Description
There are many
disorders and related conditions associated with heart
(cardiovascular) disease.
The primary focus here is on atherosclerosis, the buildup of
plaque that eventually blocks the arteries supplying blood to the
heart. This condition
is the most common cardiovascular problem and is also one that is
largely preventable through diet and
lifestyle.
Research has shown that
inflammation plays a primary role in the development of heart
disease (and most other chronic diseases). The inflammatory response to
arterial damage, as caused by such factors as:
- High
cholesterol
- High blood
pressure
- High blood sugar
& insulin
-
Infection
- Cigarette
smoking
- Toxin exposure -
e.g., heavy metals
is likely to be at
least as responsible for the buildup of plaque and the damage
observed in heart disease as high cholesterol itself, which has been
the focus in the past.
In fact, a recent American Heart Association working group
concluded that heart disease is "essentially an inflammatory
response to a variety of risk factors and the consequences of this
response lead to the development of acute coronary and
cerebrovascular syndromes." [1]
Causes
Primary risk factors
for heart disease include:
-
Obesity
-
Smoking
- Blood cholesterol
levels that are either too high or too low
(dyslipidemia)
- High blood
pressure
-
Diabetes
- Elevated inflammation
and clotting markers
- Physical
inactivity
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Environmental toxin
exposure - e.g., heavy metals
- Psychological
stress
My Treatment
Approach
- If overweight, guide the client how to reach and maintain a healthier body weight.
- Shift to an
anti-inflammatory diet.
- Supplement to help
maintain optimal heart function and moderate inflammation,
e.g.:
-
Vitamins
-
Minerals
-
Essential fatty acids
-
Herbals
-
Amino acids
-
Fiber
- Avoid future toxin
exposure, and safely / properly reduce existing toxin levels in the
body.
- If smoking, try to
stop on your own or join a smoking cessation
program.
- Incorporate regular,
moderate exercise.
- Seek professional help for existing psychological factors (e.g., stress).
[1]
AHA/CDC Scientific Statement: Markers of Inflammation
and Cardiovascular Disease -- Application to Clinical and Public
Health Practice