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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  If laid out in one continuous line, the vessels in our body's circulatory system (arteries and veins included) would stretch approximately 12,000 miles. That's a lot of mileage to be concerned with when thinking about arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. While veins deliver de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs, arteries and their smaller version, arterioles, bring life-giving oxygenated blood to all parts of our body. In a pristine state, our arteries are flexible and have elasticity to them. However, lifestyle and poor diet can, over time, decrease this elasticity and hardening begins to occur. Why is this a problem? The ability of an artery to relax and expand in response to changes in blood flow is a sign of an artery with a healthy inner lining (endothelium). When flexibility begins to disappear, arteriosclerosis begins to appear. Many conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess salt intake, can have an effect on your arteries. Encouragingly, most causes of arteriosclerosis are within our ability to reverse. Proper nutritional choices and exercise can go a long way in helping to stop the process if your health care professional determines that you are living with arteriosclerosis. Read on to find out more about the definition of arteriosclerosis, symptoms of arteriosclerosis, the difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, causes and treatment for arteriosclerosis and how to prevent arteriosclerosis in your life. DEFINITION OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS  Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. Healthy arteries are flexible, strong and elastic. Over time, however, too much pressure in your arteries can make the walls thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues. This process is called arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. 1 ARTERIO vs ATHERO  Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the terms are often used interchangeably. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats in and on your artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow. These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in your body. Atherosclerosis is a preventable and treatable condition. 2 SYMPTOMS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS There are very rarely any significant symptoms or signs that something is wrong until the artery has become extremely narrowed and the blood flow is severely restricted. On rare occasions, there may be signs that this disease is taking hold but this usually depends on which artery, or arteries, are affected. Coronary Arteries If your coronary arteries are affected (the ones that supply oxygenated blood to your heart), a common symptom is angina; severe pain/pressure in the chest, shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back, often accompanied by a choking feeling. This pain can also be spasmodic. Sometimes, emotional stress can trigger this pain. You may start to notice shortness of breath that doesn't subside or that occurs in the absence of other strenuous activities. You may notice abnormal heart rhythms called arhythmia. If the heart's smallest arteries are involved, it may be a condition called coronary microvascular disease (MVD) which will bring with it symptoms of sleep disturbances, fatigue, and lack of energy. Carotid Arteries These are the arteries which are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to your brain. If these arteries begin to become blocked, you could experience the same signs and symptoms of a stroke. Peripheral Arteries Plaque can also build up in the major arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis. When this happens, it's called peripheral arterial disease. If these major arteries are narrowed or blocked, it can lead to numbness, pain, and sometimes, serious infections. 3 CAUSES OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS At this point in time, the exact cause of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis is not known. It could begin as early as childhood. There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing this disease:
 Because our bodies are such miraculous machines, they instinctively know when a problem occurs and rush to fix it. This fix can actually become responsible for the progression of arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis. Plaque begins to build up around the injured area of the artery, narrowing it and slowing blood flow. If a section of plaque breaks open or comes loose, a blood clot can form and narrow the artery or travel to another part of the body and cause a stroke. TREATMENTS FOR AND PREVENTION OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS Once diagnosed, your health care professional will likely advise you on how to switch up your eating plan and exercise routine. If the problem is advanced enough, your health care professional may also suggest prescription medications that can slow, or sometimes even reverse, the disease. The following will, almost certainly, be advised:
NUTTER'S CAN SUGGET…  Through decades of research and dedication to natural health, Inno-Vite has provided the heart health essentials in one complete kit, containing Formula H.H., Omega 3-6-9 and Co Q-10 MRB Q-Gel®30mg. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, these 3 unique, premium quality, nutritional supplements work synergistically to address the 3 most vital areas of heart health; healthy arteries, blood flow and heart muscle strength. The H.H. CARDIO Program is for people wanting to support their cardiovascular system's ability to strengthen itself. References: 1. MayoClinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525 2. MayoClinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525 3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institiute, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Atherosclerosis/Atherosclerosis_Signs.html 4. MayoClinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns. Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein. |
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