Atherosclerosis

Definition of Atherosclerosis:

A common form of arteriosclerosis; a narrowing of the arteries which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.  This narrowing is caused by deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the arteries.

Topics Related to Atherosclerosis

Alzheimer's Disease

...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“...In addition, researchers found that Alzheimer's patients had higher blood levels of homocysteine, which is already implicated in atherosclerosis.  Folic acid and B12 supplementation is known to reduce homocysteine levels.”

Andropause/Male Menopause

...recommendation DIM / I3C
“...More importantly, increased estrogen levels have been repeatedly noted as a risk factor for early atherosclerosis and heart attack...”
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More topics Related to Atherosclerosis

Aneurysm / Rupture

...the condition
“...Causes of abdominal/aortic aneurysms include ... Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) weakens artery walls...”
...recommendation Test for Cardiac Risk Factors
“The authors of one study concluded that a high level of lipoprotein is an independent risk factor for thoracic aortic atherosclerosis and should be controlled in order to prevent aortic disease including aortic aneurysm...”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“...These data supply evidence of altered vitamin E metabolism and free radical processes in the tissues of patients with various manifestations of atherosclerosis...”

Angina

...the condition
“...The primary cause is atherosclerosis, although platelet aggregation, coronary artery spasm, myocardial ischemia, non-vascular mechanisms such as hypoglycemia, and increased metabolic need (as in hyperthyroidism) can also...”

Antioxidant Requirement

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“High-potency antioxidant supplements can reduce atherosclerosis in humans...”

Anxiety

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Researchers conclude that chronically high levels of anxiety are a risk factor for the progression of atherosclerosis, especially in men...”

Atherosclerosis

...the condition
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is the most common form of arteriosclerosis, a class of diseases in which the walls of a person's artery become thicker and less elastic through deposits...”
...relationship to Aneurysm / Rupture
“Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) weakens artery walls and predisposes the damaged portion to enlargement.”
...relationship to Senile Dementia
Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for reduced circulation in the brain, sometimes called ischemic vascular dementia (IVD).”
...relationship to Low DHEA Level
“Although there is some conflicting evidence, many researchers conclude that maintaining normal levels of DHEA provides some protection against atherosclerosis.”
...relationship to Peripheral Vascular Disease
“Peripheral artery disease is a likely sign of more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries: Atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries is by far the most common cause of peripheral vascular disease.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Magnesium is helpful in preventing blood vessel calcification (and thereby atherosclerosis).  A daily dose of 50mg of vitamin B6 and 200-300mg of magnesium is often given.”
...recommendation Selenium
“...than vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E are synergistic as antioxidants and inhibit or prevent the damage to tissues by free radicals which have been cited as causal factors in heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and aging...”
...recommendation Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption
“...Eating fruits high in the soluble fiber pectin has also been linked with reduced cholesterol levels, which protects against atherosclerosis.”
...recommendation Chromium
“Chromium is often deficient in those with atherosclerosis; supplementation may result in plaque regression...”
...recommendation Lycopene
“Lycopene has been used in connection with the prevention (only) of Atherosclerosis.”
...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“Regular aerobic exercise lowers fibrinogen levels – a risk factor for atherosclerosis of equal or greater predictive value than cholesterol...”

Beta 1,3 Glucan

...as a treatment
“...People with high risk of atherosclerosis should consider adding beta-1,3-glucan to their diet whether they are taking cholesterol-reducing drugs or not...”

Cardiac Ischemia

...the condition
“...Causative conditions include ... Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis): This is the most common cause, in which cholesterol builds up on the artery walls and restricts blood flow...”

Carotid Artery Disease

...the condition
“...The most common cause of blockage in these arteries is atherosclerosis, in which fatty materials collect under the inner lining of the arterial wall...”

Chelation Therapy

...as a treatment
“...is an option to be seriously considered by any person suffering from coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, brain disorders resulting from circulatory disturbances, generalized atherosclerosis and related ailments which lead to senility and accelerated physical decline...”

Cholesterol

...related topic
“...An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.”

Chromium Deficiency

...the condition
“...bodies of people who live in the United States; tissue levels of people in other countries are usually higher, and those higher levels tend to be associated with a lower incidence of diabetes and atherosclerosis.  There is less hardening of the arteries in people of Asian countries, who it is estimated have five times higher chromium tissue levels than Americans...”

Cigarette Smoke Damage

...the condition
“...This is mediated through smoking induced atherosclerosis and vasoconstriction...”
...relationship to Stroke
“Smoking causes cerebrovascular disease primarily by increasing atherosclerosis and thrombosis...”
...recommendation Selenium
“...[Atherosclerosis, 1991;87: pp.129-34]”

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

...the condition
“...Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries), in which the insides of the arteries become clogged with plaques consisting of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances...”
...our question about B-complex supplementation
“The B vitamins help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing levels of homocysteine, which damages the arteries and promotes the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis).  Researchers at Harvard University found that a high level of homocysteine in the blood more than triples the risk of heart attack.”
...relationship to Low Male Testosterone Level
“...Low testosterone is linked to hypertension, obesity, atherosclerosis and increased waist-to-hip ratio – all of these being heart attack risk factors...”

Diabetes Type II

...the condition
“...Insulin resistance is also found in a variety of other common disease states including hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome...”

Elevated Homocysteine Levels

...relationship to Ulcerative Colitis
“...Because elevated blood homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis, a team of researchers from McGill University in Montreal explored the idea that homocysteine excess may play an important role in IBD...”

Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)

...the condition
“...In 85% of cases affecting men aged 50 and older, organic factors such as vascular disease and atherosclerosis of the penile artery are the cause...”
...our question about B-complex supplementation
“By reducing the level of homocysteine in the blood, and therefore the risk of atherosclerosis, the B vitamins also reduce the risk of developing conditions that can be caused by atherosclerosis, including erectile dysfunction.”

Essential Fatty Acids

...as a treatment
“...Improper low fat diets, useful for atherosclerosis, can kill you over the long term...”

Estrogens Low

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Low estrogen levels raise LDL-C (bad) cholesterol, while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol, both of which contribute to atherosclerosis.  Supplemental estrogen reduces this risk, at least partially by increasing the HDL particle size which confers some protection against heart disease.”

Excess Animal Fat Consumption

...the condition
“...HDL is the 'good' cholesterol that stabilizes overall blood cholesterol levels; LDL is the 'bad' cholesterol that builds up in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis.  Saturated fat consumption increases LDL levels in the blood...”

Excess Sugar Consumption

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to elevated triglycerides and may contribute to atherosclerosis, especially in individuals with elevated insulin levels.”

Fish Oils

...as a treatment
“...According to some but not all studies, fish or fish oil appears to lower triglyceride levels, raise HDL ("good") cholesterol, "thin" the blood, reduce levels of homocysteine, slow down atherosclerosis, help prevent death from heart disease, and perhaps also treat hypertension...”

Folic Acid

...as a treatment
“...Homocysteine is now considered an independent risk factor for vascular disease, especially atherosclerosis.  Folic acid supplementation, with B6 and B12, has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels in a number of clinical studies...”

Ginkgo Biloba

...as a treatment
“...concentration, increase alertness and short-term memory and has been used preventatively in regenerative compounds for loss of memory and senility, in cardiac protection formulas against stroke and atherosclerosis and for hearing disorders and vertigo (dizziness) where blood flow is poor in the ears...”

Grape Seed Extract

...as a treatment
“...Grape seed extract has the ability to decrease capillary fragility (weakness – leading to bruising), atherosclerosis and diabetes.”

Gugulipids

...as a treatment
“...Gugulipid has also been shown to protect against atheroma formation, as well as regression of the atherosclerosis in vessels previously known to have the plaquing...”

High Total Cholesterol

...the condition
“...Elevated cholesterol levels have been seen in patients with atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism and pregnancy...”
...recommendation Olive Oil
“...In this way olive oil, with its high monounsaturated fatty acid content, may contribute to the prevention and management of hypercholesterolemia, a dominant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, and to the prevention of CHD.”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...Atherosclerosis 1982;44:293-305; Kestin M, Rouse IL, Correll RA, Nestel PJ...”
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More topics Related to Atherosclerosis

High/Increased Fiber Diet

...as a treatment
“Diet is a major factor in 5 of the 10 leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis.  These diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States...”

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

...the condition
“...Coronary, cerebral, aortic, renal, and peripheral atherosclerosis are more common and more severe in hypertensives because hypertension accelerates the thickening of artery walls...”

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

...the condition
“...It can also be related to pregnancy, strong emotion, atherosclerosis or diabetes...”

Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

...as a treatment
“...Then, we overcook our vegetables and throw out the water which now has most of what's left of the nutrients!  Based on growing scientific evidence, the incidence of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke can be reduced through increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as can that of the major cancers of the Western world such as cancer of the stomach, lung, mouth...”

Intermittent Claudication

...the condition
“...Intermittent claudication is caused by arterial insufficiency (inadequate blood supply), primarily due to atherosclerosis.  Atherosclerosis is a condition that involves fatty build-up and narrowing of the arteries, which thus occludes or limits blood flow through them; the narrowed areas may be localized...”
...our question about Leg cramps caused by walking
Atherosclerosis decreases the supply of blood and oxygen to the legs, causing people with intermittent claudication to experience leg pain after walking a certain distance...”
...recommendation against Beta-Carotene
“...Atherosclerosis 1999;147: pp.193-7] Until more is known, people with intermittent claudication wishing to use beta-carotene supplements should first consult with their doctor.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“...Many doctors suggest that people with atherosclerosis, including those with intermittent claudication, take approximately 250 to 400mg of magnesium per day.”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“Important dietary changes for preventing atherosclerosis (and, consequently, intermittent claudication) include avoiding meat and dairy fat, increasing fiber, and possibly avoiding foods containing trans fatty acids.”

Lactose Intolerance

...the condition
“..."In reality, cow's milk, especially processed cow's milk, has been linked to a variety of health problems, including: mucous production, hemoglobin loss, childhood diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis, kidney stones, mood swings, depression, irritability, allergies...”

LDL/HDL Ratio, High

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“LDL is the cholesterol type most commonly thought of as a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease...”

Lecithin / Choline

...as a treatment
“...Lecithin helps to regulate fat and cholesterol metabolism and is beneficial in atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes...”

Linden

...as a treatment
“Used against atherosclerosis, with historic use as a hypotensive, especially with digestive problems and nervousness.”

L-Taurine

...as a treatment
“...It is useful to people who suffer from atherosclerosis, heart disorders, edema, hypertension, and hypoglycemia...”

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Numerous studies have confirmed premature, accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE patients...”

Macular Degeneration

...the condition
“...The following signs may be indicative of macular problems and anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist immediately ... The major risk factors: aging, atherosclerosis and hypertension...”

Magnesium Requirement

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Experimental studies have demonstrated a correlation between magnesium deficiency and atherosclerosis, but without any clear evidence to determine the mechanisms involved...”

Manganese

...as a treatment
“...Deficiency is associated with atherosclerosis (fibrous, fatty plaques on the artery walls), and hypercholesterolemia (high levels of fat in the blood)...”

Manganese Requirement

...the condition
“...Manganese deficiency had been linked to infertility, bone malformation, weakness, seizures, atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, irritability, memory loss, muscle contractions, pancreatic damage...”

Mistletoe

...as a treatment
“Useful against atherosclerosis, a possible anti-hypertensive, historically used for exhaustion and nervousness, yet a strong potential for toxicity.”

Padma 28

...as a treatment
“...Padma 28 has shown promising results in the treatment of atherosclerosis, intermittent claudication, chronic active hepatitis, and infection of the respiratory tract...”

Peripheral Vascular Disease

...the condition
“...Peripheral artery disease is often caused by atherosclerosis.  Although we usually think of the heart when discussing atherosclerosis, it can and usually does affect other arteries in the body as well; when it occurs in the arteries supplying...”
...our question about B-complex supplementation
“By reducing the level of homocysteine in the blood, and therefore the risk of atherosclerosis, the B vitamins also reduce the risk of developing conditions that can be caused by atherosclerosis, including peripheral vascular disease.”

Platelet Aggregation

...related topic
“...Mild subclotting and sticking is a common early condition that can lead to thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and strokes, and can be helped by an aspirin a day, better fat digestion, and Ceanothus.”

Platelet Aggregation (Clotting)

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Excessive platelet aggregation has been linked with the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.”

Poor Circulation

...the condition
“...Almost everyone knows how atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) affects the heart...”
...relationship to Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
“...For some reason, the process of atherosclerosis seems to affect different people in different places...”

Premature/Signs of Aging

...recommendation Selenium
“...than vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E are synergistic as antioxidants and inhibit or prevent the damage to tissues by free radicals which have been cited as causal factors in heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and aging.”

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

...relationship to Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
“Even if you never become diabetic, high levels of insulin contribute to cardiovascular risk by increasing the process of atherosclerosis.  Insulin increases the rate at which cholesterol-laden plaque builds up on arterial walls...”

Restless Leg Syndrome

...recommendation Folic Acid
“If there is a circulatory problem (as evidenced by other circulatory problems such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, etc...”

Retinopathy

...our question about B-complex supplementation
“By reducing the level of homocysteine in the blood, and therefore the risk of atherosclerosis, the B vitamins also reduce the risk of developing conditions that can be caused by atherosclerosis, including retinopathy.”

Rheumatoid Arthritis

...the condition
“...People with Rheumatoid Arthritis are more prone to atherosclerosis, and risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke is markedly increased.”

Senile Dementia

...the condition
“...Causes include ... Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries...”

Soy Isoflavones

...as a treatment
“...Oxidized LDL cholesterol accumulates in the arteries as patches of fatty buildup which blocks the flow of blood, resulting in atherosclerosis.  Genistein inhibits the growth of cells that form this artery clogging plaque...”

Stress

...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, reported on a study that has correlated the degree of carotid arterial atherosclerosis with exaggerated response to mental stress in men under the age of 55...”

Stroke

...the condition
“...Blood clots usually occur in arteries affected by atherosclerosis – a buildup of hardened plaque on the inner walls...”

Test Serum Uric Acid Levels

...as a treatment
“...Thus, it is unclear whether elevated levels of uric acid in diseases associated with oxidative stress such as stroke and atherosclerosis are a protective response or a primary cause.”

Ultraviolet Light Therapy

...as a treatment
“...Mastitis; Osteomyelitis; Pancreatitis; Periodontitis; Peritonitis; Rhinitis, sinusitis; Septicemia; Diseases due to inadequate peripheral circulation Varicose ulcers; Diabetic ulcers; Peripheral atherosclerosis; Some types of gangrene; Vascular headache; Adjuvant tumor therapy; General exhaustion; Anorexia; Immunostimulation; Fungal infections; Slow- or Non-healing wounds; Delayed repair of...”

Vinpocetine

...as a treatment
“...Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of this narrowing...”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
“...Generally, for those with high cholesterol levels it has been used to help reduce the risk for atherosclerosis.  Because of its vascular stimulation and effects of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, vitamin B3 has been used preventively for such serious secondary problems of cardiovascular...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...Excess homocysteine causes atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the artery walls) and an adequate supply of Vitamin B6 will prevent the accumulation of this toxic metabolite...”

Vitamin E Requirement

...the condition
“...Attention has been given to the theory that vitamin E serves to protect against cancer and atherosclerosis.  The evidence that normal levels of vitamin E protect against atherosclerosis is fairly convincing...”
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