Information and facts on Arteriosclerosis

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Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis involve the buildup of deposits on the insides of the artery walls,  which causes thickening and hardening of the arteries. In arteriosclerosis, the deposits are composed  largely of calcium; in atherosclerosis, the deposits consist of fatty substances. Both conditions have about the same effect on circulation, causing high blood pressure and ultimately leading to angina (chest pain  brought on by exertion), heart attack, stroke, and/or sudden cardiac death.

Although arteriosclerosis causes high blood pressure, high blood pressure can also cause arteriosclerosis. Calcium-based and fatty deposits typically form in areas of the arteries that have been weakened by high blood pressure or strain. The consequent narrowing of the arteries then makes blood pressure that is  already high even higher. As the arteries become less pliable and less permeable, cells may experience ischemia (oxygen starvation) due to insufficient circulation. If one of the coronary arteries becomes  obstructed by accumulated deposits, or by a blood clot that has either formed or snagged on the deposit, the heart muscle will be starved for oxygen and an individual will suffer a heart attack, also referred to as a myocardial infarction or coronary. Older people are at a greater risk for this kind of heart trouble. When arteriosclerosis occludes the arterial supply of blood to the brain, a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, occurs.

 

Nutrient / Supplement

Importance
( 1 - 10 )

Helpful notes

Multi-vitamin and Mineral Supplement

10

vitamin B complex, inositol, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E all serve to help lower blood pressure and reduce its effects as well as helping with both Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. A daily supplement provides nutrients needed for general good health and well being.
L-Carnitine

10

helps in the transporting of long chain fatty acids which aides in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular disease. Great when combined with a omega fatty acid and flax seed supplement.
Coenzyme Q10

10

increases oxygenation to the heart and has been shown to prevent recurrences in people who have had a heart attack. Cardio-Essentials has most of the ingredients listed on this page. 
Magnesium

8

low intake of magnesium has been linked to high blood pressure and a good source of magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement especially one with calcium, zinc, and garlic.
Calcium

7

important for proper functioning of the cardiac (heart) muscle and is a companion to magnesium see above.
Essential Fatty acids

10

important for reducing blood pressure and also increasing blood circulation as well as preventative aid on general heart health. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and flax and borage   seed oils from plants.
Arginine

8

important amino acid for cardiovascular health
Hawthorn

9

herb that helps heart and cardiovascular system
Guggul

9

herb from India that lowers cholesterol levels and protects against the development of hardening of the arteries. 
vitamin C

8

vitamin C helps high blood pressure, hypertension, heart, and cardio-vascular problems by improving adrenal function. Can be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.
Potassium

6

needed for electrolyte balance especially if you take blood pressure medication.
Selenium

7

low intake of this mineral has been linked to heart disease and cardiovascular problems a good source for selenium is a natural multi-vitamin with complete mineral supplementation.
Garlic

9

garlic has been shown to help lower high blood pressure and help with other cardiovascular disease.

Over 1 million Americans are disabled by peripheral vascular disease (diseases involving the blood vessels in the extremities) each year. Most of those affected have at least one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis: smoking, family history of the disease, hypertension, diabetes, or abnormal cholesterol levels. Advancing age increases the likelihood of developing these diseases, as does atherosclerosis of the coronary or cerebral arteries.

Peripheral atherosclerosis, also called " arteriosclerosis obliterans", is a type of peripheral vascular disease in which the lower limbs are affected. In the early stages, the major arteries that carry blood to the legs and the feet become narrowed by fatty deposits. Atherosclerosis of the leg or foot not only can limit a person’s mobility, but may also lead to loss of a limb. People who have diseased arteries in the leg or foot are likely to have them elsewhere, mainly in the heart and brain. Early symptoms and warning signs of peripheral atherosclerosis include: aching muscles, fatigue, and cramplike pains in the ankles and legs. Depending on which arteries are blocked, there may also be pain in the hips and thighs.

Pain in the legs (most often in the calf, but sometimes in the foot, thigh, hip or buttocks) that is brought on by walking and is promptly relieved by rest is called intermittent claudication. This is often the first symptom of developing peripheral atherosclerosis. Additional symptoms include numbness, weakness, and a heavy feeling in the legs. These symptoms occur because the amount of oxygenated blood that makes it through the plaque-clogged arteries is insufficient to meet the needs of the exercising leg muscles. The closer the problem lies to the abdominal aorta, the central artery that branches into the leg, the more tissue is affected and the more dangerous the condition.

SELF-TESTING

An easy self- test can show how well the blood is flowing through the arteries of the legs. There are three places on the lower leg where a pulsating artery can be felt by lightly touching the skin covering the artery.

  1. the top of the foot

  2. the inner aspect of the ankle

  3. behind the knee

Apply pressure lightly to the skin on these spots. If you cannot find a pulse, this is an indication that the artery supplying the leg may be narrowed. Consult your health care provider.

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.