Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemia is a decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part paused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels, and it is the proper medical term for reduced blood flow to the heart.  Hardened or blocked arteries us usually the cause of it, and it is the number one cause of death in most western countries.  The growth of these tissues is called arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis typically begins in early adolescence but is rarely diagnosed until late in life usually due to a stroke or heart attack.  Autopsies of healthy young men who died during the Korean and Vietnam Wars showed evidence of the disease.  Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the progression of arteriosclerosis and prevent a medical emergency.

According to United States data for the year 2004, for about 65% of men and 47% of women, the first symptom of Arteriosclerosis disease is heart attack or sudden cardiac death (death within one hour of onset of the symptom) or the obstruction of arteries supplying the brain result in a stroke.

Another problem that can be caused y Ischemic heart disease is what is called an Aneurisms.  It is a localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel causing a weakling of the vessel's wall.  As plaque builds up in the arteries it causes an obstruction and the blood flow around the obstruction puts pressure on the walls of the arteries.  This can cause the walls of the arteries to balloon out and become weaken as the blood moves around the obstruction.  If one of these balloon or aneurisms explodes then death can occur within minutes. 

If the plaque becomes dislodged from the arterial walls it can travel to the heart and cause one of the blood vessels of the heart to be come blocked causing a heart attack.  If the plaque becomes lodged in one of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain then it will cause a stroke.

Ischemic is caused by a diet that is high in fats and physical inaction.  A high fat diet leads to a high amount of cholesterol in the blood.  The American Heart Association provides a set of guidelines for total blood cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease.  The desirable LDL level is considered to be less than 100 mg/dl.  However the 1987 report of National Cholesterol Education Program suggest the total blood cholesterol level should be less 200 mg/dl normal blood cholesterol, if the cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 mg/dl it is considered borderline-high, and higher than 240 mg/dl is considered high cholesterol level.

Many scientists, nutritionists, and activists, are worried about ischemic heart disease and they are trying to educate the American population in healthier diets.  And this power of healthy suggestion seems to be working on restaurants.  Especially since 2004, fast food chains have started to offer healthier menu choices such as yogurt, salads, and fruit.  Many restaurants now print some nutrition information on their menus and offer specifically Heart-Smart recipes. 

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Ischemic Heart Disease such as Foti, Niacin, Vitamin C, Pectin, and EPA.

Foti also called He Shou Wu in China is legendary in its ability to lengthen life.  Modern studies have show that Foti has the ability to lower serum cholesterol, prevent premature gray hair, promote red blood cell growth, and to increase longevity on a cellular level.  This herb raises the level of the naturally occurring antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the body.  Foti can lower the cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting its absorption in the intestines, which assists in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and other heart related diseases.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease.  Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells.  Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis.  You cannot live without it.  Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning.  The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries.  Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb.  High pectin count in apples may be why "One a day keeps the doctor away".

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does.  It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides.  Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

If you are at risk from Heart Disease then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.