Cholesterol, High

Symptoms

Arteriosclerosis is well known for its silent role in *heart attacks and *strokes, since outward signs are inconspicuous and the results treacherous. The term "arteriosclerosis" means thickening and hardening of artery walls. Atherosclerosis is the most common form, in which deposits of fatty substances collect along the artery walls. Atherosclerosis leads to *scarring and calcium deposits, which result in hardened and narrowed blood vessels. While this only impairs *circulation, eventually it can cause the total obstruction of an artery and destruction of nearby tissue. Alternatively, arteriosclerosis can cause blood vessels to widen or rupture in an aneurysm. Most affected are vital organs such as the *heart and brain, and the legs, yet all arteries are vulnerable.

Early signs are not always present, but when they are, they appear in the form of circulatory disturbances. In the brain, hindered circulation causes *headaches, *dizzy spells, *ear ringing, *memory problems and poor concentration, even *mood changes. Transischemic attacks (TIAs) are like strokes, except that the problems disappear on their own within minutes. Sudden attacks of paralysis, *fainting spells or an inability to speak or see properly are suspect and, as precursors for strokes, they should be taken very seriously. Intermittent claudication is a medical term for arteriosclerosis in the leg, causing *pain while walking, relieved during rest. The pain is caused by an obstructed artery which should not be mistaken for a passing problem. *Angina, which occurs when the blood vessels leading to the heart are temporarily blocked, is a much more frightening and urgent symptom of arteriosclerosis. High *blood pressure is often a sign of hardened and narrowed arteries.

Causes

Reducing risk factors helps prevent illness. Strong risk factors are high *cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. An improper diet is a major cause of arteriosclerosis. Saturated fats, deep-fried food, too much meat and too little fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits have serious consequences. Coffee, caffeinated colas and *alcohol are high on the danger list. A diet rich in sweets, fast food and refined food will lead to arteriosclerosis. *Diabetics are more vulnerable to arteriosclerosis because of their high blood-sugar levels. White-flour products, pastas and rice which have been refined and contain little natural fiber or nutrients are also problematic. Homogenized milk is responsible as well, since fat particles in the milk are more likely to cause plaques, the white area within an artery that causes the surface to bulge. Tobacco is another substance which hinders circulation and is hard on the arteries.

Many risk factors involve the typical sedentary, high-*stress lifestyle of the average North American. Too little physical activity increases risks for developing blood vessel-related diseases. Exercise improves circulation and is excellent for the heart, lungs and muscle tone. A fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle increases blood pressure and places undue pressure on the heart and arteries. Since the arteries become less elastic and more susceptible to arteriosclerosis with age, the older you are, the more you need to reduce other risk factors. A history of *heart disease and strokes in the family also substantially increases the chances of developing these illnesses.

Another risk factor is lipoprotein (a). Lipoprotein (a) is a type of fat-protein molecule that resembles LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") but has an additional piece to its structure called apoprotein (a). Lipoprotein (a) is a major component of the plaques found in the blood vessels of atherosclerosis patients. Lipoprotein (a) is elevated in people with coronary artery disease while it is at low or normal levels in those without coronary artery disease.

Nutrition

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona