Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries is the term used to describe thick and stiff walls of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. When healthy, arteries are flexible, strong and elastic. When arteries become hardened, blood flow to organs and tissues can become restricted.

The terms are often used interchangeably but atherosclerosis is really a specific type of arteriosclerosis.

Many people consider atherosclerosis to be a problem related to the heart but it can actually affect arteries anywhere in the body including:

Arteries leading to the limbs - this may result in circulation problems in the arms and legs called peripheral arterial disease.

Arteries to the heart - May develop into coronary artery disease, chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

Arteries supplying blood to the brain - May result in a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

Atherosclerosis can also lead to a bulge in the wall of your artery (aneurysm).

Atherosclerosis develops gradually. A person may not experience any signs or symptoms until an artery becomes so narrowed or clogged that adequate blood to the organs and tissues becomes obstructed. A blood clot can sometimes completely obstruct blood flow.

The specific signs and symptoms depend on which arteries are affected. For example:

Heart arteries - Symptoms may include those of a heart attack, such as chest pain.

Arteries supplying the brain - Symptoms may include those of stroke, such as sudden numbness, weakness or dizziness.

Arteries in the arms and legs - Symptoms may include those of peripheral arterial disease, such as leg pain when walking (intermittent claudication).

Erectile dysfunction is another condition that may develop in men as a result of hardening of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may begin as early as childhood. The exact cause of atherosclerosis still remains unknown. However, many experts are linking the condition to damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery which can be caused by many factors including:

• High blood pressure
  
  
• High cholesterol
  
  
• An irritant, such as nicotine
  
  
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes

Once damage in the inner wall of an artery occurs, blood cells called platelets often try to repair the injured artery by clumping together. As time progresses, fatty deposits called plaques, which are made of cholesterol and other cellular waste products also accumulate and harden. This causes the space in the arteries to become narrow. Blood restriction will occur in any organs and tissues that these narrowed vessels transport blood to.

At some point, pieces of the fatty deposits may rupture and enter your bloodstream which can cause a blood clot to form at the site and damage your organs, such as in a heart attack. A blood clot can also travel to other parts of the body and block blood flow to another organ.

The regimen outlined below includes a safe, natural approach to treating atherosclerosis:

Maintain a healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat & cholesterol. Foods high in vitamin E, which improve circulation should be chosen. These include: dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, wheat germ, soybeans and whole grains.

• Exercise regularly
  
  
• Reduce stress
  
  
• Avoid smoking

Always have your blood pressure checked and take control of it, if necessary.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily), Magnesium (750 mg daily taken at bed time), plus Vitamin D3 (400 mg daily) - Maintain muscle tone in the blood vessels. Use chelate forms.

Kyolic Formula I04 by Wakunaga of America (take as directed on label) - A powerful combination of lecithin and aged garlic extract that supports healthy cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Improves tissue oxygenation. I recommend using Q-absorb by Jarrow Formulas. As always I have no financial ties with any supplement company.

Selenium (200 mcg daily) - Promotes the action of vitamin E.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Found in fish oil and flaxseed oil decrease the inflammation that leads to heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. Try using Carlson's liquid fish and cod liver oil.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Reduces free radicals.

Lecithin Granules (take as directed on label) - Contains choline, which aids in breaking down fat in the body.

Germanium - Lowers cholesterol and improves oxygenation in cells.

Citrin - This herb inhibits the growth of fats in the body.

Ginkgo Biloba - Improves circulation and increases circulation.

Green Tea - Lowers lipid and cholesterol levels.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.