Arteries

ALTERNATIVE DOCTOR, LLC

Arteries, Hardening of

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs when the inside walls of an artery become thicker and less elastic. The thickening reduces the area available for blood flow. Although atherosclerosis reveals few symptoms at first, the damaged artery eventually cannot carry enough blood to supply the necessary amount of oxygen. The result is often a stroke or heart attack. About 1 million people die as a result of atherosclerosis each year in the United States.

Signs and Symptoms

	Pain and cramps at the site of the narrowed artery (chest, leg, etc.)
	Gradual or sudden increase in the severity of symptoms
	Hardened feel of arteries in forearms or carotid arteries in neck
	Lowered or absent pulses
	In more severe cases, muscle wasting, ulcer, or gangrene

What Causes It?

Cholesterol and similar substances called lipoproteins attach themselves to the inside linings of the arteries. There, they gradually thicken into a substance called plaque. Plaque causes the artery to become tougher and less flexible. As plaque grows, it narrows the artery more and more, in some cases blocking it entirely. A sudden obstruction, as when a blood clot gets wedged in the blocked artery, can lead to immediate problems, such as stroke and heart attack.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider will examine your neck, abdomen, and groin area for "bruits"—blowing sounds that indicate turbulence in blood flow. The provider will also take further blood samples. He or she may recommend X-rays, ultrasound or computed tomography (CAT scans). You may have a stress test, in which you run or jog for several minutes while providers monitor your blood pressure. For arteriography, you are X-rayed after a dye is injected into your bloodstream.

Treatment Options

Treatment Plan

Atherosclerosis is easier to prevent than to reverse. Controlling the following risks will help prevent the disease. Eat a healthy diet low in fats and sugars, learn to cope with stress, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and control diabetes and high blood pressure. Drugs that lower your cholesterol may also help to control the disease. A procedure called endarterectomy removes plaque from the inside of arteries. This surgery has a high rate of success, although it also has some risks.

Drug Therapies

Prescription

Cholesterol-lowering drugs—lower cholesterol is associated with less build-up of fatty material inside the arteries; there are many types of cholesterol-lowering drugs; your health care provider will choose the one that is best for you

Over the Counter

Aspirin—lowers the likelihood that that blood clots will form

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutritional supplements can be very effective. Hawthorn has an important role in both treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Yoga, meditation, relaxation, and biofeedback show promise.

Nutrition

	Vegetarian diet can help stop or possibly reverse the hardening process.
	Antioxidants: vitamin C (1,000 mg three times a day), vitamin E (400 IU a day), coenzyme Q10 (30 to 50 mg three times a day), selenium (200 mcg a day), lipoic acid (50 mg twice a day)
	Essential fatty acids (1,500 mg twice a day): While there has been much emphasis on low-fat diets, it may be more important to alter the types of fat in the diet, decreasing saturated fats and trans fatty acids, and replacing them with poly- and mono-unsaturated fats.
	Diet: garlic, ginger and onions all have a beneficial effect on platelet aggregation. Increase fiber (especially water-soluble), fruits, vegetables, and vegetarian sources of protein.
	Homocystiene metabolism: folic acid (800 mcg a day), B₆ (50 mg a day), B₁₂ (400 mg a day), betaine (200 to 1,000 mg a day)
	Chromium (200 mcg a day): may result in plaque reduction
	Magnesium (500 mg): decreases arrhythmias, angina, and death rates following heart attack, especially when given with potassium
	Bromelian (150 to 250 mg four times a day away from meals): stops platelets from sticking together and breaks down plaque
	Carnitine (750 to 1,500 mg twice a day): important in fatty acid metabolism, depleted in cardiac muscle during acute heart attacks

Herbs

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

	Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha): prevents cholesterol deposits and improves blood flow. Take 3 to 5 g as either dried herb, solid extract, or liquid extract.
	Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): helps keeps arteries clear and keeps platelets from sticking together (250 mg three times a day)
	Mistletoe (Viscum album): keeps arteries flexible and reduces high blood pressure (can be toxic; use under a practitioner's care)
	Linden (Tilia cordata): atherosclerosis, historically used to lower blood pressure, especially with digestive problems and nervousness
	Rosemary (Rosemariana officinalis): increases coronary artery blood flow (used to stimulate digestion and relieve tension)
	Gentian (Gentiana lutea): bitter, digestive tonic, historically used for smoking cessation, avoid with ulcers

Hawthorn or ginkgo are recommended for treating atherosclerosis. Concentrated extracts may be required to achieve the recommended doses. In addition, a tincture (30 to 60 drops three times a day) or tea (1 cup three times a day) of one to four of the above herbs, taken before meals, may be helpful.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy may be useful as a supportive therapy.

Acupuncture

May be helpful in decreasing tension, stimulating proper digestion and elimination, and increasing a sense of well-being.

Massage

May be helpful at relieving tension.

Following Up

Take measures to prevent the conditions that lead to this disease. Have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured regularly.

Supporting Research

Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers; 1995:41–42, 198–199, 215, 270.

Berkow R, ed. Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 16th ed. Rahway, NJ: The Merck Publishing Group; 1992.

Berkow R, Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, eds. Merck Manual, Home Edition. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co; 1997.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:71–72, 135–138, 142–143, 197.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C et al, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998:871–873,1219–1222.

Larson DE, ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. 2nd ed. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company; 1996.

Miller Alan. Cardiovascular Disease: Toward a unified approach. Alternative Medicine Review. September 1996;1:132–147.

Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing; 1998:107–113, 118–131.

Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing; 1998:156–170.

Raloff J. Why cutting fats may harm the heart. Science News. March 20, 1999;155:181.

Ravitsky M. Herbs: Atherosclerosis. Newlife Magazine. Jan/Feb 1997:19.

Werbach M. Nutritional Influences on Illness. New Canaan, Conn: Keats Publishing; 1988:40–78.

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.