Atherosclerosis
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- What is atherosclerosis?
- Symptoms of atherosclerosis
- Causes of atherosclerosis
- Prevention of atherosclerosis
- Risk factors for atherosclerosis
- Complications of atherosclerosis
- When to see a doctor about atherosclerosis
- Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
- Conventional treatment of atherosclerosis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of atherosclerosis
- Living with atherosclerosis
- Caring for someone with atherosclerosis
Alternative / complementary treatment of atherosclerosis
The lifestyle and dietary recommendations are the same as those which are recommended by conventional medicine.
The other alternative/complementary recommendations should be discussed with your doctor to ensure they are safe for you and are not going to produce adverse health effects in combination with any medications you may be taking.
Herbs
There are some herbs which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications (but do not take these in supplement form unless you have approval from your medical specialist to do so):
- Garlic (Allium sativum) - several studies have suggested that fresh garlic or garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots by ensuring the blood is less "sticky" and thinned as well as dissolving plaque build-up. People taking any type of blood thinning medications must not take garlic supplements, as this combination could increase the risk of internal bleeding
- Olive leaf (Olea europaea) - some studies have shown that olive leaf extract may have potent antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory effects on the arteries, which may reduce incidence of plaque build-up, lower cholesterol levels and helps to normalise blood pressure levels to normal
- Psyllium (Plantago psyllium) - studies show that psyllium, a "weed", which is an excellent source of natural fibre, helps to reduce cholesterol levels and also helps to normalise blood glucose levels. People who have diabetes and take insulin should discuss taking psyllium with their doctor before trying it
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications (but do not take these in supplement form unless you have approval from your medical specialist to do so):
- Betacarotene - the antioxidant betacarotene is required for the health of the arteries, as it helps to reduce oxidative damage that free radicals or any inflammation may cause. Since betacarotene is less toxic and is the precursor to vitamin A, it has been most often recommended instead of vitamin A in supplements. Recent studies suggest that betacarotene supplements must not be used by people who are current or former smokers or who currently drink excessive amounts of alcohol, as it may increase their risk of a number of cancers. It is recommended to get your betacarotene from the food in your diet (orange and dark green coloured fruits and vegetables have the highest amounts of betacarotene)
- Bioflavonoids - the bioflavonoids, together with vitamin C help to ensure the walls of arteries and other blood vessels are strong and healthy
- Folic acid - studies show that folic acid may be useful in reducing blood levels of homocysteine, which is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke
- Vitamin A - the antioxidant vitamin A is vital for the health of the arteries, as it helps to reduce oxidative damage that free radicals and inflammation may cause to the arteries. Vitamin A recommended intakes must not be exceeded in supplements, as they can produce toxic side effects
- Vitamin B6 - all of the B vitamins are essential for heart health, but especially vitamin B6, which helps to lower blood levels of homocysteine, which is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke
- Vitamin B12 - all of the B vitamins are essential for heart health, but especially vitamin B12, which helps to lower blood levels of homocysteine, which is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke
- Vitamin C - the antioxidant vitamin C, together with the bioflavonoids, help to ensure the walls of arteries and other blood vessels are strong and healthy
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E is vital for the health of the arteries, as it helps to reduce oxidative damage that free radicals and inflammation may cause to the arteries. In addition to this, vitamin E helps to thin the blood, which may significantly decrease the risk of blood clots forming. People taking any type of blood thinning medications must talk to their doctor about using any vitamin E supplements in combination with their medications, as it may not be advised to do so
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications (but do not take these in supplement form unless you have approval from your medical specialist to do so):
- Magnesium - the mineral magnesium helps to reduce spasms in the arteries as it helps to relax the arteries and also helps to improve cellular metabolism. Magnesium also helps to maintain normal heart rhythm and reduces risk of calcium depositing in the plaque in artery walls
- Potassium - the mineral potassium is needed to ensure electrolytes are balanced (and there is not too much sodium in the blood, which increases blood pressure). Potassium is also required to ensure that the nerve function is healthy and normal. If you have been prescribed a diuretic, your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement too, as the diuretics may excrete too much potassium from the body
- Selenium - some studies show that the antioxidant mineral selenium may help to protect the heart against oxidative damage and heart disease. A severe lack of selenium in the diet may cause a type of heart disease called Keshan's disease
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Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications (but do not take these in supplement form unless you have approval from your medical specialist to do so):
- Carnitine - the amino acid carnitine is very beneficial for improving the function of the heart. Research shows that carnitine is a key regulator of fatty acid metabolism, which helps to ensure that cholesterol levels are normal (by eliminating excess levels of cholesterol so that they do not circulate in the blood and risk plaque build-up in the arteries) which may help to reduce risk of atherosclerosis. One study showed that combining carnitine with Simvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) in people with diabetes helped to reduce their cholesterol levels better than just with Simvastatin alone. Studies also show that carnitine helps to reduce inflammation which is associated with atherosclerosis
- Carnosine - studies show that the amino acid-like substance, carnosine can reduce the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which may form plaque build-up in the artery walls and this is due to carnosine's potent antioxidant function. Studies show that carnosine may have very a important function in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, but more research is needed to confirm initial findings
- Co-enzyme Q10 - studies show that coenzyme Q10 may prevent blood clots from forming and may boost the function of the other antioxidant nutrients in the body, as well as boosting the mitochondria of the heart, enabling it to function better. Other studies suggest that there is evidence to support the therapeutic value of CoQ10 as an adjunct to standard medical therapy in congestive heart failure. Several other studies show that people who take statins (a medication for lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels) have lowered levels of coenzyme Q10. People taking statins need to seek their doctor's advice about trying some coenzyme Q10 supplements
- Lipoic acid - several studies show that alpha-lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, which help to reduce fatty plaque build-up in the artery walls, associated with atherosclerosis. The studies also showed that alpha-lipoic acid helps to reduce triglycerides (fat) levels in the blood
- Omega-3 fatty acids - many studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA found in fish oil can help prevent atherosclerosis from worsening or even prevent it from developing, by stopping the development of plaque and blood clots in the arteries. Many studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help to prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce the level of triglycerides (fats) in the blood. The Australian Heart Foundation recommends people eat at least two servings of oily fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna) per week to reduce the risk of heart disease. People with existing atherosclerosis and who want to reduce their blood pressure or triglycerides levels can try an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, but need to talk to their doctor before doing so, because many medications may not work well in combination with omega-3 supplements and increase the risk of internal bleeding (especially blood thinning medications)
- Quercetin - the flavonoid quercetin is a part of the bioflavonoids, so it has the same protective effects on the artery walls, strengthening the walls and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis from developing and since quercetin has antioxidant properties it reduces oxidative damage to the arteries and may prevent oxidation of cholesterol which reduces the risk of plaque build-up in the artery walls
- Taurine - several studies suggest that taurine may be beneficial in reducing levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and may also prevent oxidation of the LDL cholesterol, so that plaque build-up in the artery walls is also prevented
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modifications which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications:
- Eat enough legumes and wholegrains - the diet needs to include adequate amounts of legumes (chickpeas, peas, beans and soya beans) as well as wholegrains to ensure that the diet has adequate fibre, as well as the various nutrients that the legumes and wholegrains provide. Adequate fibre intake can help to reduce the amount of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the blood
- Eat enough "good" fats - you need to ensure the diet includes adequate amounts of the "good" fats which are the polyunsaturated fats, from foods such as olive oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, olives (but take care that they are not too salty), avocado, as well as all types of nuts and seeds
- Eat more fruit - you need to eat 2-3 portions of fruit every day to provide all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for good health. Many fruits are rich in folic acid, which can reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood
- Eat more fish - you need to have 2-3 portions of oily fish intake in the diet each week as they contain the beneficial anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. The fish which are most recommended are: mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna. It is better to eat fresh fish that is wild, as it has more omega-3 content, but canned fish can also be eaten too on occasion
- Eat more vegetables - you need to eat 5-7 portions of vegetables every day to provide all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for good health. You especially need to eat enough leafy green vegetables, to ensure you get enough folic acid, which is one of the vitamins that can help reduce the levels of homocysteine in the blood
- Limit intake of saturated fat - foods that are high in saturated fat (full cream milk, cheese, butter, sour cream, as well as red meat, any fried foods, any processed foods, any take-away or junk foods) need to be limited in the diet, to help reduce levels of cholesterol and triglycerides as well as reduce risk of possible blockage build-up in the arteries
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications which may help reduce symptoms and risk of complications:
- Exercise regularly - you need to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to help condition the heart and increase proper blood circulation, which may help to prevent worsening of symptoms and risk of complications. If you have a severe form of atherosclerosis, consult your doctor about the best exercise program which you should engage in, because you may need to do a more gentler form of exercise to reduce possible complications (due to your condition)
- Limit alcohol intake - women should only have one drink and men only 1-2 drinks per day at the most, with at least 2-3 days being alcohol free
- Reduce stress - some form of relaxation therapy is needed to help reduce any stress in your life and reduce this risk factor for atherosclerosis. Examples of relaxation therapy are: dancing, having a bath, meditation, tai chi, visualisation, yoga
- Stop smoking - it is vital for heart health to stop smoking and to stop being around people who smoke and breathing their unfiltered smoke, as it has exactly the same adverse effects on the arteries as if you smoked yourself
Alternative treatments
- Acupuncture - studies show that acupuncture may be useful to reduce some of the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, as well as assisting with stopping smoking. Acupuncture may be a useful adjunct to any other treatments prescribed
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with atherosclerosis > Last reviewed: 27 October 2007 || Last updated: 12 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
