Overview 

Atheriosclerosis is chronic inflammatory disease that affects arterial walls and blood vessels. The primary function of the arteries is to transport oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body via the circulatory system. Healthy arteries possess strong and elastic walls in which specialized white blood cells called macrophages remove excess fats and cholesterol. However, if an excessive amount of macrophages and low-density lipoproteins accumulate within arterial walls, a plaque forms by a process known as furring or hardening of the arteries. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis. Atheriosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis that impacts the heart. However, both terms are often used interchangeably to generally refer to hardening of the arteries. 

Atheriosclerosis is considered a silent killer. Yet, many people don’t become aware of having this condition until a secondary condition arises, such as: 

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in which circulation to the limbs is impaired. 

Angina, which causes chest pain and my lead to a heart attack. 

Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Frequently called ‘mini strokes,’ blood supply to the brain is inhibited. 

Aneurysm, caused by a bulging of an arterial wall.

Causes and Risk Factors for Atheriosclerosis 

Atheriosclerosis is a progressive disease primarily caused by damage to endothelial cells and it can begin in childhood. While the specific cause is still largely unknown, we do know that the disease culminates in the endothelium, or the inner lining of arteries. The task of endothelial cells is to screen toxins to prevent penetration to the middle smooth muscle and outer connective tissue of the arteries. If the endothelium is poorly functioning, a buildup of waste products develops and blood supply to vital organs becomes impaired. In addition, platelets rush to the site as an immune response to repair damage to the endothelium, but are hampered by the non-removal and accumulation of cholesterol deposits. Eventually, these deposits become oxidized and can rupture and escape into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of blood clot formation and, possibly, a heart attack or stroke. 

Specific Risk Factors 

While normal aging plays a role in diminished endothelial function, certain risk factors are strongly associated with the risk of developing atheriosclerosis. In addition to lifestyle factors that can be modified, such as obesity, smoking, and indulging in excess alcohol and/or high cholesterol foods, there are additional risk factors to consider, including: 

Elevated LDL Cholesterol

Hypertension

Diabetes

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Eleveated levels of homocysteine, which promote inflammation and free radical production.

Elevated levels of fibrinogen, which promotes blood clotting and platelet binding to endothelial cells. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Atheriosclerosis 

As previously mentioned, atheriosclerosis is a slow and silent disease that can develop without notice for years, even decades. In fact, there may be no symptoms readily known until an event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs. However, in the later stages of the disease, certain telltale signs may begin to occur, such as: 

Chest pain (angina), which is more commonly experienced by men than women.

Shortness of breath

Leg pain (claudication), usually upon walking and is indicative of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.

Cognitive impairment

Seizures

Slow wound healing

Signs of an aneurysm, or a bulging artery occurring in the abdomen or behind the knee.

Bruits, or whooshing sounds emanating from arteries upon examination with a stethoscope.

Weak pulse

Screening and Diagnostic Tools 

If you are at risk for developing atheriosclerosis, then you may want to consider undergoing screening with a health care professional. After an initial physical examination, your doctor may want to perform additional assessment measures, such as: 

Blood tests to measure serum levels of glucose, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, fibrinogen, triglycerides and cholesterol ratios. 

Angiography (angiogram), in which a contrast material is introduced to the coronary arteries of the heart to make blood flow and vascular integrity visible through X-ray images. 

Imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). 

Electrocardiogram (ECG) 

Doppler ultrasound to measure the thickness of the intima, or the interior walls of the arteries, as well as blood flow. 

Ankle-brachial index, a test which compares blood pressure measurements at the ankle versus thw wrist.

Treatment of Atheriosclerosis 

Treatment options depend on the progression of the disease. Advanced cases usually involve drug therapy, in addition to surgical procedures, such as an angioplasty or an endarterectomy.  All atheriosclerosis patients, however, are encouraged to follow dietary and lifestyle changes, such as: 

Smoking cessation

Consuming a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.

Folic acid supplementation to reduce homocysteine levels.

Healthy weight management

Regular exercise

Stress management 

Several types of medications are also used in the conventional treatment of atheriosclerosis. These include cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-platelet medications, anticoagulants, and beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure. 

Recommended Supplements in the Treatment of Atheriosclerosis 

Prevention is certainly worth its pound of cure in the case of this disease. Adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way to avoid the risk of atheriosclerosis later in life. However, a person who has reached the later stage of the disease may still benefit from proactive measures to arrest its development and improve symptoms. Nutritional therapy, in particular, is helpful for anyone suffering from any stage of atheriosclerosis. 

L-arginine. This amino acid acts as a precursor to nitric oxide in the endothelium and has been noted to improve brachial artery dilation in study subjects diagnosed with PAD.

Nitric oxide, dubbed 'endothelium-derived relaxing factor' (EDRF), plays an important role in vascular function and blood flow regulation. With a half-life lasting for only a few seconds before it degrades into the blood stream, its presence is critical to prevent the oxidation and accumulation of lipoproteins and platelets that form arterial plaque. Likewise, L-arginine is necessary for nitric acid production.  

However, while L-arginine supplementation is a promising for patients afflicted with poor endothelial function, more recent research indicates that this amino acid should be paired with antioxidant therapy. The reason for this is because nitric oxide can provoke free radical production, a factor with risks that can be checked by antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.  

Vitamin C. Studies have shown that abscorbic acid improves vasodilation and helps to prevent oxidative stress responsible for the development of arteriosclerosis, or plaque formation. 

Vitamin E. The antioxidant properties alpha tocopherol have been shown to help prevent platelet adhesion and reduce the uptake of oxidized LDL.  

VitaminsB-12 and B-6. Both of these vitamins play a role in regulating healthy serum levels of homocysteine, an important deterrent to the development of atheriosclerosis. 

Quercetin. This polyphenol glycoside is derived from grapes and red wine and has potent antioxidant properties. It is also involved in nitric oxide production and has been shown to help reduce blood pressure as well as improve endothelium function.

Helpful Herbs in the Treatment of Atheriosclerosis 

Green tea. The anti-platelet activity of green tea extract is well known in Asian medicine. In fact, Japanese studies have shown that green tea may reduce the risk of developing atheriosclerosis by inhibiting cholesterol oxidation and naturally lowering blood pressure. One particular study involving more than 200 people revealed that the more ordinary green tea the subjects consumed, the less likely they were to develop coronary artery disease. 

Ginkgo biloba. Many people are aware of the benefits this herb offers in terms of improving blood flow. However, what most people aren’t aware of is the fact that more than half of the composition of ginkgo biloba extract is actually made up of the bioflavonoid, quercetin. Studies on the extract of this herb have shown an ability to reduce LDL oxidation and exhibit antiplatelet activity. 

Grape Seed extract. GSE contains proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties that reduce LDL cholesterol levels and protect free radical damage from lipid peroxidation. 

Bromelain. Bromelain is a type of proteolytic enzyme that is obtained from pineapple. Studies have shown that this enzyme reduces serum levels of fibrinogen, as well as inhibiting platelet accumulation and adhesion to endothelial cells. 

Safety Precautions 

L-arginine

Supplementation is contraindicated if you have cancer, kidney or liver disease, or argininemia, a rare genetic disorder. 

May increase the risk of breakouts of the herpes simplex virus. 

Vitamin C

Avoid supplementation if you have a history of kidney stones, sickle cell anemia or sideroblastic anemia. 

Vitamin E

Do not take with warfarin (Coumadin).

Do not take if you have a history of liver disease, hemophilia, peptic ulcers, or a vitamin K deficiency. 

VitaminsB-12 (cyanocobalamin)

Do not take if you have Leber's optic atrophy. 

Vitamin B-6

Supplementation should be supervised if you are being treated with Levodopa. 

Quercetin 

May cause mild stomach irritation or headache in some individuals. 

Green tea

Be aware that supplementing with or consuming quantities of green tea while taking warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin therapy may increase the risk of bleeding. 

Avoid two weeks before and after any surgical procedure. 

Ginkgo biloba

Do not take if you have diabetes or are at risk for systematic arterial hypertension or seizures. 

Do not combine with NSAIDS, blood thinners, diuretics, or SSRI’s. 

Avoid two weeks before and after any surgical procedure. 

Grape Seed extract

Do not take with Warfarin (Coumadin). 

Bromelain

May interfere with antibiotic therapy, especially tetracyclines. 

May altar the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-flouroacil and vincristine.