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How does atherosclerosis start?
It's a complex process. Exactly how atherosclerosis
begins or what causes it isn't known, but some theories have been proposed.
Many scientists think atherosclerosis begins because the innermost layer of
the artery becomes damaged. This layer is called the endothelium . Three
possible causes of damage to the arterial wall are:
Tobacco smoke greatly worsens and speeds up the
growth of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries , the aorta and arteries
in the legs. (The coronary arteries bring blood to the heart muscle; the
aorta is the large vessel that the heart pumps blood into to take to the
body.) Because of the damage, over time fats, cholesterol, fibrin,
platelets, cellular debris, calcium and other substances are deposited in
the artery wall. These substances may stimulate the cells of the artery wall
to produce still other substances that result in further accumulation of
cells in the innermost layer of the artery wall where the atherosclerotic
lesions form. These cells accumulate and many of them divide. At the same
time, fat builds up within and around these cells. They also form connective
tissue.
The innermost layer of the artery (the endothelium)
becomes markedly thickened by these accumulating cells and surrounding
material. If it's thickened enough, the diameter of the artery will be
reduced and the blood flow decreased, thus reducing the oxygen supply. If
the blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced, a heart attack can occur.
If the blood supply to the brain is cut off, a stroke can occur. And if the
blood supply to the arms and legs is reduced, gangrene can result.
Often a blood clot forms and blocks the artery,
stopping the flow of blood.
What does the research show?
Scientists are studying other ways in which platelets may play a role in
atherosclerosis. For example, they're involved in forming a group of
substances called prostaglandins, one of which may damage arteries. They
also contain a substance called "platelet growth factor," which can
stimulate the growth of smooth muscle cells. These cells are normally
present in the artery wall. But their abnormal growth and increase is
believed to be one of the earliest events in the atherosclerosis process.
One of the more recent theories suggests that excess
lipoproteins in the blood are trapped within the artery wall. When this
happens and they accumulate, they become oxidized. That leads to "modified"
lipoproteins that are rapidly taken up by smooth muscle cells. This, in
turn, leads to foam cells forming and deposits of connective tissue cells
and other elements.
Since atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive condition, a person may remain
asymptomatic until there is blockage of an artery, most commonly the
coronary arteries. Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis may develop
gradually, and may be few, as the plaque builds up in the artery. Symptoms
may also vary depending on the affected artery. However, when a major artery
is blocked, signs and symptoms may be severe, such as those occurring with
heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, or blood clot. The symptoms of
atherosclerosis may resemble other cardiac conditions. Consult your
physician for a diagnosis
In addition to a complete medical history and
physical examination, diagnostic procedures for atherosclerosis may include
any, or a combination of, the following:
-
coronary arteriogram (or angiogram) - with this
procedure, x-rays are taken after a contrast agent is injected into an
artery -- to locate the narrowing, occlusions, and other abnormalities of
specific arteries.
-
Doppler sonography - a special transducer is used
to direct sound waves into a blood vessel to evaluate blood flow. An audio
receiver amplifies the sound of the blood moving though the vessel.
Faintness or absent of sound may indicate an obstruction in the blood
flow.
-
blood pressure comparison - comparing blood
pressure measurements in the ankles and in the arms to determine any
constriction in blood flow. Significant differences may indicate a
narrowing of vessels which could be caused by atherosclerosis.
-
MUGA/radionuclide
angiography - a nuclear scan to see how the heart wall moves and how much
blood is expelled with each heartbeat, while the patient is at rest.
-
thallium/myocardial perfusion scan - a nuclear scan given while the
patient is at rest or after exercise that may reveal areas of the heart
muscle that are not getting enough blood.
Specific treatment will be determined by your
physician based on:
-
your age, overall health, and medical history
-
extent of the disease
-
the location of the blockage
-
the patient’s signs and symptoms
-
your tolerance for specific medications,
procedures, or therapies
-
expectations for the course of the disease
-
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
-
lifestyle modifications to control risk factors,
including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and smoking cessation
-
coronary angioplasty - with this procedure, a
catheter is used to create a bigger opening in the vessel to increase
blood flow. Although angioplasty is performed in other blood vessels,
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) refers to
angioplasty in the coronary arteries to permit more blood flow into the
heart. There are several types of PTCA procedures, including:
-
-
atherectomy - the blocked area inside the
artery is "shaved" away by a tiny device on the end of a catheter.
-
laser angioplasty - a laser used to "vaporize"
the blockage in the artery.
-
coronary artery stent - a tiny coil is expanded
inside the blocked artery to open the blocked area and is left in place
to keep the artery open.
Since atherosclerosis involves many organ systems, there is no
set occurrence of specific reflex points that will show upon testing. The
most common reflexes that will be active can include the
metabolic reflexes and any of
it's sub-reflexes, the
master heart reflex,
the circulation reflex,
and the Crown/Sugar Reflex.
The involved reflexes should be treated with the proper supplementation. You
should take this preliminary
free test or be examined by a competent
CRA® practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal
detoxification program may also be recommended.
The following Standard Process supplements are most often
indicated: Betaine
Hydrochloride, Cal-Amo®,
Cataplex® B,
Cataplex® C,
Cataplex® E,
Drenamin®,
Drenatrophin PMG ®,
For-Til B12 ®,
Organic Minerals,
Phytolyn,
Protefood ®,
Adrenal, Desiccated,
Cataplex® B,
Cardio-Plus ®,
Cardiotrophin PMG
®, Cataplex® F
(Tablets), Linum B6,
Organic Minerals,
Phosfood® Liquid,
Vasculin ®, and
Zypan®.
Diet recommendations may include low-fat, low-cholesterol, and
low-salt diet. Follow the health care provider's recommendations for
treatment and control of hypertension, diabetes, and other diseases. Reduce
body weight if overweight and stop smoking if a smoker. Get regular exercise
to improve the fitness of the heart and circulation.
Regular chiropractic care is important in maintaining the homeostatic
mechanisms to the body.
Take this preliminary
to see if your cardiovascular system condition could respond to nutritional
therapy.
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Bypass
surgery costs the patient approximately $30,000-$40,000. There are
also risks (3%-9% mortality rate during or after surgery).
