What Causes Erectile Dysfunction (7 Major Root Causes)

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease What Causes Erectile Dysfunction (7 Major Root Causes).

Failure to achieve an erection could happen to any men at any age but it is usually not a serious problem. However, if it happens more than half the time you are trying to get an erection, you may want to take an objective self-examination to check if you may have any of the major root causes of erectile dysfunction.This might be an upsetting and even humiliating turn of event for some, but having erectile dysfunction is treatable and it may indicate serious underlying conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, diabetes and other ailments.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

If one has high blood pressure, it may prevent the veins and arteries to the penis from dilating or opening up fully. This causes a limit of blood flow to the male genital and eventually causing an erectile problem.

Smoking is also a factor leading to erectile dysfunction as it increases one's blood pressure and also damages the blood vessels.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (which also known as Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease or ASVD) is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol. It is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels.

This condition causes Erectile Dysfunction as it prevents a satisfactory amount of blood flow to reach the male genital.

Diabetes

In order to have a healthy sex life, a man needs to have healthy blood vessels, nerves, a healthy libido and male hormones to achieve a strong erection.

Diabetes may cause serious impairment to one's nerves and blood vessels which aids erections. Therefore, if one contracts diabetes, he may have the normal hormone levels and desire to have sex, but a firm erection may be difficult to attain.

Drug Interaction and Usage of Illegal Drugs

Prescription as well as over the counter medications may sometimes cause erection difficulties. Also, abusing drugs which were meant to help with erectile dysfunction, like Viagra (sildenafil), could lead to serious erection issues as a side effect.

Some of the drugs that may contribute to erectile dysfunction are those used for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depending on a person's body, even drugs prescribed to treat allergies.

On the other scale, illegal drugs such since marijuana,cocaine, heroin and are also known to cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Frustration, Stress and Anxiety

The failure to have an erection may not always be a physical cause, anxiety and stress over performance can in fact cause one to also have an erection problem.

According to the experts from the American Urological Association, however, 75% of erectile dysfunction cases are physical rather than psychological in nature.

The 2 Undesirable Os, Overweight and Obese

There is a strong connection or link between having an unhealthy sex life when one is overweight or obese. This might be due to the lack of physical stamina and unhealthy body image of an overweight individual. A psychologist from Duke University once stated that for a reduction of 10 % of body weight could vastly improve the sex lives for the majority of overweight people.

This is a myriad of factors which could contribute to the issues and problems of erectile dysfunction; but with the factors discussed above, it may trigger a starting point for one to take action, reduce risk, as well as be better informed of the causes of erectile dysfunction.

A number of men link their masculinity and self worth with the skill to perform sexually and feel weak and embarrassing, to be if they are faced with erectile dysfunction problems. Fortunately, with modern day medical breakthroughs with regards to men's well being, there is no longer a need to be suffering from erectile dysfunction in quietness.

The media has played a major role in creating awareness as well as getting men to open up to the topic of erectile problems to their partners and their doctors.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Pulsatile Tinnitus Treatment

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Pulsatile Tinnitus Treatment.

Did you know that pulsatile tinnitus only affects approximately 3% of tinnitus sufferers however it is by far the worst version of this condition. The distinct difference is that the ringing that is in your ears is not only heard by you, but can be heard by people near you also. Many people are unaware that they have pulsatile tinnitus symptoms until it is well defined and therefore harder to treat, so make sure you are aware of these causes and follow the advise to treat it before it becomes to late.

Basic cause of pulsatile tinnitus

So the common symptom is an irregular blood flow that occurs in the arteries and vessels around the neck and head. There are many diseases and conditions that can cause this to happen so I will list the common ones and the treatments that can be used to help reduce the tinnitus.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)

This is when there is increased pressure on the brain however there is no tumor or any other disease present. The most common symptom along with the ear ringing is a throbbing headache. Treatments include a Lumbar Puncture that drains the cerebrospinal fluid, medication (please consult your doctor) and surgery. Surgery is always the last resort and again you should consult your doctor for more information.

Arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD)

This is usually due to high cholesterol and a build up of fatty materials in the artery walls that obviously reduce the flow of blood through the vessel. By getting healthier and stopping smoking and starting regular exercise this can help dramatically. If there is no relief then other alternate treatments are looked at but be diligent and decrease your cholesterol.

Venous Hum

This is when your internal jugular arteries are drained while blood flows through your vertebral vessels to your head. The flow through your veins causes them to vibrate and create a humming noise which you can hear. You can find relief from simply applying pressure to the affected veins and the ringing should subside.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Omega-3 And Your Heart Health

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Omega-3 And Your Heart Health.

Introduction

Did you know that the number one killer in Western countries is heart disease? Even with the improved treatment for heart disease, close to 500,000 people living in the United States will die each year from this condition. But the good news is that over 50,000 lives (30%) could be saved every year if people increased their intake of Omega-3 and decreased their intake of Omega-6.

The main cause of heart attacks is a build up of fat along the walls of the arteries. The arteries become blocked when this fat hardens leading to a loss of oxygen to the heart and subsequently a heart attack. This condition is called arteriosclerotic vascular disease.

Omega-6 The Cause

About 150 years ago, the diet of the American people and other Western industrialized countries started to change. When before we ate a diet of natural foods rich in fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish, we now eat one that is mainly processed foods. (Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state.) Some examples of processed foods are breads, crackers, lunch meat, snacks and cookies.

When this shift in our diet habits started occurring, we reduced our intake of Omega-3 and increased our intake of Omega-6. Now both of these are classified as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) because the body cannot produce these fatty acids and must be obtained from our diet.

So what could be wrong with too much Omega-6? Lets take a closer look at what Omega-6 provides the body. Omega-6 provides an inflammation hormone vital for the immune system to fight off bacteria and disease. In order to keep this inflammation in check Omega-3 counters this with anti-inflammation hormones. The normal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 should be about one to one.

But with increased consumption of processed foods, our ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 has jumped to where we have 20 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3.

With this large amount of Omega-6 it causes increased amount of inflammation in the body. This inflammation is the main cause of atherosclerotic plaques inside the arteries leading to the heart. When these plaques start to build up, your chances of a heart attack increase.

Another effect large amounts of Omega-6 have on your body is that the hormone in Omega-6, Arachidonic acid (AA), causes the blood to clot. If this clotting is severe enough, blood flow could be stopped.

Increase Omega-3, Decrease Omega-6

To help decrease your risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, increase your consumption of Omega-3 and decrease your consumption of processed foods.

This means to increase your consumption of cold-water fish such as tuna, trout, cod, salmon, halibut and sardines. To ensure you are getting the right amount of Omega-3, you may want to consider a fish oil supplement.

To decrease your amount of Omega-6, start changing your diet from processed foods to more natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, soy products, fish and poultry.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Nitric Oxide Supplement, Your Best Protection Against Cerebrovascular Disease

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Nitric Oxide Supplement, Your Best Protection Against Cerebrovascular Disease.

High risks of Cerebrovascular Disease

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases are the Top 10 causes of death in worldwide. "Cardiovascular diseases kill more people each year--in high, middle-and low-income countries alike--than any others. In 2002, 7.2 million people died of coronary heart disease, 5.5 million from stroke or another form of cerebrovascular disease.", says WHO.

Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD)

So, what is this cerebrovascular disease that is killing millions worldwide?

Cerebrovascular refers to the blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the brain, and cerebrovascular disease, in simple terms, refers to an abnormality of the brain due to a disruption in this blood supply in some way.

This causes the brain cells to be deprived of oxygen as the blood is responsible for carrying oxygen to all of our body cells. The brain cells will then die or be damaged under this condition.

The most common type of cerebrovascular disease is stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident.

Stroke is caused by either a clogged blood vessel in the brain, or when the blood vessel in the brain bursts or leaks. Other CVD include: transient ischemic attack (TIA), multi-infarct (arteriosclerotic) dementia

and reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND).

What can Nitric Oxide do?

Nitroglycerin and related vasodilating compounds increase the diameter of a blood vessel, and were found to act to release nitric oxide, an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Endothelium cells are cells that line the blood vessels and prevents the interaction of blood cells with the vessel walls.

Nitric Oxide is a small gaseous, signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system produced by healthy endothelial cells. Signaling molecules have the function of producing another substance, the second messenger. The second messenger transmit messages along signal pathways between cells.

When NO enters a cell, it activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase,

which produces the second messenger, cyclic GMP. This second messenger relaxes and dilates the blood vessels.

So how do nitric oxide prevent strokes and cerebrovascular diseases?

Nitric oxide lowers blood pressure, a high risk factor for both stroke and heart attack.

By relaxing and dilating the blood vessels, it promotes healthy blood circulation to the brain and heart.

It also causes coronary arteries to widen to increase blood flow to the heart.

Other roles of NO includes keeping arteries flexible, reverses arterial plaque and suppresses atherosclerosis.

By preventing platelets and white blood cells from sticking to the vessel wall, NO can prevent atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of deposits of fatty wax like materials, cholesterol, calcium, waste products,

and other substances along the insides of the arteries.

In addition, nitric oxide can reduce the production of free radicals, which causes blood vessels to age rapidly, and

suppress abnormal growth of vascular muscle cells to prevent blood vessels from thickening.

Sources of Nitric Oxide

L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that stimulates the growth of nitric

oxide within blood vessels.

A semi-essential amino acid is one that can be produced by our body, or obtained from our diet.

Usually, a healthy person will have sufficient L-Arginine to produce the required amount of nitric oxide.

Studies have shown that dietary supplements of L-Arginine will have little effect on people with healthy endothelium cells.

However, individuals with unhealthy endothelium cells are at risk of heart disease as their body

cannot produce enough nitric oxide on their own. This is due to the presence of asymmetric dimethylarginine, a modified amino

acid, that stops the production of nitric oxide. In such conditions, the human body requires dietary supplement to increase L-Arginine amounts. This will allows more NO to be produced naturally.

"... inappropriate coronary responses to sympathetic stimulation in people with coronary artery disease may be related to changes in the arginine-nitric oxide pathway and may be improved by increasing production of nitric oxide", says Joel Cellman, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University.

Therefore, by consuming dietary supplements of L-Arginine, the risk of getting coronary heart diseases and CVD can be reduced.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Magnanimous Magnesium - The Natural Prevention and Cure of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Magnanimous Magnesium - The Natural Prevention and Cure of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).

Magnesium therapy is the missing factor in high blood pressure control. When you try antihypertensive diet, blood pressure lowering drugs or supplement and did not get results, why not try magnesium.

Magnesium is the most abundant mineral in the body. When you consider the big four (macro nutrients) like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, magnesium is like the super glue that holds everything together. Most homeopath call minerals cell-salt needed for hypertension control. Of all, magnesium is the most important. It is magnanimous in curing many diseases of which hypertension and vascular disease are part. Magnesium is a natural calcium blocker as such helps to dilate constricted blood vessels (atherosclerosis or vascular spasms). In fact, magnesium can reverse arteriosclerotic plaques. Magnesium also help the excretion of excess sodium while bonding with potassium to regulate blood pressure and heart disease.

Heavy metals like lead and calcium can which can raise blood pressure are antagonised by magnesium. Magnesium citrate can also reverse calcification of hardened blood vessels thereby lowering elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood thrombo-embolism. I normally combine magnesium and zinc picolinate to dissolve arteriosclerosis and combat hypertension.

One of the hidden causes of hypertension is increased blood viscosity because excess fibrin and high blood acidic wastes. Most peoples' blood flow like yogurt instead of water (although blood is thicker than water). Magnesium can reverse excessive blood clot and combat fibrosis. Magnesium does it better than asprin which can only stop platelet aggregation without reversing fibrosis. Calcium helps clotting factors and magnesium does the opposite by antagonizing calcium in the blood stream. Excess calcium is responsible for calcification and hardening of blood vessels that lead to atherosclerotic hypertension.

The current concept of hypertension is that it is a chronic inflammatory response to high blood acidity and free radicals. Magnesium is anti-inflammatory mineral. It specifically stimulate anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 which is a potent vasodilator. In the same vein, magnesium stimulates the release of nitrous oxide (endothelial relaxation factor) which is manufactured by the epithelium of blood vessels. Nitric oxide itself is a by-product of amino acid, arginine. Magnesium arginate is not just great for lowering high blood pressure, it is also good for improving fertility and reversing antihypertensive-drug induced impotence. Magnesium also combat inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It blocks the release of allergic mediators by combating the degranulation of mast cells and basophils. This minimizes the release of histamine which mediates hypersensitivity reactions that cause pain. Wherever there is inflammation, there is pain. Magnesium has been known to decrease the level of C-reactive protein production in the liver. C-reactive protein is a more precise marker of inflammation and coronary artery disease than raised cholesterol or homocysteine levels.

Magnesium is involved as a cofactor (coenzymes if vitamins) in over 1,500 chemical reactions in the body. Therefore, without magnesium, many enzymatic reactions will stall. Enzymes drive the train of antibodies that power tissue repair and regeneration. Magnesium come in to help clean and detoxify polluted and sluggish antibodies, anti-oxidant enzymes and help to detoxify the liver thereby helping to regulate blood pressure. Yes, sluggish liver and kidneys are cleaned of acidic debris by magnesium thereby preventing circulatory problems like increased LDL cholesterol, thrombus formation, hypertension and stroke.

Pregnancy induced-hypertension (called pre-eclampsia) is another condition that responds well to magnesium therapy. Some times after the 20th week of gestation, the pregnant mother develops hypertension, spills proteins in her urine and starts swelling. when seizures are added to the symptom complex it is called eclampsia. This condition is cured with intravenous magnesium sulphate. This can save the life of both the mother and her baby even when antihypertensives could not help.

One of the factors that is implicated in chronic blood pressure elevation is stress or distress. Magnesium act as a natural calm to combat mental, oxidative and emotional stress. It helps antagonize and balance stress hormones. Therefore, magnesium functions as centrally acting antihypertensive remedy. So more magnesium is needed during times of stress because the potency is dose dependent. The irony is that stress depletes magnesium stores as well as vitamin C. These two nutrients are needed in triple doses during stress.

Magnesium, therefore is the sure, safe, natural, cheap and lasting solution to intractable high blood pressure. Few individuals may not benefit from magnesium as no two people are alike. Magnesium should be the first response and not the last resort in systemic hypertension management. The good news is that magnesium can even help prevent the blood pressure from rising in the first place.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Hypertension Pathophysiology - Understanding the Mechanisms of High Blood Pressure Formation

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Hypertension Pathophysiology - Understanding the Mechanisms of High Blood Pressure Formation.

Hypertension is a systemic disease. This means that high blood pressure affects many organs and systems in the body and not just the cardiovascular system. Usually function follows form and as such, when ever there is an abnormal biochemical or biophysical derangement, the physiology of the body changes from normal to diseased condition. Pathophysiology is the mechanism or process of how normal blood pressure turns into a medical condition called hypertension. Knowledge of pathophysiology of hypertension will offer a pathway to reverse the dis-ease process back to normalized blood pressure.

The heart  and the blood vessels has a pump and pipe arrangement. Blood pressure is the force the heart exerts on its chambers and the arteries when it pumps blood to the general circulation. It is the force of this push that powers oxygenate blood to the general circulation. Systolic blood pressure records the peak of this force while diastolic blood pressure measurement records the relaxation in between systolic ejection forces.

Therefore primarily, anything can go wrong with the arterial wall, the blood viscosity, or the end organs like the kidneys and the liver. Poor diet like processed food, refined sugars, fried foods, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, lack of magnesium and other essential minerals can aggravate these sluggish organs.

Poor dietry habits, and poor lifestyle all lead to creating one factor: inflammation. Inflammation is the seed bed for all pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension. The cholesterol theory has been debunked because majority of people with arteriosclerotic hypertension and heart attacks have normal cholesterol level. High blood acidity, oxidative stress, and fibrosis follows chronic low-grade inflammation which can go on for years before hypertension shows up.

Here are four pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for hypertension manifestation:

• Total peripheral resistance (atherosclerosis or plaque build-up): Peripheral resistance is a fancy way of saying that the blood vessel pipes have become rigid and inelastic and can no longer accommodate the systolic pumping pressure of the heart. This starts with endothelial dysfunction triggered by inflammation of the vascular wall by high blood acidity and free radicals. The vessels react by protecting themselves with plaque build-up worsened by lack of vitamin C. The liver responds by producing cholesterol (LDL) to patch the cracks in the vascular wall. This is how repair factor becomes risk factor or atherosclerosis. With cholesterol comes calcium, heavy metals, fibrosis and foam cells all trying to fix the damage.


• glomerulosclerosis (hardening of the filtration apparatus of the kidneys): The kidneys filter blood and clear it of debris and acidic wastes. The same mechanism of atherosclerosis can clog and disorganise the kidney filters called the glomerulus. When this happens, blood inflow becomes greater than outflow. Unwanted pressures build up in the kidneys sensitive low pressure beds. This creates a potential pressure difference in the renal vasculature. The sluggish kidneys may now depend on raised vascular pressure to maintain perfusion. This is how some hypertensives complain of blood in the urine.


• Increased blood viscosity (sticky blood): The blood of most people are like yogurt in an old water host instead of flowing like water from a fresh pipe. This is because the blood is not just the river of life; it is the river of litters (some call it the river of death). This is because 95% of people have all kinds of junk and gunk in their blood stream. These include fibrin clots, oxidants, pro-inflammatory cells due to processed foods. All kinds of immune cells cluster around the blood to fight inflammation creating more damage if they stay past the time for repairs. About 20 factors (calcium, fibrin, vitamin K, etc.) lead to clot or thrombus formation while only one factor: plasmin lead to dissolution of clots. Therefore, any substance which can safely dissolve excessive clot formation can prevent or cure hypertension.


• Sluggish or congested liver: The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It is like a giant biochemical factory or the body internal laboratory performing more than 500 functions. None of us can live without the liver. When we hear naturopaths say that the body can heal itself, it is the liver that performs most of the repair and regeneration functions. Hypertension is no exception to this rule. The liver filters the blood and manufactures most enzymes that regulate digestion and other systemic functions. When the liver is sluggish or congested, it does not function well. It begins to produce excess C-reactive proteins which is a marker of inflammation and atherosclerotic heart disease. This is even more important in pathogenesis of hypertension than cholesterol. The liver also recalls bad cholesterol for processing and excretion through the gut. Flushing constipated liver with liver-friendly herbs like milk thistle, bitters, cucumbers, dandelion greens and other green leafy vegetables is necessary to clean-up the liver and encourage bile flow. Once the liver is healthy, it is hard to get hypertension, coronary artery disease or stroke.

One central mechanism of hypertension causation is inflammation. Do not buy the lie of the synthetic drug industry that cholesterol elevation is the sole cause of hypertension. The seed-bed is high blood acid setting the stage for inflammation which in turn set the stage for fibrosis and atherosclerosis. Yes, you are as healthy as the elasticity of your blood vessels. Therefore, fibrinolytic enzymes like nattokinase and serratiopeptidase can reverse the above damage caused by inflammation and fibrosis. It is also necessary to eat alkalizing foods which also help the detoxification of the liver and combat inflammation.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Herbal for High Blood Pressure - 5 Best Herbs to Use

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Herbal for High Blood Pressure - 5 Best Herbs to Use.

Looking for some effective herbal for high blood pressure? There are plenty of medicinal plants available today that can help you fight the effects of hypertension on your body. Listed below are the top five most recommended herbs that are proven to lessen your blood pressure effectively.

1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). The bark of the Arjuna plant is best known for its remarkable remedy for hypertension. This therapeutic plant protects the heart by stopping bleeding, toughening the muscles in the organ, and improving blood circulation. The Arjuna bark is also abundant in triterpine glycosides and coenzyme Q10, two helpful compounds that makes your heart and arterial blood vessels function more smoothly. As you know, high blood pressure damages the vital organs in the body (most especially the heart), so regularly consumption of the Arjuna herb will really help eliminate the risk of hypertension.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum). Most people only use garlic as an aromatic bulb used for food seasoning, but did you know it can actually lower blood pressure levels by 10%? Garlic possesses the ability to lessen blood clotting as well as clear all the bad cholesterol and plaque from your arteries. Daily consumption of this herb (ideally 1 or 2 cloves) for 90 days should be enough to prevent or minimize hypertension. You can either eat it raw or include it in your meals.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Another herb that is more popularly known as a cooking spice and can be found in home kitchens is ginger. We often consume this root without even being aware of its immense health benefits. But now that you know this fact, you might to start including ginger in your diet plan especially if you currently suffer from high blood pressure. This herb is very helpful in improving blood flow, relaxing artery muscles, treating nausea, easing morning sickness, and facilitating easy digestion as well.

It comes in several forms such as capsules, dried roots, fresh roots, liquid extracts, oils, powders, supplements and more. Like garlic, you may also consume the plant in raw shape or perhaps add it to your home-made dishes. But while ginger is generally established as safe and effective for hypertension, there are a few side effects to be cautious of. Some users may encounter gastric disturbances, mouth irritation, allergic reactions or heartburn problems. As of today, research is still ongoing to determine the best form and ideal dosage to take so be sure to speak to your physician first to find out what's suitable for you.

4. Guggal (Commiphora wightii). The guggal herb is very prevalent in India, but it can also be found in other key areas in Central Asia and Northern Africa. Research shows that this remarkable herb has the power to reduce bad cholesterol called LDL and address health problems caused by arteriosclerotic vascular disease, cardiac ischemia and psoriasis. Guggal is undoubtedly a great herbal for high blood pressure and a remedy highly recommended by medical professionals.

5. Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Hawthorn is a very useful herb since it provides numerous benefits to its users. Some of its key functions are widening arterial blood vessels, decreasing cholesterol levels, preventing atherosclerosis growth, regulating heartbeat, enhancing blood circulation, and so forth. You can consume this unique herb as tea through the use of its dried leaves and flowers, or you can simply include hawthorn berry supplements in your dietary plan. Whichever consumption method you adopt, you're sure to experience a 2.60 mm HG reduction in your blood pressure. All of these impressive benefits easily make hawthorn a highly trusted herbal for high blood pressure.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Green Tea Plant - Discover the Ingredient That Makes it So Good For You

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Green Tea Plant - Discover the Ingredient That Makes it So Good For You.

Why is the green tea plant so good for you? There are many reasons one of them is the potent ingredient Catechin. Catechin is is found mainly in teas but it's also found in smaller quantities in cocoa and some fruits and vegetables.

Catechin makes up about 25% of the weight of dried tea leaves although as with all plant life the actual weight varies slightly depending on light, altitude, where it's grown, temperature and many other conditions.

The health benefits of this ingredient have been studied extensively over the years. Norman Hollenberg a professor at Harvard Medical School says it can reduce the risk of four of the health problems that affect us in major ways, these four are heart failure, stroke, diabetes and probably the most publicised fatal health condition of all , cancer.

A study of the Kuna people in Panama revealed that they drink up to 40 cups of cocoa a week which contains high quantities of Catechin, all be it in smaller quantities than from the green tea plant were a lot less likely to be afflicted by the 'big for four' health problems.

In fact cancer is an issue in less than 10% of the Kuna people whilst it's prevalent in 1 in 3 of us in western society. As a result of his studies he believes that Catechin is a crucial supplement to every bodies diet.

In animals it's be shown to reduce Atherosclerosis or as it's also known Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease (ASVD). The build up of fatty acids from materials such as cholesterol thickens the artery walls commonly referred to as the furring or hardening of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis happens over decades and eventually causes two problems, first the atheromatous plaques can lead to clots inside the artery, when they heal they usually shrink allowing less blood to flow through them and onto the organs and second a possible aneurysm could occur which in many cases is fatal.

Catechin has been shown to reduce the arthermous plaques which in turn reduces the onset of arterosclerosis. The health benefits of the green tea plant are numerous and should be taken as a part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

It can be taken as a drink or as a supplement. You'll find it on the supermarket shelf, convenience store and your local health food shop. I take it in a multi-vitamin supplement for more information on how you can get all the goodness of the green tea plant into your body in the most efficient way possible to take full advantage of the benefits it has to offer visit my website.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Complications of Diabetes - The Three Major Categories

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Complications of Diabetes - The Three Major Categories.

In case of diabetes, blood sugar must be very carefully controlled. Otherwise all sorts of complications can occur. They can be classified into three categories: irritation, short-term complications and long-term complications.

Irritations are less severe complications and usually reversible, but also very unpleasant. We list some of them: blurred vision, pronounced fatigue, constant thirst, frequent urination, itching in the genital area, gum infections and urinary infections, obesity, difficult healing of skin lesions.

Short-term complications are associated with an increased level of blood sugar and are very dangerous. If not intervene in time can cause even death. The most severe complications of this kind are:

Ketoacidosis:This generally occurs in type 1 diabetes. It is a high blood acidity caused by lack of insulin. Patient's condition deteriorates increasingly if not treated with insulin and large amounts of liquid.

Hyperosmolar syndrome: This complication is common in elderly, neglected patients. Blood sugar levels increase due to severe dehydration and kidney can not remove excess sugar. Consequently, the blood becomes a thick, viscous syrup. It is necessary to administer large quantities of liquid in order to to streamline blood.

Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose: This happens when a patient is treated, but not feeding enough or doing too much exercise. Typical symptoms that occur are excessive sweating, palpitations, hunger, nervousness, confusion or even coma. It requires the administration of glucose.

Long-term complications: These problems occur after several years of poorly controlled diabetes and have a significant impact on quality of life. Once these complications are installed they are usually irreversible. Therefore it is good to be kept very serious treatment immediately after the initial diagnosis is diabetes. The long-term complications are classified into two groups: microvascular complications (small blood vessel damage), and macrovascular complications (large blood vessels damage).

Microvascular complications include:

* Diabetic nephropathy: Kidneys complications that can lead to kidney failure

* Diabetic retinopathy: Eye damage that leads to blindness

* Diabetic neuropathy: Nerves damage that results in many clinical symptoms like tingling and numbness in the legs, lack of sensation in the feet.

Macrovascular complications include:

* Arteriosclerotic heart disease which is a blockage of the blood vessels of the heart

* Arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular disease which is the blockage of blood vessels of the brain (stroke)

* Arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease concerning the blood vessels of the legs. Clogging of these vessels often can not be correct than by amputation.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Becoming Diabetic - It Will Never Happen to Me

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Becoming Diabetic - It Will Never Happen to Me.

Diabetes is the disease that someone else always gets. Or so we would like to believe. The fact of the matter is that diabetes is now essentially an epidemic worldwide, and it is getting worse. It has a direct correlation with our standard of living: The more overweight the population, the more diabetes occurs. America's population is generally overweight, indeed; over 3 in 5 adults are overweight, and 1 in 5 is downright obese. Children and adolescents are not doing much better, and in fact, may be worse.

The main focus of the diagnosis and treatment of diabetics is directed toward Type II diabetes, the one that develops over time. Type I diabetes is seen first in the young people who have had their own antibodies destroy the beta cells in the pancreas. The beta cells produce insulin, so essentially, they have no insulin. Type I diabetics are very brittle and complicated in their insulin needs, and are generally best followed by endocrinology specialists.

It is important to get your blood sugar checked every time you can, especially if you have a family history. Times to do this would be at annual physical exams, at health fairs, or perhaps by your friend who has a glucose meter. We want to see a fasting glucose of 70-100---fasting means no food, only water after 10 p.m. until about 7 to 9 a.m. when you should have your labs drawn. If it is between 100 and 126 (fasting), you are considered pre-diabetic, and chances are pretty good that you will develop this problem over your lifetime. If your fasting glucose is over 126 (fasting), then you are diabetic. All tests should be repeated at least once for confirmation. There are other glucose values for 2 hours after eating or specific random blood sugars, which help diagnose the condition.

The basic model is that your pancreatic beta cells produce too little insulin, and body cells have developed a resistance to the insulin which has been produced. But here's what happens: The elevated glucose (sugar) starts causing damage changes in both the tiny blood vessels, and in the larger ones, as well. The process of atherosclerosis called hardening of the arteries is started by the inflammation produced. As the disease progresses, the dreaded consequences of heart attack, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and leg amputations may occur.

We can slow down the vascular disease by keeping blood sugar in the normal range. If every patient would walk 30-45 minutes per day and lose 5% to 7% of body weight, the insulin resistance would be markedly reduced. Doctors used to initially follow for long periods of time just emphasizing exercise and diet. Of course, diet and exercise are very important. Usually, by the time he or she is diagnosed, the patient has lost 50% of their beta cell function. Medicines are started right away to lower insulin resistance and blood sugar. One other caveat is that you absolutely have to quit smoking, as smoking accelerates the vascular damage that is already taking place. Often times, a grain of aspirin a day is given to lessen the chance of blood clots forming at the sites of arteriosclerotic plaque formation.

There are several medicines to start or add initial treatment. The first one usually prescribed is metformin (Glucophage), which lowers insulin resistance. One caveat with metformin is that it and other oral medicines should not be given in pregnancy. There are several conditions of the liver, kidneys, and heart that must be considered when prescribing all of these medicines. The next class of oral medicines which can be prescribed are the sulfonylureas. These have been around the longest, and they are time-honored. One problem with them is that they can cause the blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia). They cannot be used in people allergic to sulfa. The third types are those, which will not lower the sugar too low, but which have to be used with caution with people who have heart disease.

The most reliable of the medications to lower blood sugar is, of course, insulin. It has to be given by an injection under the skin or in a vein. There is one other class of drugs that is interesting. They are based on the fact that the intestines release something called incretin which lowers blood sugar when it is taken by mouth. These medicines make incretin-like body chemicals stay around longer to lower the blood sugar. Finally, there are medicines which block the uptake of glucose from the intestine.

The worst kind of body fat for diabetics to have is the fat inside the belly which is attached to the outside of the intestines. It is called visceral fat, and is the main cause of "pot-bellied" obesity. Three pounds of visceral fat is as bad for you as twenty pounds on the hips when it comes to controlling your blood sugar. So try to keep your body weight (B.M.I) Body Mass Index in the normal to ideal ranges. Get plenty of exercise and don't smoke. Your doctor can tell you if you need to be on aspirin therapy to prevent atherosclerotic blood clots. Get your blood sugar checked whenever you can, or if you are already diabetic, get a glucose meter and self-test regularly. A formal consult with a dietician is an excellent way to work out a proper diabetic diet. Eat healthy, and avoid junk foods, high carbohydrates and trans-fats. Keep that fasting blood sugar below 100 and the Hemoglobin A1C below 7%. Walk 30-45 minutes a day and work to lose weight. Take your medicines faithfully the same way each day. Together, we can work to prevent and successfully treat diabetes for this generation and the ones to come.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis Are Your Arteries Blocked

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Atherosclerosis Are Your Arteries Blocked.

Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) is a clinical condition identified by thickening of the arterial walls due to the accumulation of cholesterol chiefly the low density lipoproteins. It is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels due to which they become hard. The hardening of arterial walls is due to the formation of multiple plaques. The atheromatous plaque is composed of three components chiefly, atheroma which is a nodular accumulation of soft material in the center of large plaques, followed by cholesterol crystals and calcified components. Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that can remain asymptomatic for decades and the plaques may be stable or unstable. Stable atherosclerotic plaques tend to be asymptomatic and are loaded with extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cells while unstable plaques contain macrophages and foam cells along with extracellular matrix that are liable to rupture.

The soft plaque ruptures suddenly resulting in the formation of thrombus that obstructs blood flow causing death of tissues within 5 minutes. This event is known as infarction. If same process occurs in the arteries supplying brain then it is termed as a stroke. Atherosclerosis is a slow disease characterized by hardened and clogged arteries resulting 75% deaths all over the world due to cardiovascular strokes. 80-90% of Americans over the age of 30 die of heart attack caused by clogging of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances are responsible for the formation of plaques that make the arteries hard and obstruct blood flow resulting in heart attack. If the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart are blocked then the person may suffer from chest pain, coronary artery disease or heart attack. Lowering the blood pressure, minimizing bad cholesterol levels and consumption of a healthy diet with enough proportion of fruits and vegetables, losing excessive body weight, quitting smoking and alcohol intake and regular exercise can minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.

Signs and symptoms

In majority of the cases people suffering from atherosclerosis don't have visible symptoms unless 40% of the arteries become blocked. The symptoms depend upon the fraction of arteries clogged with plaque. The most common symptoms of the coronary artery disease include chest, abdominal, back, jaw or shoulder pain, shortness of breath followed by weakness and perspiration. Cerebrovascular disease occurs due to narrowing of arteries of brain. The symptoms include weakness or paralysis on one side of body, problem in speaking, loss of vision in one eye, muscle weakness, dizziness, loss of balance and severe headache. Peripheral artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying the oxygen-rich blood to the arms and neck are clogged. The symptoms comprise pain, aching, numbness of limbs, cramps, hair loss, thickened nails, gangrene, and smooth, shiny skin surface.

Causes

The main cause of atherosclerosis is yet not known but it is believed that the inflammatory response initiated in the arterial walls due to excessive deposition of low density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol molecules causes this disease. When LDL molecules invade the cells they become oxidized by the action of free radicals forming toxic substances and atheroma appears. The LDL molecules are identified by the presence of heavy core carrying cholesterol to all parts of body. The immune system of the body becomes activated when the arterial wall is damaged by the LDL molecules and immediately releases macrophages and T-lymphocytes to absorb the oxidized-LDL molecules thus, forming foam cells.

The white blood cells of immune system are not able to process these LDL molecules for a long time so they start accumulating on the arterial walls making them hard. This hard covering of cholesterol results in narrowing of the arteries so the blood flow obstructs and blood pressure increases. Some researchers believe that atherosclerosis is the result of the infection caused in the smooth muscle cells of heart for example, chickens suffer from atherosclerosis when they are attacked by Marek's disease herpesvirus. Herpesvirus infection of the smooth muscles of heart causes cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation. The accumulation of cholesteryl ester results in atherosclerosis. Infection with cytomegalovirus is also associated with the cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors

A number of anatomical, physiological and behavioral risk factors are known to be associated with atherosclerosis. The risk factors may be classified as congenital or acquired, modifiable or non-modifiable, classical or non-classical. Modifiable factors include diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, high serum concentration of LDL or low concentration of high density lipoproteins. The LDL: HDL ratio becomes greater than 3:1. Tobacco smoking also increases the risk of stroke by 200%. Hypertension, vitamin B6 deficiency and elevated serum C-reactive protein concentration are other modifiable factors. The non-modifiable factors include, advanced age, male sex, familial history of coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis or genetic abnormalities like familial hypercholesterolemia. The uncertain factors include, obesity, hypercoagulability, post-menopausal estrogen deficiency, high intake of saturated fats, intake of trans fat, high carbohydrate intake, increased levels of triglycerides and homocysteine.

There is a very close relation between the dietary fat and atherosclerosis. The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend low intake of fat in the diet as it is atherogenic. Professor Walter Willett suggests that intake of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of heart attack. The exact role of dietary oxidized fats in humans is not yet understood. Laboratory animals when fed on dietary fats developed atherosclerosis. Laboratory rats when fed on the DHA-containing oils showed significant accumulation of phospholipid peroxide in blood, liver and kidneys. In a study rabbits were allowed to feed on heated soybean oil and they developed symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Pathophysiology

Atherogenesis is the process of formation of atheromatous plaques identified by the deposition of fatty substances in the subendothelial spaces of arterial walls. The development of athermatous plaques is a slow process and it may take several years to flourish well as it is acted upon by a number of factors like cellular processes and other vascular events. One recent theory suggests that the leukocytes especially the monocytes begin to attack the endothelial lining of the arteries for unknown reasons resulting in the formation of athermatous plaques.

Cellular processes

The beginning of athermatous plaque is identified by adherence of the monocytes on the endothelial lining of arteries followed by their migration to the sub-endothelial spaces resulting in activation of macrophages. The presence of oxidized lipoprotein molecules in the arterial walls or elevated levels of glucose act as key factors for formation of athermatous plaques but real causes are not known. Fatty streaks may or may not be present. When the low density lipoproteins present in the blood plasma get oxidized in the endothelial wall of the arteries then the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. A complex series of biochemical reactions participate in the oxidation of low density lipoproteins for example, enzymes like Lp-LpA2 and presence of free radicals in the endothelium. Inflammatory response is the primary symptom that arises when the wall of the blood vessels is attacked. Monocytes enter the arterial wall through the blood stream and start adhering to it and the redox signaling factors like VCAM-1 accelerate the process. Here the monocytes differentiate into macrophages that ingest the oxidized LDL molecules. These oxidized LDL molecules finally get converted into foam cells and the arterial wall now gets loaded with high lipid concentration. These foam cells finally die and propagate the inflammatory process.

Calcification and lipids

The vascular smooth muscle cells surrounding the athermatous plaques show the presence of intracellular microcalcifications. As the cells die, extracellular calcium accumulation occurs between the muscle wall and outer portion of atheromatous plaques. The low density lipoprotein particles are responsible for delivering cholesterol to the wall of the blood vessels. For the stimulation of macrophages cholesterol must be released from the low density lipoprotein molecules so that the inflammatory response may be produced. The process is hampered if high density lipoproteins remove the cholesterol from the tissues and send them back to the liver. Foam cells and platelets encourage proliferation of smooth muscle cells which in turn ingest lipids and finally get transformed into foam cells. A protective fibrous cap is usually formed between the fatty deposits and artery lining. These caps produce enzymes that cause enlargement of the arteries.

Visible features

Two types of athermatous plaques are identified. First is the fibro-lipid plaque characterized by the presence of lipid-laden cells underneath the intima of arteries. The endothelium has a fibrous cap surrounding the atheromatous core of the plaque. The core consists of lipid-laden cells with high concentration of cholesterol, cholesterol ester content, fibrin, proteoglycans, collagen, elastin and cellular debris. In advanced plaques the core is marked by the presence of extracellular cholesterol deposits that form cholesterol crystals. The periphery of the plaques is characterized by the presence of younger foam cells and capillaries. The plaques cause tremendous damage when they rupture. The second type of atheromatous plaques is the fibrous plaques also present under the intima and are responsible for the expansion and thickening of the arterial wall. The fibrous plaques are rich in collagen fibers, precipitates of calcium and very rarely lipid-laden cells.

Due to the presence of atheromatous plaques the muscular portion of the arterial wall forms small aneurysms. The muscular portion of the arterial wall however remains strong although it is remodeled to compensate for the atheromatous plaques. The atheromas present within the walls of the vessels are soft, fragile with very little elasticity. The arteries constantly expand and contract with each heart beat. The calcium deposits present on the outer portion of the atheroma and muscular wall result in loss of elasticity and cause stiffening of the arteries. In advances stages the calcium deposits are easily visible in the computerized tomography (CT) or electron beam tomography (EBT).

Rupture and stenosis

Although the disease is very slow and takes years to flourish completely it may become dangerous if the atheroma ulcerates causing immediate blood clotting at the site of atheroma ulcer. This causes enlargement of clot that obstructs blood flow. A complete blockage of the arteries results in the development of ischemia of myocardial muscles thus, increasing the risk of heart attack. If heart attack is not fatal then the fibrous organization of the clot in the lumen may lead to stenosis or closure of the arterial lumen in the successive years. Stenosis is a slow but progressive process but ulceration is a sudden event.

Diagnosis

Stenosis can be detected by angiography and stress testing. These methods generally focus on the detection of narrowing of arteries but not on the atherosclerosis disease. Human clinical studies have indicated that severe symptoms occur in the areas of heavy plaques. Plaques finally rupture leading to occlusion of the arterial lumen within few minutes causing permanent debility and even death. Ruptured plaques are sometimes known as complicated plaques. The extracellular matrix of the lesion breaks and exposes the thrombogenic material resulting in the formation of thrombus. The thrombus so formed grows in size, travels downstream and occludes a narrow artery. Once the artery is blocked blood and oxygen are not able to pass through it causing death of the cells followed by necrosis and poisoning. Serious complicated plaques can damage the organ tissues resulting in severe problems.

Greater than 75% lumen stenosis of the bigger arteries is considered as the hallmark of cardiovascular disease by the medical experts as the symptoms of angina or chest pain are detected by the stress testing. Atheroma plaques are responsible for most of the problems associated with heart. In order to cause a cardiovascular disease any artery of the body can be clogged but severe narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the critically important organs is considered as the key factor of the disease. Obstruction of blood flow in the arteries supplying heart muscles result in heart attack. Obstruction of blood flow in the arteries supplying brain causes stroke. These events are life changing and can result in permanent impairment of organs involved as the lost heart and brain cells do not grow back to significant extent.

Over the last few decades techniques other than angiography and stress testing have been developed that can detect atherosclerotic disease more easily and with greater accuracy. These methods include both anatomic detection methods and physiologic measurement methods. The anatomic methods include coronary calcium scoring by using computerized tomography, carotid intimal media thickness (IMT) measurement by ultrasound and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). However, the physiologic methods include lipoprotein subclass analysis, HbA1c, hsCRP and homocysteine detection. The metabolic syndrome combines both anatomic and physiologic methods. Both anatomic and physiologic methods have many advantages for example, anatomic methods can detect some aspects of the actual atherosclerotic disease before the symptoms may appear. Physiologic methods are however, less expensive and can slow down disease progression. Apart from advantages these methods are also coupled with disadvantages like anatomic method is very expensive like the IVUS while the physiologic methods do not track the current state of the disease.

Treatment

Healthy lifestyle choices are helpful in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. A medial expert may prescribe drugs to lower blood cholesterol levels as well as control blood pressure. Nutrition and dietary supplements can be associated along with the medications. Some herbs have given positive results in lowering blood cholesterol levels as well as in reducing the risk of heart disease. Commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs include statins that are easy to take and have little or no interaction with other drugs. Their side effects include myositis, joint pain, stomach problems and liver damage. Individuals suffering from liver disease as well as pregnant females must not take statins. Niacin is also used to lower blood cholesterol. It is effective in increasing the HDL levels but the side effects include redness of skin, headache, stomach problems, dizziness and liver damage. Niacins should not be taken without the prescription of the doctor. Bile acid sequestrants are also used against the elevated levels of blood cholesterol. The common side effects associated with them include bloating, constipation, and heartburn. Individuals with high levels of triglycerides must not take these drugs.

The common blood pressure lowering drugs include beta blockers that slow down the heart beat and reduce the proportion of stress reducing hormones in the body. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the formation of angiotensin in the body and thus, prevent narrowing of the blood vessels. As the blood vessels relax the blood pressure is lowered. Calcium channel blockers block calcium from entering the arteries thus resulting in the relaxation of blood vessels and lowering of blood pressure. Side effects include constipation, nausea and headache. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are used for blocking the effects of angiotensin formed in the body resulting in the lowering of blood pressure. Diuretics help an individual to get rid of excess water and sodium from the body. This results in declination of blood volume and lowering of blood pressure. Sometimes drugs of these classes can be combined depending upon the condition of the individual. Blood thinning drugs like aspirin, heparin, warfarin are used to prevent the formation of blood clots.

Both surgical and nonsurgical procedures may be used depending upon the narrowing and blockage of the arteries. Nonsurgical procedures include angioplasty which is used for the widening of the narrowed arteries followed by atherectomy which includes removal of plaques from the arteries. Surgical procedures include bypass surgery and endartectomy used for the removal of plaques from the carotid and peripheral arteries. Healthy diet can help in reducing the elevated levels of blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure and control obesity that are the risk factors for the cardiovascular disease. A number of herbs have also given promising results in lowering the cholesterol levels for example, hawthorn, garlic, olive leaf extract, guggul, red yeast rice and psyllium. Acupuncture may also help in reducing the risk of heart attack. It can be of help to the individuals who want to quit smoking. Homeopathy can also help in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Preventive care

A person can remain free from the risk of heart disease by quitting smoking, regular exercise for about 30 minutes in a day. Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are low in saturated fat but high in fiber content. A normal body weight is maintained. Reduction of stress and lowering of blood pressure also help in staying away from the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis - How to Naturally Decrease Your Chances of Atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Atherosclerosis - How to Naturally Decrease Your Chances of Atherosclerosis.

How can you use natural methods to decrease your chances of atherosclerosis? The modern Western diet tends to involve eating what most people consider abnormal amounts of fatty foods. Whether it is in the form of fast food or high-fat meats that we cooked home, more and more people face a diagnosis of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, or ASVD.

This syndrome involves thickening of the arterial walls due in taking fatty substances. As the artery walls continue to increase, the amount of blood able to circulate throughout decreases. This thickening can eventually lead to blood clots and aneurysms. Many people suffer heart attacks because of them.

One of the best ways to decrease your chances of atherosclerosis is to reduce the amount of fatty foods that you take in. As a counterbalance to that, you need to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that you eat as well.

This change in diet will lower the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that is a leading cause of the disease. It also helps to increase the amount of antioxidants and nutrients in the body to fight off the free radicals that cause additional damage to arterial walls.

Another way to decrease your chances of atherosclerosis is to increase the amount of exercise that you get. Living a sedentary lifestyle is a leading indicator for people to develop thick arterial walls later in life. A sedentary lifestyle keeps the amount of oxygen pumped into the muscles and tendons lower than for people who live a more active lifestyle.

Oxygen is one of the leading ways to keep the body able to fight off the low-density lipoprotein that such a contributor to the disease. Exercise also helps move toxins and harmful substances out of the body quicker since the blood is pumping faster with great regularity.

What else can you do to decrease your chances of atherosclerosis? A lot of people make changes to their diet. A lot of people take up exercise. However, that is not always the only way to fight off arterial disease. There are varieties of natural ingredients that help naturally lower the amount of cholesterol in the body.

There are also ingredients that help increase arterial health. You can find supplements that contain these ingredients on the market today. In addition to the diet and exercise changes, taking a good supplement can help keep the disease at bay or prevented altogether.

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis - Blocked Blood Vessels

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease Atherosclerosis - Blocked Blood Vessels.

Atherosclerosis - The basics.

Normal Function of the Arterial System

It is important to understand the meaning of atherosclerosis and definitions of the disease help to show the meaning.

Atherosclerosis - definition A form of atherosclerosis characterized by patchy subintimal thickening (atheromas) of medium and large arteries, which can reduce or obstruct blood flow.

Arteriosclerosis - definition A generic term for several diseases in which the arterial wall becomes thickened and loses elasticity.

Sclero - hardening Arterio - arteries

Arteries Large elastic arteries carry blood from the heart, they divide into medium sized, muscular arteries branching throughout the body. Medium sized arteries divide into small arteries which divide further into smaller arteries called arterioles. Arterioles entering tissues branch into many very small blood vessels called capillaries which, through their very thin walls allow exchange of substances between the blood and tissues.

Inside tissues, groups of capillaries unite to form small veins or venules. These venules merge to form veins. The veins return blood to the heart. Blood vessels, like all tissues, also need nutrients plus O2. The larger vessels are served by their own blood vessels terms vasa vasorum (vasculature of vessels). These are located within the walls of the major vessels.

Arterial Wall Composed of three coats (tunics)

Innermost Tunica intima (internal). Composed of a layer of simple squamous epithelium called endothelium, a basement membrane plus a layer of elastic tissue, the interal elastic lamina.

The endothelium lies in the inner surface of the entire cardiovascular system and is a continuous layer of cells. It is the only tissue that under normal conditions, makes contact with the blood inside the lumen (hollow centre of the vessels).

Middle Tunica Media Usually the thickest layer. Composed of elastic and smooth muscle fibres or cells extending in a circle around the tunica intima. Due to elastic fibres, arteries normally have high compliance or stretch as pressure varies.

Outer Tunica Externa Elastic and collagen fibres. In muscular arteries an external elastic lamina composed of elastic tissue separates the tunica externa from the tunica media.

Contraction and Dilation of Arteries Neurons of the autonomic nervous system innervate vascular smooth muscle causing vasoconstriction - narrowing of vessels. The smooth muscle fibres relax when sympathetic stimulation decreases or when some chemicals are present such as NO, K+, H+ and lactic acid.

Vaso Dilation Elastic arteries or large diameter arteries. The tunica media contains a large amount of elastic fibres. The arteries help propel the blood while the ventricles of the heart relax before the next cycle. The elastic fibres store mechanical energy for a short time and function as a pressure reservoir. The elastic arteries recoil and continue to deliver blood while the ventricles relax by converting potential energy to kinetic energy.

Blood keeps moving through the arteries even while the ventricles are relaxed. Cholesterol is a key player in the formation of arterial plaques.

A diet high in fats results in the reabsorption of cholesterol-containing bile back to the blood, so less of the cholesterol is lost in faeces.

Also, when saturated fats are broken down, hepatocytes (in the liver) use some of the breakdown products to make cholesterol.

So a diet high in saturated fats results in higher cholesterol in the blood. The lipid profile test measures Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglycerides (VLDL's) while the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is calculated as: LDL = TC - HDL - (VLDL/S) mg/dL (mg/100ml blood) Adults levels are: TC 239 mg/dL and LDL>159 mg/dL are very high.

The ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL cholesterol will predict the risk of coronary artery disease. A person with a Total Cholesterol of 180 mg/dL and HDL of 60 mg/dL has a risk ratio of 3. Ratios above 4 are not desirable and the higher the ratio the greater the risk of heart disease or coronary artery disease.

Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Definition Arteriosclerosis - A generic term for several diseases in which the arterial wall becomes thickened and loses elasticity.

Atherosclerosis - A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by patchy subintimal thickening (atheromas) of medium and large arteries, which can reduce to obstruct blood flow.

Sclerosis - Fibrosis

Causes High circulation LDL, cytomegolovirus (a common herpes virus), high blood glucose (diabetes mellitus)

Thought to begin by one of the above causing injury to endothelium of an artery, promoting aggregation of platelets and attracting phagocytes.

The prevalence of clinical manifestations of artherosclerosis in general, increases in post menopausal women and begins to approach that in age-matched men.

Pathogenesis/Pathology

Atherosclerosis consists of an accumulation of intra and extra cellular lipids, connective tissue, glycosaminoglycans and smooth muscle cells.

Early detection of atherosclerosis plaque is in the form of lipid-laden foam cells. These are macrophages which have migrated as monocytes from circulation into the subendothelial layer of the intima, that later form into fibrous plaque. This consists of intimal smooth muscle cells surrounded by connective tissue and both intra and extra cellular lipids.

Atherosclerotic vessels have reduced systolic (contractile) expansion and high wave propagation. People with hypertension who have arterosclerotic arteries have reduced elasticity, further reduced when atherosclerosis develops.

There is a probable relation between two proposed hypotheses for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis which are the lipid hypothesis and the chronic endothelial injury hypothesis.

There is a close link between these two hypotheses. Modified LDL is cytotoxic to endothelial cells. This may induce injury, attracting monocytes and macrophages which develop into foam cells and become trapped in the endothelial space. The atherosclerotic plaque develops and grows slowly, taking decades. Over time, vessels become occluded and calcified. Plaques rich in lipids and inflammatory cells may be covered by a thin fibrous cap which may rupture, contacting the contents with blood.

The rupture in the plaque can stimulate thrombosis which may embolize (clot) and occlude the lumen of the vessel either locally (perhaps distally) or proximal to lung and heart vessels.

Atherosclerosis is characteristically silent until critical sclerosis, thrombosis, aneurysm or embolus manifests.

In the early stages, symptoms and signs reflect an inability of blood flow to the affected tissue to increase with demand eg angina when exerted. Symptoms develop gradually as the atheroma encroaches on the vessel lumen but symptoms may be dramatic if a main artery is occluded.

Basic Causes of Atherosclerosis - Roles of Cholesterol and Lipoproteins

The most important factor causing atherosclerosis is a high blood plasma count of cholesterol as LDL's. The blood plasma concentration of LDL Cholesterol is directly increased by eating saturated fats and any form of cholesterol.

Both can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. It has been found by feeding rabbits cholesterol via their diet that serious atherosclerotic plaques developed throughout their arterial system.

Arteriosclerotic arteries lose most of their distensibility and because of the degenerative areas in their walls, they are easily ruptured. Where the plaques protrude in the flowing blood, the roughness of their surfaces causes blood clots to develop, resulting in thrombosis or embolus, which can suddenly block all blood flow in the artery.

Atheroma - a tumour Skleros - hard Sis - condition or process

Endocytosis - normal cholesterol entry to cell Cholesterol - receptor mediated endocytosis Cholesterol is essential for membrane structure and for synthesis of steroid hormones. However, elevated cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol is a water soluble nonpolar molecule which needs to bind to a lipoprotein carrier molecule for transport in the blood.

The most common lipoprotein is LDL (low density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol is taken into the cells by endocytosis when LDL receptors on the cell plasma membrane bind to the protein portion. People with an inherited genetic defect that decreases the number of LDL receptors on the cell membrane cannot transport enough cholesterol into their cells, so LDL cholesterol stays in the blood plasma. This may result in abnormally high blood levels of LDL cholesterol which predisposes the person to the development of atherosclerosis or commonly known as hardening of the arteries. The accumulation of cholesterol in blood blocks blood flow and contributes to heart attacks.

Help in removing cholesterol A substance known as beta glucan helps remove excess cholesterol from the gut. Beta Glucan is present in some foods eg oats, however, with the beta glucan carbohydrates are also supplied, so mopping up cholesterol with the aid of beta glucan in a food such as oats, may result in excess carbohydrate build up manifesting as fat, unless this is burnt by exercising.

Exercise is necessary to burn the calories present in the food. All foods have a listing of calories per weight of food on the package.

Summary

I have written an article titled 'Five Elements - the usefulness of Chinese Medicine'. In this article I mention that 'movement' is the key to wellbeing. Movement is necessary to keep stagnation from occurring. Atherosclerotic plaque is formed due to improper diet and a deficit of movement - over quite a long period of time.

From the 'insult' to the body caused by an imbalance in diet and movement, the mechanisms in the body will attempt to remove unwanted substances and store them - however where they are stored is due to an imbalance of reactions that are uncommon in a healthy body. Consequently, the normally clever body makes mistakes and forms plaques where they will cause health problems. In a similar way the body will store arachidonic acid (found in meats) in fat just to get rid of it from the blood - this causes a toxicity that builds up over time.

The removal or dislodgement of plaques can be dangerous as the solids which move may cause an embolism (blockage) somewhere else in the body. There is help to disintegrate solids but the problem usually does not manifest until it is very late. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is one example of a blockage that has its source in the legs and can/will travel to the lungs causing the person to pass out at any time - without warning.

A further health risk from atherosclerosis may be other immune related diseases such as cancer. This happened to a family member who had DVT then a year later breast cancer - the person made a full recovery from both issues by changing lifestyle - vegetarian diet(mostly fresh uncooked food), fresh made at home juices, green barley drinks, reiki treatments daily, exercise daily (aerobic using a recumbent exercise bike with full display to track progress), breathing exercises and high doses of certain supplements(CoQ10Sport was one of these). No alcohol, coffee, tea, processed food of any kind, no chemotherapy, no radiation, no drugs of any kind, no pain killers (affect the liver and gut causing constipation). In short - back to basics using clean food and water and a change to lifestyle.

The way out of athersclerosis will be different for everyone. The difference lies in the extent of the problem and the length of abuse to the body. Above all, there must be a suitable practitioner involved in the recovery process which must be taken slowly. Detoxification must be slow and steady - do not rush into it.

Ron Campeanu

References:

1. Human Physiology, Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, p 145-146, Pearsons

2. Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, p 1654-1658, Merck

3. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, Tortora,G.J & Grabowsky,S.R., p 697-699, 921, Wiley

4. Textbook of Medical Physiology, Guyton, A.C. MD and Hall,J.E. PhD, p 789, Saunders

Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease.