6 everyday foods that quietly damage your heart and block your arteries

Preventing heart disease starts with what you put on your plate. Heart attacks rarely occur suddenly — they’re often the result of years of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and poor lifestyle habits. Many everyday foods, though considered “normal,” silently harm your arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks.

Also Read: Healthy habits for life: Simple lifestyle changes to control blood pressure naturally

Processed Foods

Items like seekh kebabs, sausages, salami, and rich mutton curries are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. Regular consumption can stiffen your arteries, trigger inflammation, and gradually increase the risk of blocked arteries.

Fried Street Foods

Samosas, pakoras, bhajiyas, puris, and fries may be delicious, but reused frying oils create harmful trans fats. These fats directly clog arteries and speed up plaque buildup, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks.

Refined Carbs & Maida-based Foods

White bread, naan, pav, biscuits, pastries, and bakery puffs may taste great but quickly spike blood sugar. Refined carbs trigger inflammation, contribute to weight gain, and negatively impact heart health.

Sweetened Drinks & Packaged Juices

Colas, energy drinks, canned juices, and flavoured lassi offer temporary satisfaction but significantly raise triglyceride levels. Regular intake is linked to disrupted heart rhythm, poor lipid levels, and a higher risk of sudden cardiac events.

Excess Salt in Pickles, Namkeen & Instant Foods

Adding pickles, papad, and salty snacks to already salt-rich meals increases sodium levels sharply. Instant noodles, chips, and ready-made soups add even more. Excess salt causes water retention, elevates blood pressure, and increases the strain on your heart.

Also Read: 6 super seeds to lower bad cholesterol and strengthen your heart naturally

By eliminating or reducing these common foods, you can protect your arteries, support better heart health, and reduce the long-term risk of heart attack.