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.
-
the top of the foot
-
the inner aspect of the ankle
-
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
|