Atherosclerosis:
Slow Moving Killer




Atherosclerosis: What Is It?


Atherosclerosis is the major condition of coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is the number one killer of men and women in the US and other developed nations.

Many of us are familiar with the word arteriosclerosis. This is a general term for thickening or hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
This plaque is made up of deposits of…
  • Fatty substances
  • Cholesterol
  • Cellular waste products
  • Calcium
As the plaque builds up the artery walls become thickened and lose their elasticity. Plaque buildup does not happen quickly. It is a slow progressive disease that may start in early childhood. Once it does begin, however, it can progress rapidly.

Atherosclerosis comes from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (meaning hardness). The combination of the two meanings provides a rather gruesome picture of a hard paste (plaque) being deposited in our blood vessels. Not a pretty sight from any angle.


How Does Atherosclerosis Develop?
It is believed by many scientists that this dreaded condition begins when damage occurs to the innermost layer of the artery. Such damage can be caused by… Smoking (and other tobacco use) greatly increases atherosclerosis development and growth, especially in the aorta and large arteries such as those in the legs and those leading to the heart (coronary arteries).




What Problems Can It Cause?
Blockage in the aorta and coronary arteries is extremely serious.
For example, a section of blockage that breaks free can ultimately result in a stroke. Plaque build-up also damages the blood vessel making it weaker and less flexible. The result is often an aneurism. In fact atherosclerosis is the leading cause of aneurisms.

When the coronary arteries are blocked blood flow is restricted to the heart itself. The heart becomes starved for oxygen resulting in muscle damage. Chest pains known as angina may occur.

The heart is forced to overwork in its oxygen depleted state. Long-term overwork can result in congestive heart failure, a chronic and very serious condition. Continued stress may result in heart attack or sudden cardiac death.


Symptoms Of Atherosclerosis
But how can one tell if he has it? What are the symptoms?

Unfortunately the signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis may develop slowly and be few and far between. If however a major artery is blocked symptoms may be severe.

For example chest pains (angina) can indicate the heart is starved for oxygen and overworked. Angina is also a warning that a major heart episode may be just around the corner.

The surest way to know if you have it is to get a thorough physical examination which may include any one of several medical diagnostic procedures.

Treatments for atherosclerosis are as varied as the methods of diagnosis, but perhaps a little less pleasant.

Some medical treatments for atherosclerosis reversal




What Can You Do?
If your atherosclerosis is in an advanced state seek a doctor’s advice. If you doctor recommends treatment then by all means get it done. Lack of treatment can be deadly.

However, certain lifestyle modifications can go a long way in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
If you smoke, stop it.
No one has ever died from giving up smoking. Unfortunately the reverse is not true. My uncle is an example. I know it sounds insensitive and few of my friends ever like the advice but it is that important.

The flip side can be recommended for exercise.
If you are not doing it then start.
30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 or 4 times a week can go a long way toward atherosclerosis reversal as well as many other maladies. I know it hurts, especially at the beginning. But exercise has many rewards. We have discussed only one of them. At the risk of committing copy-write infringements…
Just Do It. You will be glad you did.
Of course watch your diet. Maintain a heart healthy diet.


What Else?
Maintain a high Omega-3 intake.
People who consume higher amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids statistically have lower incidence of heart disease.
Omega-3 helps prevent and reverse atherosclerosis build-up. It also makes blood platelets less sticky. Further, Omega-3 is scientifically shown to reduce triglycerides.
The American Heart Association recommends high intakes of Omega-3 fatty acids for anyone with heart disease or high triglycerides.
Where do you get Omega-3? ALA comes from some plant sources like flax seeds. But the more potent EPA and DHA come primarily from cold-water oily fish like…
  • Salmon
  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Tuna
It is recommended that anyone with high triglycerides should consume 2-4 grams of EPA plus DHA per day.
That is a lot of fish eating.
To get enough you will need to take a high quality fish oil supplement. But take a good one.

Heart Health Note:

By the way, adding a high quality (and high potency) Omega-3 supplement to your heart health regime does not have to be expensive. It is a simple way to safeguard your heart.

Here is a great Omega-3 supplement at a very good price.



For More On Omega-3 and Atherosclerosis please Click Here.

For More On Omega-3 and Triglycerides please Click Here.

Atherosclerosis is serious business. It takes years to develop. It will not go away over night. Some surgical treatments can make quick progress. Natural methods take longer.

Commit yourself to the long haul. Change your habits and you can change your life.

Return from Atherosclerosis page to Coronary Heart Disease.

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