Atherosclerosis:
An American Epidemic
Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries caused by an
accumulation of fatty deposits on the artery walls. These fatty
deposits result in decreased blood flow to the tissues. Additionally,
pieces of fat can break loose and block a blood vessel. All arteries
may be affected, but the coronary and cerebral vessels are the areas
of greatest concern because insufficient blood flow to the heart and
brain can quickly become life-threatening.
Atherosclerosis and its complications (coronary heart disease, stroke)
are the major cause of death in the United States. Heart attacks alone
account for over 20% of all U.S. deaths each year. When death from
strokes and atherosclerotic heart disease are added in, the total of
atherosclerotic-caused deaths increases to nearly 50% of the U.S.
total. This disease costs over 60 billion dollars per year to treat.
The suffering caused is incalculable.
Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on the degree of
obstruction and the arteries involved. They may include angina (chest
pain), leg cramps (especially when walking), weakness, dizziness, or
gradual mental deterioration. Other "minor" symptoms often caused by
the decreased blood flow of atherosclerosis include tinnitus (ringing
in the ears), impotence, hearing loss, and diminished vision. Often,
there are no symptoms prior to an "event" (heart attack, stroke).
The causes of atherosclerosis are largely known: sedentary lifestyle,
smoking, dietary imbalances (esp. high trans fat consumption, lack of
dietary fiber, lack of dietary antioxidants) and stress. Since these
are all controllable risk factors, the individual can do MUCH to
prevent and reverse this degenerative process.
It has been known since 1973 that a diagonal earlobe crease is a sign
of atherosclerosis. More recent studies have suggested that it is, in
fact, one of the most accurate indications of atherosclerosis - more
reliable than any other known risk factor, including age, sedentary
lifestyle, elevated cholesterol levels, and smoking.
The earlobe has many small blood vessels, known as capillaries. A
decrease in blood flow caused by atherosclerosis causes a "collapse"
of the vascular bed - and an earlobe crease results. (NOTE: This
physical sign does not correlate with atherosclerosis in Orientals,
Native Americans, and children with Beckwith’s syndrome.)
While the presence of an earlobe crease does not by itself prove
heart disease, it strongly suggests it. If you have an earlobe crease
or known atherosclerosis, begin to reverse the condition by following
the recommendations here.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Eat a nutritious diet high in
nutrients and fiber.
- Regular aerobic
exercise (with your
doctor’s clearance). Exercise improves circulation and heart muscle
pumping ability. It also helps the body use excess fats and
cholesterol for energy.
- Drink 8 glasses of pure water daily.
- Maintain a normal body weight.
- Do not smoke. Substances in
tobacco smoke can cause spasm of the blood vessels
Limit caffeine intake to 2 cups
(including decaf and caffeinated sodas) per day. Avoid these entirely
if arrhythmia is present.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
-
Maxi Multi:
3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This daily "multiple" contains
high potency antioxidants. Optimal (not minimal) doses of
antioxidant vitamins including C,E, and beta carotene, plus B
complex vitamins, magnesium, selenium and bioflavonoids are
particularly important for the heart. Take additional B complex
vitamins if your multiple does not contain optimal doses. B
vitamins, (especially B6, B12, and folic acid) lower homocysteine
levels, an independent risk for heart disease that many researchers
feel is more important than cholesterol levels.
- Omega 3 fatty acids:
Flax seed meal,
2 teaspoons per day with food
OR
Flax seed capsules:
2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
OR
Flax seed oil:
1 tablespoon per day
OR
Max EPA
(Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals
(target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
-
CoQ10:
50-300mg per day. This powerful antioxidant, produced by the body,
diminishes with age. It is especially valuable for all types of
heart disease. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS deplete CoQ10. (Amounts
will depend on the severity of the disease. Lower doses may be used
for health maintenance; higher doses in cases of arrhythmia, angina,
and atherosclerosis).
-
Garlic:
(Garlitrin 4000®): 1 tablet, once per day with a meal. Other brands,
take 1 tab, 3 times per day. Target dose: 10,000mg allicin per day.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
-
L-carnitine: 1 cap (250mg), 3 times per day with meals.
-
Bromelain:
1 cap (2400mcu), 3 times per day BETWEEN meals.
DR. MYATT’S COMMENT
Treat all other "heart risk" factors
that may be present:
High Cholesterol,
High Blood Pressure,
arrhythmia. Please refer to these
sections for more information. See
HEART
DISEASE for more information.
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