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Atherosclerosis Research - Good News06/27/07Atherosclerosis is a disease which affects the arterial blood vessels. It is commonly referred to as a "hardening" or "furring" of the arteries. Research has shown that inflammation plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, however, they are still unclear on which comes first the inflammation or the atherosclerosis. Researchers have recognized CRP (C-reactive protein, a key marker for inflammation) and LDL cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein, the major cholesterol carrier in the blood) as extremely reliable predictors of atherosclerosis. Now there appears to be a new, even more reliable predictor. It's WBCs, white blood cells or leukocytes. Research from the National Institute of Heath (NIH) indicates that white blood cell count may be the latest and best tool for predicting heart disease. White blood cells help fight infection in your body. When the body is fighting bacterial infections or viruses, the white blood cell count rises. This provides valuable insight in determining an immune system under stress and in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. "The risk of cardiovascular mortality increased progressively with increasing white blood cell counts," noted study lead author Dr. Carmelinda Ruggiero from the U.S. National Institute on Aging. And, "the increased risk of mortality associated with high white blood cell (counts) was maintained over 40 years of follow-up," she added. A team of researchers examined data collected from the Women's Health Initiative, an ongoing study from the NIH (National Institute of Health). Researchers found that women who had the highest WBC counts in the initial stage of the study were more than twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease compared to women with the lowest WBC counts. They were also at greater risk of stroke and nonfatal heart attack. The researchers noted that the highest WBC counts were only slightly above normal. The results strongly indicate that WBC counts may be just as reliable as CRP in predicting cardiovascular events linked to coronary heart disease. While there are currently no approved drugs for treating high CRP levels, the market is flooded with drugs to treat high LDL levels. The side effects of these are well known, but not always well-tolerated; they include gas, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, muscle pain, tenderness, and/or weakness. Reduce Your LDL and the Risk of Atherosclerosis Safely Good health just doesn’t come in a convenient little pill. It takes commitment and effort. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still the best methods. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, beans, and occasional fish should not be underestimated. The National Institute of Health recommends the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) diet to help lower LDL and improve overall health. The TLC diet is a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol eating plan and suggests that you have: If you follow these dietary guidelines and your cholesterol is not lowered enough, you can try increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your diet. Benefits of Cat's Claw (Saventaro®) to the Cardiovascular System For more information on the benefits of Saventaro® (Cat's Claw) see: Saventaro® Back to Top Omega-3 Research has convincingly shown the potential benefit of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA-docosahexaenoic acid) found in whale blubber, flaxseed, walnuts, and especially cold water fish. It promotes optimal cardiovascular health and decreases growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque. Many people increase their consumption of fish, such as salmon, in hopes of benefiting from omega-3. Unfortunately, increased fish consumption can also lead to increase exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury*, from pollution. Farm-raised salmon may be tasty, but they are not rich in the omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, are also high in omega-3 fatty acids ( also high in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). * The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. However some fish may contain high levels of mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated buphenyls), dioxins and other environmental contaminants. Levels of these substances are generally highest in older, larger, predatory fish and marine mammals. For more information regarding levels of mercury and omega-3 fatty acids for various fish see: Fish, Levels of Mercury and Omega-3 Fatty Acids - American Heart Association. For more information on the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids see: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protection For Your Eyes Be well, Medicine Plants™ Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. |
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