Fast Facts about Atherosclerosis
- On an average, atherosclerosis deaths make up around 32% of annual deaths in the country.
- The disease has a 13.8% prevalence in adults aged 20 and above.
- Atherosclerosis causes coronary heart disease that had a mortality rate of 60% in the year 2010.
- Atherosclerosis often leads to heart failures that account for almost 30% of atherosclerosis deaths.
- Currently, there are over 15,800,000 people in America suffering from the coronary artery disease – a type of atherosclerosis.
- Out of these 15,800,000 Americans, around 8 million have suffered heart attacks.
Atherosclerosis can be described as the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup in them. The condition is also referred to as hardening of arteries or arteriosclerosis. Arteries are responsible for carrying vital nutrients and oxygen pumped by the heart to the rest of the body.
Over time, due to unhealthy lifestyles and/or aging cholesterol and fat can collects in the arteries and takes the form of plaque. When the plaque buildup thickens, it narrows the blood passageways and makes it difficult for the blood to properly flow through the arteries. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can cause strokes, heart attacks, and even a heart failure.
Atherosclerosis can affect your heart, kidneys, legs, and all other parts of your body. There are several different types of Atherosclerosis. These include the:
- Kidney disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Carotid artery disease
Symptoms
There are several tell-tale signs of atherosclerosis. However, most of them do not become evident unless there is a blockage in one or more of your arteries. These symptoms may include:
- Angina or chest pain
- Constant fatigue
- Persisting confusion (may occur in case atherosclerosis is blocking blood supply to the brain)
- Weak muscles due to limited circulation
- Pain in your arm, leg, or anywhere else stemming from a blocked artery
- shortness of breath
A number of people do not comprehend the fact that atherosclerosis is a serious medical condition that can lead to possible strokes and heart attacks. In case you are constantly experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, visit a healthcare professional as soon as you can for proper medical care.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage Atherosclerosis, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Atherosclerosis and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Atherosclerosis. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Atherosclerosis:
Bilberry
Billberries possess a distinct anthocyanin profile. The extracts from this plant have been found extremely effective in treating atherosclerosis. A study revealed that bilberry extract can inhibit the buildup of plaque in the arteries by up to 15%. Hence, it reduces the chances of artery blockage and possible heart diseases that may occur otherwise.
Garlic
Garlic has already been proven beneficial for regulating optimal heart health. A recent study revealed that extracts from aged garlic have the ability to reduce and control plaque accumulation in the arteries from reaching dangerous levels. Apart from this, garlic is also effective in preventing the buildup of soft plaque in the arteries.
Hawthorn
The hawthorn plant has powerful antioxidant properties. Apart from strengthening the immune system, it was discovered that the hawthorn fruit contains essential nutrients, enzymes, and properties that can protect the body from the dangers of atherosclerosis. The extracts from it can significantly decrease cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic lesions in the body.
Oregano Supreme (w/ Garlic, Onion, Ginger & Cayenne)
Oregano is a powerful natural antioxidant that bolsters your immune system. That combined with the fat metabolism-improving properties of garlic, capsaicin from cayenne, and the combined anti-atherosclerosis properties of onion and garlic, make this supplement an effective natural supplement for preventing blockage in arteries.
Quercetin Relief
Quercetin is a potent anti-atherosclerotic compound that has the ability to control the development of plaque in the arteries. Quercetin suppresses the endothelial oxidative damage induced by Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), consequently preventing arterial damage or blockage in any form.