The primary symptom of this is pain, poor organ function and bad general condition. The further consequences are tissue damage, sometimes acute damage because by stop of blood flow caused by a sudden blood clot formed in the narrowed areas.

THE CAUSES OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The inner walls of the arteries consist of an innermost layer of endothelial cells and under these a layer of smooth muscle cells. The development of atherosclerosis probably begins by a damage in the endothelium. Factors that cause endothelial damage and thus atherosclerosis are:

* High content of cholesterol in the blood.

* High content of blood fat and especially saturated fat.

* Inflammation in the blood vessels. A sign of such inflammation is the presence of a substance called c-reactive protein.

* High amount of oxidation agents in the blood.

* High blood pressure.

* Diabetes.

* High age.

* Smoking.

* Men have a somewhat higher chance of getting this condition than women.

* High content of the amino acid homocystein in the blood serum.

THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Atherosclerosis can be prevented and cured by these measures, of which most are lifestyle adjustments:

* Eating just a little or moderate amount of fat.

* Eating just a moderate amount of sugar.

* The fat eaten should be a blending of different types of unsaturated fat from sources like: Olive oil, rape oil, sunflower oil, soy oil, walnut oil and fish. Then you will get enough of mono-unsaturated fat, omega-3-unsaturated fat, and omega-6-poly-unsaturated fat.

* Eating much fish and just a little red meat.

* Eating a good amount of fruit and vegetables each day.

* Supply of enough vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

* Only consuming moderate amount of salt.

* Stop smoking.

By serious local narrowing of an artery, surgery to clean out or widen the artery is sometimes performed. Sometimes the artery is replaced by a graft taken from another body part or by an artificial vessel. When this is done in the heart, it is denoted as bypass surgery.

Alternative treatment to clean out the arteries is an option. There is for example a treatment consisting of using the substance EDTA to carry constituents of plaque away from the arteries.There is however a controversy about the effectiveness of this treatment, called chelating therapy.

Both vitamins are also necessary for the nerve system to function well, for the nerve cells and for the signal substances that transmit the nerve impulses. If not treated this kind of deficiency can cause permanent damages of the nerves. most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorder is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later. Characteristic signs, symptoms and health problems associated with B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Deficiency can also lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue.
Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.

Eating right is an important factor when it comes to good and bad cholesterol levels. Avoid foods that contain saturated fat and especially trans fat. According to many doctors, trans fat, is by far, the worst. Trans fat lowers HDL and increases LDL. Most fast food restaurants use vegetable oil that contain trans fat. Other sources of trans fat are; packaged foods, cakes, cookies, donuts, margarine, chips, pizza, ice cream, ready made frozen meals, and other processed foods.

Incorporating more monounsaturated fat into a diet is a healthy way to raise good cholesterol. It is found in canola, peanut, olive, sunflower, and sesame oil. It can be used to replace vegetable oils containing trans fat. This particular fat also contains many nutrients the body needs. Some examples of food containing monounsaturated fats are; avocados, peanut butter, nuts and seeds.

Exercise is not only good for HDL cholesterol levels, it is also beneficial at boosting cardiovascular condition. Exercise should be started out slow and built upon. Establish a routine of walking or other aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Always consult with a doctor before starting any exercise regiment.

Smoking is not only detrimental to a healthy body, but is bad on the wallet also. Smoking effects body functions. Smoking increases bad cholesterol and therefore will decrease the good cholesterol. The decision to stop smoking should be made. This decision will aid in the production of good cholesterol and may also help out the wallet.

Eating more fish is another great option. Fish contain adequate amounts of the fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are great nutrients for HDL cholesterol. However, there are many that are not fish eaters, therefore, a fish oil supplement should be taken for a substitute.

Drinking one glass of wine a day can help increase levels of HDL cholesterol. Red wine seems to be a better choice, as it has more levels of phenolic antioxidants than white wine. Phenolic antioxidants help maintain healthy levels of LDL cholesterol. A glass of wine may possibly help lower blood pressure as well.

An enjoyable way to build up HDL cholesterol is by eating dark chocolate. This delicious treat will enhance HDL production when eaten on a regular basis. Just eat in moderation.

However, it manifests itself in different forms of diseases, all centered in or about the heart, causing reduced functionality of the heart and blockages and stoppages of the arteries and primary blood vessels. This form of disease is not exclusive to any particular sex, age group or even, for that matter, social group. However, detailed studies have revealed some alarming trends regarding such heart diseases, which annually causes thousands of premature deaths in the conventionally ‘more modernized/urbanized’ regions.

Coronary Heart diseases generally manifest themselves most commonly in the form of a cardiac arrest, where the body goes into a form of seizure and the heart stops pumping blood. The arteries around the heart also constrict, owing to the reduced amount of blood being circulated. These attacks are extremely lethal, and in severe cases, the patient needs to be immediately hospitalized to avert a terminal result. Presently, such attacks may or may not be preceded by certain symptoms, so it’s always advisable to consult a general physician and store some useful medicine at the house to combat any such contingent necessity.

Symptoms of heart attacks include a sense of pressure and heaviness felt in the chest region, dyspnea and continued irregular/painful breathing and chest pain. The Chest pain may come in spasms, or as a blunt sensation that generally spreads across the chest, and is usually accompanied by fatigue, and in some cases, a sensation of angina. Usually, physicians advise immediate hospitalization during these cases.

Coronary heart disease might not be cured by domestically-available means, but it sure could be prevented. The most important step towards its prevention is maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. While systematically eliminating the primary risk-factors associated with heart diseases like smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and obesity, we could easily prevent heart diseases. A healthy, active lifestyle, including a balanced and nutritional diet and lots of exercise could actually strengthen our systems and inhibit the accumulation of excess fat in our body. As a result of which, our basic metabolism rates are bolstered and our body burns more calories.

A growing number of people have become suspicious of the possible overprescribing of their Doctor. To this end Herbs become more and more popular to treat and prevent Cholesterol. Herbs that lower cholesterol are an effective and natural method that can provide results. Niacin or vitamin B3 is effective as a cholesterol treatment by reducing LDL cholesterol by ten to twenty percent and increasing HDL cholesterol by fifteen to thirty percent as well as significantly reducing lipoprotein A.

Another cholesterol lowering herb is artichoke leaf, this works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that (it is said) increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, together increasing the excretion of cholesterol.

Other herb products that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols. these are naturally occurring substances found in some plants. Stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

One must keep in mind the need to maintain a healthy balance with vitamins and herbs as well as a well balanced diet to keep the arteries smooth as well as clear. Garlic is considered the ultimate herb. It lowers cholesterol, and has an antioxidant activity that can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation.

Eating lots of soy products as substitutes for meat are yet an other herbal item that lower cholesterol, which enhance liver metabolism of LDL cholesterol. They are also said to increase HDL cholesterol, and it is believed that 1/2 of soy may help in reducing total cholesterol by ten percent and LDL cholesterol by 15 percent.

Research has shown that it is not so much the cholesterol that can have a negative effect on the heart, but the carrier of the cholesterol…the lipoproteins. In fact, the Framingham Heart Study done in 1977 found that in men and women 50 and older, “total cholesterol per se is not a risk for coronary heart disease at all.”

So why do we believe that LDL and saturated fats are so bad for us? This is due to studies that showed eating saturated fats increased the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. This led to the assumption that it was the saturated fat that was the culprit. The assumption is false as clinical trials have shown there is no compelling evidence that saturated fat in the diet causes heart disease.

Another reason for the belief that LDL is bad are drugs like Zocor and Lipitor which lower LDL cholesterol and also prevent heart attacks. This is understood as cause and effect, and is so prevalent that the FDA now approves drugs to prevent heart disease based solely on evidence they lower LDL cholesterol. The problem is these drugs have multiple actions and it is like saying aspirin prevents heart attacks by getting rid of headaches.

Recent testing, such as the trials of Vytorin and torcetrapib, a drug that both lowers LDL while raising HDL…which was halted before completion as it appeared to cause both heart attacks and strokes…have not proven the cause and effect of LDL on heart disease. Estrogen replacement also lowers LDL, but has had no positive impact on lowering heart disease. The same is true for eating less saturated fat.

Statins may be effective as they reduce inflammation, which is considered a risk for heart disease. They also help to keep the walls of the arteries healthy. Statins also have an effect on the lipoproteins themselves. They reduce the number of low density lipoproteins in the blood, including the most dangerous form of LDL, which are very small and dense lipoproteins.

So what are we to make of these seemingly conflicting claims and counter-claims? First we need to to examine our assumptions on how to deal with the problem of heart disease, which is at epidemic proportions in much of the world. We need to get rid of the idea that all of our health needs can be found in a bottle.

Physical activity done at a level that triggers the natural energy cycle and balance that we all possess will determine our diet. We have been putting the cart before the horse. Diet is secondary and completely dependent on your activity level. The primary source of so many of our current health problems is our sedentary life-style.

A healthy heart is an active heart. It really is that simple. No rocket science here, just the common sense that we all possess but have been lulled into abandoning in the tidal wave of hype coming from the interests that care much more about making money then they do about our health.

High blood pressure is a sign that your heart is working overtime and exerting too much effort to pump blood through your artery walls. This may lead to a heart attack if left ignored. The most common reason for this is too much salt in your diet and too little physical activity. Your first step in preventing this is by eating less LDL-rich foods and of course exercising. Visit your doctor regularly to have your blood pressure checked too.

Check whether your belly has exceeded the 80 cm limit or not. According to research, belly fat is linked to the hardening of the arteries. Protect your arteries with antioxidant and foods rich in fiber. Antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables are known to prevent blood from clotting in the arteries. Fiber has the same effect too. Most of all targets for a waistline of 80 cm or less.

Heartache can literally result to a broken heart. Studies have shown that women who have trouble in their relationships have higher risk for a heart attack than those who keep a healthy relationship with their partners. It is also written in the Bible that a broken heart can melt away the bones. The solution here is to take good care of your relationship.

Since the symptoms of heart attack on women are different from those of men, you have to continually be on your guard. Watch out for signs such as upper body discomfort, irritability, fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, nausea and even indigestion. Doing so will put you one step ahead of the attack.

Our heart is a muscle that needs to be worked out. It would do you no good if you remain physically inactive most of the time. If you want to keep your heart in the right shape, the goal of not less than thirty minutes of exercise or physical activity every day. And don’t forget to get regular checkups as well.

Besides unhealthy eating habits, smoking, stress, obesity and sedentary lifestyle can also lead to atherosclerosis. Usually this is a hereditary condition. In other words, if there is a family history of the condition, the chances are high that you too can get the condition. Also, men are more prone to the condition than women.

However, you can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by eating sensibly. You should make an effort to eat food that is low in saturated fats. Fish is one such food that can help you combat atherosclerosis. Fish that contain polyunsaturated fats and Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed. These include tuna, salmon and mackerel. In fact, you can eat any fatty fish to help you fight this condition. You should try and have at least two fish meals each week.

The Omega 3 helps to remove fats and triglycerides that build up in the arteries. Also, the acid helps to avoid clumping of blood platelets. This ensures that the blood flows smoothly without taking on a sticky texture. Also, Omega 3 fatty acids help to lower blood pressure. Besides fatty fish, other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids include wheat germ, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach and flaxseed.

Another thing that you should try to incorporate in your food is garlic. It contains a compound known as ajoene, which keeps the blood from clotting and forming clumps. It also lowers the bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Antioxidants should be part of your daily diet plan. These help to prevent the free radicals from oxidizing the bad cholesterol. Once LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, gets oxidized, it immediately attaches itself to the walls of the arteries. Therefore, you should eat food that contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta carotene which are all antioxidants. Concentrate on eating peppers, strawberries, oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangoes, collard beans, wheat germ, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils to get your daily dose of antioxidants.

You Do Not See It Coming.
This disease can take many years to develop. Most times you will not be aware that you have a problem until it presents itself. In addition, that could be too late. Gradual deposits within the arteries can bring it about. The deposits are made of fatty tissue. This is also referred to as plaque. In time, the plaque build-up becomes worse. The blood flow in the arteries slowly gets restricted. It is like water running through a hose. When the pathway narrows, less water flows and the force is increased. When an artery is narrowed, a blood clot can lodge within the area. This may block off the flow of blood completely. When this happens to the heart, you have a heart attack. The heart starts to die from lack of oxygen.

Causes
Lifestyle is a big influence. Eating a high fat and high cholesterol diet can be a factor. Sedentary lifestyle may also be a cause.

Genetics may also play a big role. Often times, heart problems run in families. If you have a close relative with a heart condition, you may also be as risk.

Smoking has been linked to arteriosclerosis. The act of smoking has an effect on plaque build-up within the blood vessels.

Blood sugar problems can also be an indicator. Diabetes increases the risks with such conditions.

Age is also a factor. The longer we live, the greater the chance of plaque build-up. However, it is affecting young people also.

Symptoms
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis can be non-existent. Elevated blood pressure might be an indicator. A person may feel chest pain and nausea. Any type of heart attack symptom can mean the presence of this disease. Urgent medical care may be need, in those cases.

Treatments
The best agreed upon treatment is prevention. A lifestyle that contains exercise, fruits and vegetables is recommended. Limiting salt and fatty foods is also a good thing. Management for conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol are very important. They are also known as silent killers. If you have had a heart attack it will be very important to listen to your doctor. You may need to take medications and revamp your lifestyle.

Learn more about it. The more you know, the better you are equipped to deal with it. Visit libraries or online search engines.

Conclusions

Heart disease is a silent killer because there may be no symptoms. It takes many years to develop. It is very important to get regular checkups. There are things that you can do to prevent this problem. Education is a great tool for effective treatment.