Subhechcha Ganguly 
Eating certain foods daily may be quietly constricting your arteries, warns a senior cardiologist. Heart disease remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, yet a significant portion of it is preventable. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 19.8 million people lost their lives to cardiovascular diseases in 2022, with 85% of the deaths resulting from heart attacks and strokes. Most of these events stem from arterial blockages—critical pathways that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain.
What many don’t realise is that everyday eating habits can either safeguard arterial health or slowly damage it. WHO identifies tobacco use, excessive salt, inactivity, obesity, alcohol and—most importantly—an unhealthy diet as key drivers of plaque buildup in arteries. To promote healthier choices, Dr. Mahadev Swamy B, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology at SPARSH Hospital, highlights seven foods most likely to clog arteries and increase the risk of heart attack.
What happens when arteries get blocked?
Arteries transport oxygenated blood throughout the body. When their inner walls are damaged—often due to high blood pressure, poor diet or smoking—the body responds with inflammation. The British Heart Foundation explains that this inflammation attracts fatty deposits that harden into plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis.
As plaque accumulates, arteries narrow and blood flow becomes restricted. Over time, this can trigger heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Swamy notes that persistent inflammation and unhealthy lifestyle habits accelerate this buildup, raising the risk of severe arterial blockage.
1. Deep-fried foods
From pakoras and samosas to fried chicken, deep-fried snacks are rich in trans fats and reheated oils. These elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol, fuel inflammation and directly contribute to plaque formation. Regular consumption, Dr. Swamy cautions, can quickly worsen arterial health.
2. Processed meats
Items such as sausages, bacon and salami are high in saturated fats, sodium and preservatives. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition links processed meats to raised cholesterol levels, arterial stiffness and a heightened risk of coronary artery disease. Even small daily portions can undermine heart health over time.
3. Refined carbs and sugary foods
White bread, pastries, sweets and sugary drinks cause rapid blood sugar spikes, increasing triglycerides and encouraging fat buildup around arteries. Prolonged intake raises the risk of diabetes—another major contributor to heart disease.
