Causes of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an abnormal inflammatory process inside artery walls as the result of complex interactions among “bad” cholesterol (LDL), platelets, calcium, and inflammatory cells. It is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by the slow buildup of plaque on the inside walls of the arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. There are two types of cholesterol plaque: stable and unstable. Stable plaques grow slowly over time and cause symptoms of chest pain, but they are less likely to break free and cause a heart attack. Unstable plaques, however, are the things of nightmares: they are the precursors of chest pain, heart attacks and sudden death. If they break free the victim enters the final stage - stage 5 - of atherosclerosis. Unstable plaques cause blood clots and blockages of the heart artery and death of the associated heart muscle – a heart attack which may be fatal to the victim.

It may take decades for atherosclerosis to run its course. Although today, it is starting to be seen in pre teenagers. Atherosclerosis is caused by poor dietary habits along with lack of exercise. The eating of fatty-fast foods and sitting on the couch for hours watching TV or playing video games, are both contributing factors to the rise of atherosclerosis. Saturated fats found in meats and dairy products (ice cream, cheese, whole milk) fuel the process – they help to fill the cell walls with plaque. Trans fats which are found in off-the-shelf cupcakes, donuts, junk food, etc, and French fries, are just as dangerous to the artery-cell wall. Smoking adds an array of toxins to your bloodstream which further damage the cell wall. Being obese or overweight usually signals that a person is either well into the atherosclerotic process or is a likely candidate. All these factors coupled with the lack of aerobic exercise put the final nails in the coffin.

There is good news - a lot has been learned by medical science in recent years. Atherosclerosis can be prevented or if you are among the many that are in the different stages of it – it can be reversed. The easiest of all treatments is exercise – heart pounding, sweating exercise. Only 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity for five days a week will help you lose weight or keep your weight down. If you add a diet rich in fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables and small portions of meat or fish, not only will you feel better, but you will be well on your way to a healthy heart and the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.