Arteriosclerosis
Synopsis of Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arteries, restricting blood flow to organs and tissues. It is a progressive condition commonly associated with aging, but can be accelerated by factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. Over time, arteriosclerosis can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
One of the most common forms is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside artery walls, narrowing the vessels and reducing blood flow. These plaques can rupture, leading to blood clots that can block blood flow completely.
Types:
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Atherosclerosis: Build-up of plaques composed of cholesterol, fats, and inflammatory cells.
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Arteriolosclerosis: Hardening of small arteries or arterioles, often due to hypertension or diabetes.
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Monckeberg’s arteriosclerosis: Calcification of the arterial wall, particularly the middle layer (media), without plaque formation.
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Coronary artery disease (CAD): Arteriosclerosis affecting arteries that supply the heart.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Arteriosclerosis in arteries of the limbs.
Common Causes (Risk Factors):
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High cholesterol levels (LDL): Leads to plaque buildup.
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Hypertension (high blood pressure): Damages artery walls, promoting plaque formation.
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Smoking: Damages the endothelium (inner lining) of arteries and promotes inflammation.
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Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels and accelerates arteriosclerosis.
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Obesity: Increases inflammation and cholesterol levels.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and increases risk factors.
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Family history: Genetic predisposition to heart disease or high cholesterol.
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Aging: Arteries naturally stiffen over time.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Heart attack (myocardial infarction): From blocked coronary arteries.
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Stroke: From blocked or narrowed arteries supplying the brain.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Poor circulation to limbs, causing pain or tissue damage.
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Aneurysm: Artery walls weaken due to plaque buildup, potentially leading to rupture.
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Chronic kidney disease: Reduced blood flow damages kidneys.
When to See a Doctor or Cardiologist:
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Symptoms of chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or palpitations
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Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs (possible PAD)
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High blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels
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Family history of heart disease or arteriosclerosis
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Sudden weakness, confusion, vision problems (stroke warning signs)
Natural remedies for Arteriosclerosis
Mediterranean Diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and nuts; supports heart health and reduces arterial inflammation. Incorporate omega-3 sources and fiber.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and improve arterial flexibility. Include fatty fish or fish oil supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Supports heart muscle function and reduces oxidative stress in the arteries. Use under guidance.
Garlic: Helps lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve arterial health. Consume raw, cooked, or as supplements.
Curcumin (Turmeric): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; reduces arterial plaque formation and improves endothelial function. Take as a supplement or in food.
Fiber-Rich Foods (Oats, Flaxseed, Legumes): Help lower LDL cholesterol and support gut health. Include daily for heart health.
Magnesium: Supports blood pressure regulation and arterial relaxation. Found in leafy greens, nuts, and supplements.
Green Tea (Catechins): Supports vascular health, reduces LDL oxidation, and improves blood vessel function. Drink 1–2 cups daily.
Exercise (Aerobic and Resistance Training): Improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Aim for 150 minutes per week.
Stress Reduction (Yoga, Meditation, Deep Breathing): Reduces cortisol, which contributes to arterial inflammation. Practice regularly.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Arteriosclerosis
ajoene
alpha lipoic acid
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
ashwagandha
beet
berberine
beta and delta tocopherols
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black garlic
black tea
blueberry
canola oil
catechins
chokeberry
citrus bioflavonoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
delta-tocopherol
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
grape
onion
green tea
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
magnesium
marine lipid
naringin
nattokinase
niacin (vitamin B3)
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
policosanol
psyllium
quercetin
red yeast rice
resveratrol
rhodiola
rutin
selenium
sitostanol
soybean
tocotrienols
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
jiaogulan
polyphenols
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
soy isoflavones
Alcohol
algal oil
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercetin
Almond
Algal Oil
Agaricus blazei
Allium (unspecified)
Anthocyanin
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Ajoene
Algin
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Anthocyanins
Alliin
anthocyanosides
Antioxidant (unspecified)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Arginine
Blend (Combination)
Black chokeberry
Bioflavonoid
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Black garlic
Benfotiamine
Bioflavonoids (mixture)
Blood vessels
Carbon Dioxide
cocoa
Carotenoid
Catechin gallate
carotenoids
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Chocolate
Cacao
carotenoids
Coenzyme Q10
Chocolate liquor
Cholesterol
Carbon dioxide
Danshen
Delphinidin
Dwarf Bilberry
epicatechin
Ecklonia bicyclis
English Walnut
EGCG
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
epicatechin
Fiber Blend
Ferulic Acid
Flax Fiber
Flavanol (mixture)
Fiber
flavan-3-ols
Flavonoids
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Flavanones (various)
Flavonols
Fish Oil
Flavans
Fish Oil
Flavanols
flavanols (various)
Flavanoid (mixture)
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides
Garlic
Green Tea
Ginkgo
Hydroxycinammic acid
Hawthorn
Hesperetin
Hesperidin
Hesperitin
Hydroxycinnamic acid
Hazelnut
Hydroxytyrosol
Hesperidin
Inositol nicotinate
Inositol nicotinate
Jiaogulan
Lactotripeptides (unspecified)
Legume protein
L-Arginine
Lycopene
Ligustrazin
Lactotripeptide
Lovastatin
Lysophosphatidylcholine
Lipids
Monounsaturated fatty acid (unspecified)
Monacolin
Mevinolin
Monounsaturated Fat
Nitric Oxide
Nitrates
Nattokinase
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin ascorbate
onion
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Olive Oil
Oxygen
Omega-9
Omega-3
Omega-3
Puerarin
Polyphenols
Procyanidol
Polydatin
Proanthocyanidins
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Polyunsaturated Fat
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Phthalides
Policosanol
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Panax Notoginseng
polyphenols (various)
peanut
Pistachio
Polyphenols (mixed)
Polyphenols (npt specified)
Red Wine
Rutin
Rutin
Resveratrol
Resveratrol conjugates (mixed)
Resveratrol analogue
Serrapeptase
Soybean Oil
Salvianolic acid
San-Qi Ginseng
Sterols (unspecified)
Sterols
Sterol (unspecified)
S-allylcysteine
Sesamin
Tyrosol
Taxifolin
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated fatty acid
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin E (unspecified)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin B1
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocomonoenol)
Vitamin E (natural tocopherols)
Vitamin E (tocopherol ascorbyl palmitate)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin K (menaquinone)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B3 (Inositol Hexanicotinate)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vitamin E (delta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol)
Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (mixied tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (gamma tocopherol)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin B3 (unspecified)
Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols and Tocotrienols)
Viramin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl hydrochloride)
Vitamin E (delta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols)
Vitamin B3
Vitamin E (not specified)
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin B3 (mixed)
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Vitamin E (delta-tocopherol)
Vitamine E (mixed tocotrienols)
Wine
Wine
walnut
Xantinol Nicotinate
Xanthophyls
Zeaxanthin
