Since smoking harms arteries, quitting is the best option to stop the formation of plaque and reduce risk factors, states Mayo Clinic. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and train muscles to use oxygen more efficiently. New blood vessels can form around damaged arteries due to improved circulation from exercise. Eating foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
In addition to lifestyle changes, medications can be successful in reducing or reversing the progression of plaque formation, explains Mayo Clinic. Certain medications involve lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and others increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Since high blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing plaque on arterial walls, various medications exist to reduce blood pressure. If the condition worsens and threatens the survival of muscle or skin tissue, surgeries such as bypass surgery, angioplasty, thrombolytic therapy and endarterectomy can be performed.
