stretch—it all counts
Prioritize Sleep
7–9 hours a night helps regulate blood pressure and stress hormones
Manage Stress with Tools That Reflect Your Culture
Stop Smoking & Moderate Drinking Both are linked to heart disease—but quitting smoking can reduce your risk within months.
Listen to Your Heart—Literally
Your heart is more than a muscle. It’s your rhythm, your beat, your power source. And it deserves your care.
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get clarity. You don’t have to suffer in silence. And you definitely don’t have to die young.
Early action = extended life. Silence = not safety—but risk.
April 7, 2025 by Dominique Lambright
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Clogged arteries or atherosclerosis is considered a major underlying cause of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Ingredients:
Pomegranate is a fun fruit that contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the lining of the arteries against damage. Pomegranate juice stimulates the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps to keep your blood flowing and your arteries open.
This recipe is over 1000 years old invented by Abbess Hildegard. It’s been known to clean arteries and improve heart health because of the properties that red wine has.
Fresh, dark berries always have had good health benefits, so this smoothie combines all of what’s good with berries plus the health benefits of dark greens. Dark greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries. They are all packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
There are several ways to manage cardiovascular disease, including:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s hitting Black communities the hardest. But here’s what many people don’t realize: you can have heart disease without even knowing it. No chest pain. No dramatic collapse. Just subtle, easy-to-miss signs—if there are any signs at all.
