Conditions

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is the most common form of arteriosclerosis, a class of disease where the walls of the arteries become thicker and less elastic. With Atherosclerosis, fatty material (atheromas) accumulates under the inner lining of the arterial walls. It can affect medium and large arteries in the brain, heart, kidneys, other vital organs, and arms and legs. If it is not treated in time, atherosclerosis can lead to stroke or heart attack and eventually, death.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain and cramps (occurring because of poor circulation), such as chest pain or leg cramps when walking
• Gradual or sudden increase in the extent of pain and cramps in affected areas
• Hardened feel, like small, hard pipes, of arteries in forearms or carotid arteries in the neck
• Clinical signs and symptoms include aneurysm, thrombosis, embolus, and stenosis
• Lowered or absent pulses
• In more severe cases muscle atrophy, ulcer, or gangrene

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will listen to your neck, abdomen, and possibly, the groin area for a sound known as a "bruit" (which indicates turbulence in the blood flow ­ typically caused by a narrowing of the arteries). A doctor may also attempt to diagnose this condition is by checking your blood pressure and estimating the blood flow by feeling the pulse in your wrists, legs, and feet.

Your doctor may order an ultrasound or Doppler test to help locate the presence and measure the extent of decreased blood flow. Another imaging procedure that may be tried is an arteriography of the appropriate organ or limb.

Your physician will also examine your complete health history, including that of your immediate family. He or she may also order a stress test to help determine the extent that your heart is being effected by the atherosclerosis.

You can perform a simple test to see how well your blood flows through the arteries of your legs. First, find the three spots where your pulse can be felt in the lower leg by touching the skin lightly. They are located on the top of the foot, the inside of the ankle and behind the knee.

Apply pressure lightly to the skin on these spots. If you cannot find a pulse, this is an indication that the artery supplying the leg may be narrowed and you should consider consulting your physician.

Treatment Options:

Prevention is the best treatment possible. However, there are a few things that can be done to reduce the complications associated with atherosclerosis.

Traditional Treatments:

Several prescription medications can reduce blood cholesterol and other fats, which will lessen the extent of blockages.

• Cholestyramine and colestipol causes the liver to increase its manufacture of bile acids and reduce production of cholesterol. May cause constipation and bloating.
• Nicotinic acid or Gemfibrozil can reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), while increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Side effects may include flushing and changes in liver function.
• Probucol lowers total cholesterol, including HDL (good cholesterol).
• Statins, such as lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin, interfere directly with the manufacture of cholesterol and may promote the resorption of cholesterol deposits.
• Aspirin is often recommended to help lessen the likelihood of blood clots forming.
• Anticoagulants may be prescribed in serious cases.

In severe cases, a procedure known as an endarterectomy may be needed to help prevent stroke. Although there are some variations in the technique, in general, the artery is exposed through an incision in the side of the neck. The major branch coming into and going away from the area of narrowing are temporarily clamped, and the artery is opened. The material that is causing the narrowing (atherosclerotic plaque) is removed, and the vessel is sewn back together, and clamps are removed.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise are an integral part of any atherosclerosis treatment plan. Nutritional supplements can be very effective.

Mind-body techniques, such as yoga, meditation, relaxation, and biofeedback show promise in increasing cardiovascular health.

Elevated levels of homocysteine may be a contributing factor in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Nutrition might be helpful at modifying these levels.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• A vegetarian diet promotes stabilization or possible reversal of the atherogenic process.
• Garlic, ginger, and onions all have a beneficial effects.
• Increase fiber (especially water-soluble), fruits, vegetables, and vegetarian sources of protein.
• Magnesium (500 mg daily) may help reduce complications due to atherosclerosis.
• Potassium works with the magnesium.
• Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) improves tissue oxygenation.
• Garlic (as directed on label) has a lipid (fat) regulating effect.
• Essential fatty acids ­ flaxseed oil, MaxEPA, omega-3 and omega-6 oil complexes are good sources ­ (as directed on label) reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, and helps to maintain proper elasticity of blood vessels. Be sure to use a product that contains vitamin E.
• Antioxidant nutrients are very important. Take 5,000 IU of vitamin A and 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily; 1,000 mg of vitamin C three times a day; 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E twice a day; and 200 mg of selenium daily. Warning: If you are pregnant or have liver disease, contact your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A. If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily and if you are taking an anticoagulant ­ consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Carnitine has been shown to lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, while at the same time improving HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Start by taking a dose of 250 to 500 mg of L-carnitine with breakfast. After one week, add a second dose, with lunch. After another week, add a third dose, so that you are taking 250 to 500 mg with each meal, and after still another week, add a fourth dose at bedtime.

Alternative Therapies:

• Cayenne, chickweed, and hawthorn berries are helpful.
• Hawthorn is particularly important in both treating and preventing atherosclerosis.
• Citrin is an herbal extract that inhibits the synthesis of dangerous fats.
• Green tea lowers cholesterol and lipid levels, thus decreasing chances of atherosclerosis.
• Artichoke leaf extract reduces blood cholesterol. It also has an antioxidant activity and may inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol, a factor in atherosclerosis.
• Fo-ti (ho shou wu, polygonum multiflorum), has shown to be effective in combating the symptoms of heart disease, and helping to reduce blood pressure and blood-cholesterol.
• Guggul, an Indian herb, lowers blood-fat levels while raising levels of HDLs (good cholesterol).
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) increases coronary artery blood flow.
• Ginkgo biloba enhances circulation. Warning: Ginkgo thins the blood, consult your doctor before taking this herb if you are on blood thinners.

General Recommendations:

• Address and eliminate all possible risk factors. Watch your diet and weight. Don't smoke and avoid second hand smoke. Get regular exercise. (Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programs if you have heart disease)
• Include garlic and onion in your diet. They help reduce serum cholesterol levels.
• Look into chelation therapy, a treatment method that is gaining more acceptance as its benefits become better known. This is a type of treatment in which a chemical agent (usually ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA) is administered intravenously and binds to minerals and metals, allowing the body to excrete them in the urine. It usually consists of a series of twenty to thirty three-hour sessions.
• Use only pure cold-pressed olive oil or unrefined canola oil (in moderate amounts) as fats in the diet. These may aid in lowering cholesterol. Do not heat these oils.
• Periodically monitor your blood pressure and take steps to lower it if necessary.
• Add raw nuts (except peanuts), pink salmon, trout, tuna, Atlantic herring, and mackerel to your diet.
• Eliminate all sources of sodium from our diet.
• Learn all about any drugs that have been prescribed for you and know what to do in case of an emergency. Keep emergency numbers close by the phone.
• Avoid stress

Warnings:

• If you believe you are having a heart attack ­ seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not take shark cartilage without consulting your physician. Shark cartilage might inhibit the formation of new blood vessels.
• A common side effect of atherosclerosis is impotence. Contact your doctor for treatment options.
• Although exercise is important, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program if you have heart disease.
• If you are pregnant or have liver disease, contact your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily.
• If you are taking an anticoagulant ­ contact your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Ginkgo biloba thins the blood, consult your doctor before taking this herb if you are on blood thinners.