What are the best methods for removing plaque from the artery?

I have some partial build up in my carotic artery he. Are there ways to lessen this build up? I am taking 80 mg of Lipitor per day and my last LDL count was 68 down from 101

Welcome to Connect @truhealth76.
I moved your message to this thread so you can connect with other members talking about plaque buildup.

Thank you.

Hello, good people. I am scheduled, soon, for carotid artery surgery... to remove plaque buildup. I would like to know "What is considered to be "full recovery from carotid artery surgery"?
I learned about the plaque buildup... during preparation for Hip Replacement Surgery. My hip is so damaged... that I can barely walk. And... I need the carotid surgery.... before... the hip replacement surgery.
So... I wonder how "my weakened condition because of my damaged hip" will affect the carotid artery surgery recovery?
And... I wonder "how much recovery time will be needed (from the carotid surgery)... before I can safely undertake Hip Replacement Surgery?
Thank you for any information.

@jittery, welcome to Connect.
While it is a set back to have to take care of plaque buildup before your hip replacement, I'm glad that the issue was discovered and being taken care of. I'm tagging @kandjmoore1 @lisab62 @kariulrich @cjkressin and @jessl who may have some experiences to share with you about the recovery time from carotid artery surgery.

When you're ready, you may also be interested in joining the discussion about hip replacement surgery in the Bones, Joints & Muscles group. Like this one for example:
- THR Left & Right at same time http://mayocl.in/2l6eRt2

Jittery, are you able to do seated exercises or water exercises to build up your condition as you wait for surgery? That's a tall order, I know, when you're in pain.

Lipitor or other statin have side effects -- after 10 years - guranteed to have Diabetes. Stop taking that.
Change diet to Low Carbohydrate -- also take supplements - Aged Garlic and L- Arginine and Niacin - from Health Food store or Vitamin Shop.

Hi @champak045.
Welcome to Connect. I see you have posted 4 times this morning in this discussion using direct language, telling members what they should and shouldn't do. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and their health situation may vary from your own.
Please see the first rule of Connect's Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/ The guidelines state:
1. Be careful about giving out medical advice
- Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.

Members should not advise other members to stop taking their medication. Suggestions are welcome, but not directives. Please provide evidence (journal articles) from trusted sources to substantiate the effectiveness of the diet and supplements you refer to. Providing medically balanced articles helps members conduct their own evaluation of recommendations, and equips them with information to discuss with their doctor.

Hi, @loyd1934deborah, and welcome to Connect. I am wondering whether Magnesium would help you here. I am no sure if it would help, but have been told that calcium without the magnesium balance can cause build up of the plaque. I do take it regularly, avoid excessive calcium and seems to have brought the plaque under control.

Eileen

Really-- how do you know it is under control ? did you do Calcium Score test - before and after 3 or 6 months ?

As I understand - calcium is only 20 % of plaque. And Vitamin K2 ( as MK-7 ) helps bind - or reduce calcium from existing plaque and carries to bones. Also need Vitamin D3 and boron - to complete the process.

Magnesium ( usually 50 % ) is required for bone density increase - taken along with calcium - boron and D3 - as supplements.

@champak045, Thank you for your reply. It was extremely informative. I will get some K2. They probably sell it at Sprouts along with the boron. I began taking D3 as soon as I was told mine was low. My bone scan shows they are much stronger than is usual for women my age.

Yes I have had the Calcium Score test, but it has yet to be repeated due to my health plan requiring about a year between testing.