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Arteriosclerosis & Atherosclerosis

A condition that is recognized or diagnosed by a thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries is referred to as "arteriosclerosis." And this disease occurs in two forms. Hardening of the artery walls that has been caused by a gradual deposit of calcium is the first type, and it is diagnosed as such because of how it is associated with the way it impairs the flow of blood to the bodys' cells. The other type is a more advanced type of the two, and this type of hardening is referred to as "atherosclerosis". And is primarily due to a buildup of cholesterol or fatty deposits in the artery walls and greatly accelerates the degeneration of those arteries involved. Too, atherosclerosis usually affects the other blood vessels of the body as well, such as the lower extremities. Fat molecules are normally absorbed through the artery walls. When an excess or overload of fatty materials begins to resist the flow of blood, fatty streaks begin to appear on the interior of the arteries. As more and more fat is introduced, the artery walls thicken and plaques of cholesterol narrow the arteries.

Partial blockage causing a limited blood supply can result in cataracts or coldness and pain in the extremities, sometimes leading to gangrene. Lack of sufficient blood supply to the brain causes confusion, senility or strokes. Angina attacks can happen when any restriction of blood flow is being experienced near the heart. And a clot can form anywhere in the body and work its' way to the brain or the heart.

Some of the symptoms often associated with atherosclerosis might be; hypertension, cramping or paralysis of muscles, sensation of heaviness or pressure in the chest or pain which might radiate from the chest to the left arm and shoulder.

RISK FACTORS: Lack of physical activity, smoking, obesity, hypertension, stress and a faulty diet. And possibly heredity.

It is important to understand that it is not always ones' diet which causes an abnormally excessive accumulation of fat within the arteries. Studies have shown that in certain individuals, the liver itself (which is where cholesterol is manufactured, as we all need a small amount of cholesterol for optimum functioning) makes too much cholesterol, owing to the heredity factor.

The Essential fatty acids along with vitamin E are necessary for maintaining the health of the arteries, among other things. But it should be realized that through the processing and refining of certain foods, vitamin E along with the essential fatty acids are completely lost.

Those who may be facing the reality of a triple bypass surgery would be wise to mak certain that they have gotten a second opinion to say the least. And they would be better able to make sound decisions in reviewing the total picture, literally! By this I mean that one should examime thoroughly the extent of his/her disease process and know his/her options.

In other words, those who have tiny blockages which are not near the heart might inquire as to how a better diet, regular exercise and oral chelation might work for him/her. There are also Medical Physicians who believe in and also provide just such services. Again oral chelation might be only for those who have minor problems and will therefore, be able to wait for the changes of a slow reversal to take shape through such a program. Others might find it worth their while to look into the potential of opting for chelation intravenously (it is much faster, but of course more costly). Still there will be those who should heed their medical physicians' warning and undergo the triple heart bypass. Yet even for those, all would be in vain, were each of these survivors not to recognize the need for initiating healthier positive changes in their lives.