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Where It All Begins
What causes cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the
number one killer in North America. These diseases—such as heart attack,
stroke, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, and high
blood pressure—and their risk factors are so interrelated that it is very
difficult to say “where it all begins.” One place to look when sorting this
out is with atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. It develops
slowly, with soft, fatty streaks gradually accumulating along the inner
walls of the arteries, especially where they branch. With time, the streaks
grow larger and start hardening into plaque.
The danger is that plaque can lead to aneurysms and blood clots, and clots
in turn can result in thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke.
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and balloons out.
Like a balloon, the aneurysm can eventually burst. If this happens in a
major artery, such as the aorta, it can lead to massive bleeding and death.
Atherosclerosis can also upset the delicate balance of blood clots. Clots
continually form and dissolve in our bloodstream, and it is important that
this balance be kept. Clots form when blood platelets encounter an injury.
Because the body considers plaque buildup an injury, platelets rush to the
scene and begin the clotting process. The formed clot may remain attached to
the plaque and continue growing. A clot that grows to the point that it
obstructs a blood vessel is called a thrombus. It can shut off the blood
supply to some body tissues. If this occurs in a blood vessel that feeds the
heart, it is called a coronary thrombosis. If it occurs in an artery in the
brain, killing brain tissue, it is called a cerebral thrombosis.
A clot can also break loose (called an embolus) and travel throughout the
circulatory system. In its travels, it may get stuck in a smaller artery,
blocking the flow of blood. This blockage cuts off the supply of life-giving
oxygen and nutrients, and the tissue fed by the artery dies. If an embolus
lodges in an artery of the heart, depriving the heart of essential
nutrients, a part of the heart can die—a heart attack. If the embolus lodges
in an artery of the brain, it is a stroke.
Once this begins
If plaque and atherosclerosis are a beginning for CVD, a number of risk
factors accelerate the process.
As we age, risk increases. About four out of five people who die of a heart
attack are over age 65. At older ages, women who have heart attacks are
twice as likely as men who have heart attacks to die from them within a few
weeks.
Gender and genes make a difference. Males are more likely to have
coronary heart disease than females, whether younger or older. Children of
those who have had some type of CVD are more likely to develop it.
Smokers’ risk of heart attack is more than twice that of nonsmokers’,
and smokers’ risk of sudden cardiac death is two to four times that of
nonsmokers’.
High cholesterol levels bring increased risk. As LDL cholesterol (the
“bad” cholesterol) levels increase, CVD risk increases. When other risk
factors are present, risk increases even more. A person’s lipid levels are
also affected by age, sex, heredity, and diet.
High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload and can lead to
increased arterial damage, opening the door further for atherosclerosis.
This is because increased blood pressure scars the artery walls and causes
damage. Where the damage occurs, more plaque is likely to form, and the
plaque causes the artery walls to narrow and lose flexibility. This in turn
causes the body to increase blood pressure.
High blood pressure is also the biggest risk factor for stroke. When high
blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels,
or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.
The amino acid homocysteine is now regarded as a major risk factor.
Researchers say it may play a cholesterol-like role in heart disease; that
is, it may contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes are closely linked risk
factors. Those who are overweight are more likely to develop heart disease
and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. The weight itself is not
the culprit; rather, the excess pounds concentrate other risk factors.
Obesity has a negative influence on blood pressure and cholesterol, and may
lead to diabetes. And, of course, one of the reasons for obesity is a
sedentary lifestyle.
Stress is also a contributing factor. Research indicates that there
is a relationship between the risk of developing coronary heart disease and
stress. This is because stress releases certain chemicals, which can
increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. Stress also contributes
indirectly to CVD, as people under stress may smoke and drink more than
those who lead stress-free lives.
Cardio Defense
Fortunately, many of the risk factors associated with CVD can be lessened
through the wise use of dietary supplements and implementation of lifestyle
solutions. AIM has a Cardio Defense health solution that will help you with
your cardiovascular health. Click each link to learn more about these
AIM products.
AIM BarleyLife™
AIM
Herbal Fiberblend™
AIM
CellSparc 360™
AIM
Proancynol 2000™
Women be aware
Women have special concerns relating to CVD. One of these is due to the
changes that menopause brings. Many scientists believe that estrogen, a
hormone produced in a woman’s body, offers some protection against heart
disease, and there is evidence, although less, that estrogen may protect
against stroke. Several population studies show that the loss of natural
estrogen as women age may contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. If
menopause is caused by surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries, the risk
rises sharply.
Another concern is the use of birth control pills. Although today’s low-dose
pills carry a much lower risk of heart disease and stroke than the early
pill did, women who smoke or have high blood pressure should take special
care.
Finally, and sadly, women have often been treated different from men at the
doctor’s office. Although physicians routinely talk to men about heart
disease and risk factors, they do not always do this with women.
Fortunately, things are changing in this regard.
Reprinted with permission
of AIM International
All articles and
information on this website are for educational purposes only. They are not
to be regarded or relied upon as medical advice. The articles and
information have not been evaluated by the FDA. AIM products are not
intended to cure, treat, heal, mitigate, or prevent a disease or illness.
Results may vary per person. Consult your health practitioner if you have
health problems.
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