Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is well known for its silent role in heart attacks and strokes, since outward signs are inconspicuous and the results treacherous. The term "arteriosclerosis" means thickening and hardening of artery walls. Atherosclerosis is the most common form, in which deposits of fatty substances collect along the artery walls. Atherosclerosis leads to scarring and calcium deposits, which result in hardened and narrowed blood vessels. While this only impairs circulation, eventually it can cause the total obstruction of an artery and destruction of nearby tissue. Alternatively, arteriosclerosis can cause blood vessels to widen or rupture in an aneurysm. Most affected are vital organs such as the heart and brain, and the legs, yet all arteries are vulnerable.

Early signs are not always present, but when they are, they appear in the form of circulatory disturbances. In the brain, hindered circulation causes headaches, dizzy spells, ear ringing, memory problems and poor concentration, even mood changes. Transischemic attacks (TIAs) are like strokes, except that the problems disappear on their own within minutes. Sudden attacks of paralysis, fainting spells or an inability to speak or see properly are suspect and, as precursors for strokes, they should be taken very seriously. Intermittent claudication is a medical term for arteriosclerosis in the leg, causing pain while walking, relieved during rest. The pain is caused by an obstructed artery which should not be mistaken for a passing problem.  Angina, which occurs when the blood vessels leading to the heart are temporarily blocked, is a much more frightening and urgent symptom of arteriosclerosis. High blood pressure is often a sign of hardened and narrowed arteries.

Reducing risk factors helps prevent illness. Strong risk factors are high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. An improper diet is a major cause of arteriosclerosis. Saturated fats, deep-fried food, too much meat and too little fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits have serious consequences. Coffee, caffeinated colas and alcohol are high on the danger list. A diet rich in sweets, fast food and refined food will lead to arteriosclerosis. Diabetics are more vulnerable to arteriosclerosis because of their high blood sugar levels. White-flour products, pastas and rice which have been refined and contain little natural fiber or nutrients are also problematic. Homogenized milk is responsible as well, since fat particles in the milk are more likely to cause plaques, the white area within an artery that causes the surface to bulge. Tobacco is another substance which hinders circulation and is hard on the arteries.

Many risk factors involve the typical sedentary, high-stress lifestyle of the average North American. Too little physical activity increases risks for developing blood vessel-related diseases. Exercise improves circulation and is excellent for the heart, lungs and muscle tone. A fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle increases blood pressure and places undue pressure on the heart and arteries. Since the arteries become less elastic and more susceptible to arteriosclerosis with age, the older you are, the more you need to reduce other risk factors. A history of heart disease and strokes in the family also substantially increases the chances of developing these illnesses.

Another risk factor is lipoprotein (a). Lipoprotein (a) is a type of fat-protein molecule that resembles LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") but has an additional piece to its structure called apoprotein(a). Lipoprotein (a) is a major component of the plaques found in the blood vessels of atherosclerosis patients. Lipoprotein (a) is elevated in people with coronary artery disease while it is at low or normal levels in those without coronary artery disease.

Supplements and herbs

Nutritional supplements cannot replace a healthy diet and exercise, but they can certainly quicken the reversal process and help prevent the effects of aging on the arterial system. Bromelain is a digestive enzyme which helps break down plaque deposits in the arteries. The essential fatty acids available in flax seed oil, evening primrose oil and fish oils like salmon are necessary to combat arteriosclerosis. They improve fat metabolization in the body, preventing the development of plaques and lowering cholesterol.

Beta-carotene is the precursor to vitamin A and is a fat-soluble antioxidant which protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Supplementation has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol levels. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect smokers from coronary artery disease.

The single most effective way of reducing lipoprotein (a) levels is with high doses of niacin. Niacin supplementation lowers LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), triglycerides and fibrinogen levels while raising HDL cholesterol levels ("good cholesterol").

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), especially its pantethine form, can also lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol by ten to fifteen percent; pantothenic acid supplements can help boost energy.

Vitamin B6 prevents the accumulation of high levels of the amino acid homocysteine implicated as one of the tissue injuring substances initiating cholesterol build-up and atherosclerosis. Other supplements which lower homocysteine levels include vitamin B12 and folic acid. B6 deficiency has been associated with a greater risk of coronary artery disease, elevated serum cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid are best taken together in the form of a B complex vitamin supplement to fully balance all the B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is an important cofactor for many enzymes and minerals including magnesium and zinc.

The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral selenium are also important for their ability to prevent free-radical damage in the arteries. Vitamins C and E improve circulation and provide the cell walls with nutrients for stability and elasticity, hence preventing disease. Bioflavonoids should be taken together with vitamin C, as they act similarly to strengthen arteries. Selenium works in conjunction with vitamin E.

Vitamin C helps prevent atherosclerosis by directly promoting the breakdown of triglycerides and by regulating arterial wall integrity via its essential role in collagen formation. Vitamin C also helps lower cholesterol in those with higher than optimal levels. Vitamin C regenerates and reactivates the vitamin E used up to block oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It is an important antioxidant and helps reverse heart disease.

Chromium, especially in the picolinate form, can decrease both cholesterol and triglycerides while improving glucose tolerance; some studies have shown chromium's ability to help burn off excessive fat from the body. It has also been documented to help reverse atherosclerosis.

copper decreases cholesterol, especially in those taking supplemental zinc at levels of 160 mg or more daily. Copper is an important nutrient for the prevention of aneurysms. The zinc to copper ratio can be determined through a combination of blood, urine and hair tests; copper is also important in the prevention and treatment of arthritis and other connective tissue problems.

Carnitine is therapeutically effective in the treatment of coronary heart disease because normal cardiac function is dependent on adequate concentrations of carnitine in the heart muscle. Carnitine lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol and helps increase muscle strength and stamina. It is important as part of an enzyme system that lowers total fat in the body. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into cells so that they can be burned as fuel. In fact, some types of metabolic obesity are caused by a deficiency of carnitine. D-carnitine and D,L-carnitine can be toxic and should not be used. Use only the L-carnitine.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant supplement successful in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease. It has been found particularly effective in the treatment of chest pain and heart beat irregularities. It improves oxygen supply to the cells, cardiac function in cardiomyopathies (diseases of weak heart muscle), reduces angina attacks and pain, and works synergistically with other antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Co Q1O can significantly lower high blood pressures as well as lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.

By lowering the blood pressure in a natural way, drug treatment becomes unnecessary and health is restored. To make medicinal teas, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of herbs. Steep for fifteen minutes, strain and drink three times daily.

• Garlic is well known for its blood-thinning qualities, and also helps reduce high cholesterol levels. In capsule form, garlic has less odor and is easy to take on a regular basis. Take garlic, 600 mg of powder in capsules, or 25 mg garlic oil.
• Siberian ginseng tea reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Hawthorn leaves and blossoms reduce cholesterol levels. Drink 1 cup of hawthorn tea or 20-30 drops hawthorn tincture in water daily.
• To strengthen, regulate and calm the heart and improve circulation, take 3-5 drops of calendula tincture in a glass of water daily.
• The vitamin C in rose hip tea acts as an antioxidant, an agent which reduces oxygen burning damage caused by free radicals.
• Alfalfa leaf juice and the silica in horsetail maintain the elastic, connective tissue of the arteries and preserve their permeability. Silica is best taken as an aqueous extract, 3-4 capsules daily.
• Alfalfa meal in large amounts also lowers cholesterol because of its saponin content.
• To relax and calm the nerves, drink lemon balm tea in the evening.
• Gugulipid is an extract of the mukul myrrh tree native to India. Its two active components, Z-and E-guggulsterone have been shown to help reduce both cholesterol (14-27%) and triglyceride levels (22-30%).
• Cayenne (capsicum) lowers cholesterol and inhibits platelet aggregations by dilating arteries. Many angina sufferers report a remarkable improvement in their chest pain and circulation with regular supplementation of cayenne (available as a food or as a capsule supplement).
• Curcumin is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent comparable to cortisone, ibuprofen and phenylbutazone; it has also been reported to be effective as a cancer preventive agent as well as an antioxidant comparable in activity to vitamins C and E.
• Forskolin, a derivative of the herb Coleus forskohlii, has been found to be a good natural bronchodilator. Forskolin reduces inflammatory reactions thought to contribute to asthma without systemic side-effects. Aside from asthma, forskolin has also been shown to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart disease and glaucoma. It helps improve circulation due to its vasodilating effects.

Aromatherapy

Commonly used essential oils for Arteriosclerosis:

• Ginger
• Juniper
• Rosemary

Homeopathy

Remedies need to be taken in low potency and for long periods of time. A chosen remedy can be taken in the 6x strength for one or two months, then proceeding to the 12x for an equal period of time. Several remedies may need to be used in sequence. Naturally, results are slow and gradual. Crataegus can be taken as a liquid tincture, 15 drops three times daily, or in the form of an herbal capsule, for 6 months or more.

• Aurum
  Arteriosclerosis, hypertension. Valve disease, enlarged, weakened heart.
  Nightly attacks of pains behind breastbone. Vertigo, loss of memory.
  Palpitation; sensation as if the heart stopped, then starts with a bound.
  Surges of blood to head. Depressed, suicidal, yet fears death. Effects of grief, loss, failure. Self-blame. Worse: cold, winter, night. Better: open air.
• Plumbum
  Arteriosclerosis, organic heart disease. Pressure in chest with difficult breathing, shooting pains. Palpitation, anxiety in chest, sighing, trembling.
  Muscle atrophy, paralysis. Abdominal cramps and colic, constipation.
  Silent depression. Slow, apathetic, memory loss. Paranoia, dementia.
  Chronic kidney disease. Worse: night, exertion, company, touch, open air.

What else you can do

• Regular, moderate outdoor exercise like walking, cycling, swimming or cross-country skiing is effective in alleviating stress and is good for the heart and the circulatory system.
• Wear natural-fiber clothing and walk barefoot whenever possible.
• Dew walking builds up the immune system. Dew walk every other day, if possible.
• Daily morning dry brushing, baths with sea salts, and sweating assist the body in getting rid of toxins.
• Hydrotherapy techniques such as Kneipp water therapy and cold arm baths will help.
• Avoid undue mental and emotional stress. Plenty of sleep and regular massage promote relaxation, which helps lower blood pressure and assists the body in rebuilding the arteries.
• Breathing and muscle relaxation exercises help relax and strengthen the heart.

How much to take

• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily
• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily
• Coenzyme Q10, 100-200 mg
• Bromelain, 500 mg three times daily between meals
• Niacin, 3,000-5,000 mg
• Copper, 2 mg or more daily
• Chromium, 1,000 fig or more daily
• Beta-carotene, 25,000 10
• Chondroitin sulfate, 3,000 mg
• L-carnitine, 1,500 mg or more daily
• Vitamin B6, 25-100 mg
• Pantothenic acid, 300 mg three times daily
• Lecithin, 20 g in divided doses
• Vitamin A, 10,000 10
• Selenium, 200 mcg

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