Cardiovascular symptoms (In French cardiaque symptome) otherwise called as atherosclerosis refers to the hardening of the arteries. When we are young, the arteries are flexible and elastic, there by allowing free flow of blood. As we consume more fatty foods, cholesterol and fat tend to build up over the arterial wall which interrupts the flow of blood. Overtime, as this deposit accumulates in the coronary arteries, heart exerts more pressure to pump the blood, thus resulting in chest pain and this sets the stage for coronary artery disease.

If the deposit inside the arterial wall consists only of fatty substances, then the damage to the arteries is minimal and is called as fatty plaque. If the deposits consist of cholesterol, calcium and fatty tissues, then it results in bulging of the coronary arteries and is called soft plaque. At this stage, there is a mild chest pain due to restriction in the flow of the blood caused by the plaque and as a result the heart exerts more pressure to pump the blood.

Further intake of fat rich food increases the plaque deposit and it tends to harden at the site severely inhibiting the flow of the blood and the condition is known as angina or hardened arteries and results in sudden cardiovascular diseases(symptome malaise cardiaque). Severe clots completely restrict the flow of blood and results in heart failure, a condition that prevents heart from functioning. This kind of fat accumulation can affect any organ. For example blood clot in brain can lead to stroke.

Sometimes the plaques in the coronary arteries crack open, thus releasing more fatty tissues. Such cracks are sealed by the normal blood clotting process called thrombosis. Thrombosis is a natural process that stops bleeding by making blood platelets stick to one another. In the case of hardened arteries, formation of such blood platelets above the cracked plaque further narrows down the passage of blood, resulting in serious injuries. Accumulation of such blood platelets above the cracked plaque is the cause for sudden heart attacks. Alternatively, the plaque may also remain silent until it is diagnosed for some heart problem.

Here are some ways to prevent arterial narrowing and keep coronary arteries healthy:

Reducing body weight and maintaining proper Body Mass Index (BMI) helps to reduce blood cholesterol level.

It is essential for people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus to reduce their sugar intake and control their body weight.

Having a regular healthy low fat diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables supplies the body with necessary vitamins and minerals and does not add any additional fat. Citrus based fruit juice helps to reduce blood cholesterol level.

Protein intake should be balanced, as high amount of protein increases blood coagulation.

Any gentle physical activities help to prevent blood platelets from clumping together.