Dr. Johnson has carefully charted the historical development of almost no hypertension, no diabetes and no obesity up to the modern epidemic that is occurring. Subsequent to the hypertension is the enormous increase in coronary artery disease in the form of atherosclerosis.

Regarding hypertension, in 1900 only 5% was found as a measure of 110/90 mm Hg.  Today in 2010, 31% of adults suffer from hypertension. Many are placed on several different drugs…often to no avail.

Regarding diabetes II, in 1892 there were reported 2 cases per 100,000 persons.  Today one person in four to five will develop diabetes II.  Shockingly, even children are developing diabetes at the rate of one in three persons.

Obesity is alarmingly apparent all around us. Those who have lived more than a few decades are shocked at the presence of obesity around them. Some seniors citizens suddenly find themselves among the obese.  Fat beds accumulate and store toxins that increase other degenerative diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

Is there a single factor that can account for the enormous increase in hypertension, diabetes and obesity? One isolated factor cannot be blamed for the health deterioration we are witnessing.  However, there is compelling evidence that high fructose (fruit sugar) consumption  is often associated with these maladies.

Interestingly, until recently, the fruit sugar, fructose, was thought to be a healthy sugar. Nothing could be farther from the truth when high amounts of fructose  are consumed. A little can be good but a lot is bad.

It is true the natural fruit has lesser concentrations of fructose but it also has the benefit of other metabolites that help the body process it. There are anti-oxidants in the form of flavonoids, poly-phenols and vitamins. There are phytonutrients that probably act as catalysts and co-enzymes.  There is fiber to help the whole process of metabolism.

The body just does not handle well high concentrations of most substances.  The problem is excessive amounts of fructose are consumed, plus there is stripping away of  other nutrients  found in whole fruit. The role of all the unknowns in natural fruit is not fully known.

Man has discovered how to concentrate sweeteners by producing large amounts of sucrose (table sugar) and by the addition of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) into thousands of our foods.  Sweetness always sells better. The trouble is, sugar is quite inflammatory in coronary arteries and it produces atherosclerosis.

One half of the table sugar (sucrose) molecule is fructose. The other half is glucose.  The body can immediately convert glucose into energy. It just cannot story much glucose.  The excess is converted into triglycerides.  These are fatty acids that become stored into fat beds and thus propel obesity.

Why is concentrated fructose, like that found in  HFCS, so harmful? The simple answer is it:

• Damages fructose metabolism
• Fuels diabetes II
• Increases blood pressure
• Produces atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke
• Is associated with increasing obesity
• Increases inflammatory uric acid
• Increases gout

Dr. Joseph Mercola, N.D. has one of the most creditable, cutting edge, health blogs on the internet.  He says this about fructose, it:

• Increases insulin resistance
• Increases hypertension
• Elevates triglycerides
• Increases cardiovascular disease…heart attack & stroke
• Increases fatty liver disease
• Is associated with increased cancer
• Increases arthritis
• Is highly correlated to obesity and weight gain

To put the fructose consumption in perspective, 100 years ago 15 grams per person per day was consumed.  Today the estimate is 73 grams per person per day.

The widespread use of HFCS became prevalent during 1970’s.  HFCS is 20% sweeter and is cheaper than table sugar. This means the food industry will favor its use because of bottom line profits.  Fifty five percent of all sugar sweetener used in the food industry is HFCS.

Fructose not only propels obesity but it is now closely associated with the number one killer in the U.S.A.  This is cardiovascular disease. It  is associated with high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes II, fructose, obesity

Heart disease frequently is caused by atherosclerosis, or decreased blood flow due to artery constrictions.  What causes the arteries to constrict?  The answer is plaque build up in arteries that reduces lumen size,  increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow.

Statistics from good studies on atherosclerosis reveal that not only is blood pressure increased but also increased clotting due to the arterial plaque.  This causes heart attacks and strokes.

Why is ED significant?  ED results from a lack of blood flow to the penis.  There can be other causes for ED; but certainly restricted blood flow, due atherosclerotic plaque, can be a prime cause.

Cardiologist and nutritionist Stephen Sinatra reports in his May 2010 newsletter, Heart Health & Nutrition, on a recent study that is relevant.

This study was extensive, involving 13 different countries and over 1,500 men.  It examined men who have both ED and heart disease.   The study found the combination of both ED and heart disease resulted in twice the deaths from all causes, as compared to heart disease alone.

The chief causes of death were, of course, related to cardiovascular disease.  A 1.6 increase of death was from heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Perhaps this was due to the severity of arterial constriction and thick plaque lining the arteries.

Dr. Michael Bohm (M.D.), from the German University at Saarland was the lead author of the study. He said this:  “If a man has erectile dysfunction, then he needs to ask his physician to check for other risk factors of cardiovascular disease.” Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra fully agreed…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, erectile dysfunction, heart attack, heart disease, stroke

Premarin, estrogen substitute, was given to half of those in the study.  On average, those supplemented had 30% less calcium in their arteries.

Those in the control group who had the lowest levels of estrogen had nearly two time more calcium accumulation in arteries than those with Premarin supplementation.

The significance of this is huge.  It is well known that excess accumulation of calcium in the arteries correlates to increased heart disease.

The calcium in arteries causes less blood vessel flexibility, atherosclerosis, with plaque accumulation and higher blood pressure.

The heart has to work harder and the risk of blood clots or chips of plaque obstructing arteries is greatly increased.  Statistically more heart attacks and strokes are found associated with higher calcium levels in the arteries.

Premarin is not bio-identical and is shown in some studies to significantly increase the risk of female cancers.

The action of premarin is almost identical to the natural hormone of a woman’s body.  Because Premarin is from pregnant mares urine it is not identical to human estrogen.  It does readily dock at estrogen receptors and mimics estrogen action in most respects.

How much better would the bio-identical hormone be?  It is speculative, but it only makes sense it would help the calcium levels just as much, but without the side effects such as increased cancer.  Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, calcium, heart disease, Premarin

Cardiologist Thomas Levy cites current research (in his book, Stop America’s #1 Killer) that makes it clear infections are associated with increases in heart attacks.

Bacteria and viruses, especially viruses, increase the number of heart attacks. Dr. Levy cites a study that found a 300% increase of heart attacks associated with a respiratory infection of the past 10 days.

Another study he cites was done by Hume & Weyers (1973) that demonstrated acutely lowered levels of vitamin C after only 2 days of a cold.  They observed a 50% decrease of vitamin C in white blood cells following  2 days of a cold virus infection.

Yet another study, also cited by Dr. Levy, recorded 38% of those suffering a heart attack had herpes simplex viral DNA present.

Unstable angina (chest pain) that frequently is a precursor to a heart attack was found to also be associated with low blood levels of vitamin C. This reduced level of vitamin C due to viruses could explain the 3 fold increase of heart attack found after infections.

Cardiologist Thomas Levy reports on the powerful effect of vitamin C on the number one killer in America, heart disease.  More specifically he addresses the issue of histamine, for decades, known to be associated with inflammation.

Cardiologist Levy documents his position with numerous research studies.  The conclusion he draws is: histamine levels are correlated to inflammation which is correlated to atherosclerosis which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease.

Histamine is well known to accompany inflammation that dilates or opens up the arteries and leaks out irritants and produces an inflammatory response. The result is an attraction of LDL cholesterol to plug the porous openings of the arteries.  It is accumulation of cholesterol and calcium plaque, called atherosclerosis that is associated with increased heart attack and stroke.

Dr. Levy quotes studies that show blood levels of histamine are inversely related to vitamin C levels. What this means is  higher inflammatory levels are associated with histamine and they occur when vitamin C levels are low.

It appears that vitamin C is also necessary for the metabolic breakdown of histamine. A deficiency of C results in histamine accumulation and associated inflammation.  Inflammation is the mother of nearly all heart disease, starting with atherosclerosis which produces the plaque of cholesterol and calcium that accumulates and lines you arteries.

Atherosclerosis, of course, is the major cause of heart attack and stroke due to obstructive blood clots.  Animal studies confirm that reduction of histamine  reduces atherosclerosis accumulation in the arteries.

With very few exceptions, humans cannot produce vitamin C. It must be obtained by fruits and vegetables or by supplementation.  Vitamin C is estimated to be deficient in 40% of the U.S. population.  It is an inexpensive supplement and like most supplements works best with whole foods...Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, cardiologist Levy, heart disease, histamine, vitamin C

Statistics on Heart Disease reveal unwanted soft tissue calcium deposits are associated with a 1,180% increase in coronary heart disease.  Dr. Thomas Levy, a cardiologist who follows the research and statistics on heart disease reports this finding.

Associated with high levels of calcium in coronary arteries was lower levels of vitamin C.

Studies done by Bourne, et al (1942) found severe vitamin C deficiencies, like those  found in scurvy, were associated with increased excretion of calcium, the most abundant mineral in your body.  The exodus of calcium was found to be re-deposited into the soft tissues like arteries and other organs.

The metabolism of calcium is a very complex phenomenon.  From the healthy levels of bacteria in the large intestine to various vitamins, types of organic calcium available, hormones and unknown factors, all these affect optimal calcium assimilation.

Numerous excellent studies show higher levels of calcium supplementation actually increase bone fractures and cause soft tissue deposition of unwanted calcium.

The deposition of calcium into the arteries is a major factor in development of atherosclerosis.  (Sometimes called hardening of the arteries). The condition of atherosclerosis is a major factor in coronary heart disease.

Much of this calcium problem stems from poor vitamin levels of vitamin D-3 and vitamin K-2. Both vitamins D and K-2 move calcium from the blood into bone.  Vitamin D is more often than not deficient in the residents of U.S.A.

Not surprisingly osteoporosis, with low bone levels of calcium and  increased coronary heart disease, is due to high levels of calcium in the arteries instead of the bone.

Calcium is typically one of the least soluble minerals of your body and vitamin C is known to be one of the best agents to cause dissolution of calcium into an absorb-able state.  Calcium usually needs to be in an organic form such as calcium ascorbate.

When calcium is in a dissolved state it is less inclined to be deposited into arteries and soft tissues. This makes vitamin C and the bone depositing vitamins D and K-2 especially important.  These means a reduction of atherosclerosis.  This in turn reduces coronary heart disease…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, calcium, coronary heart disease, statistics heart disease, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K-2

Rush described the chest pain as severe and extreme.  He thought it was a heart attack but it was never confirmed as such by numerous test for enzyme levels and other indicators of heart attack. What was not denied was the severe chest pain he experienced.

What was the explanation? The classic symptoms for angina attack  fit the symptoms he was experiencing.  What is angina pain?  It is a lack of oxygen supply to heart tissue.  It is caused by constricted circulation to coronary arteries that supply the heart…or can be caused by stopped blood flow (a clot) that blocks the oxygen rich blood from reaching cardiac tissue.  This would indicate a heart attack.

Rush’s testimony of the experience indicated that nitroglycerin sprayed under his tongue relieved the pain. (This would not relieve the heart attack symptoms.)  This medication dilates (opens up) the lumen of the coronary arteries for better blood flow and oxygenation of heart tissue.

After examination and evaluation of tests, the doctors were “amazed” that he did not have the accompanying high levels of LDL cholesterol and other indicators, that accompany atherosclerosis. What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of plaque, consisting of high levels of LDL cholesterol and calcium, that shrink the lumen size of coronary arteries. Of course this restricts the blood flow and oxygen to the heart as well as raising blood pressure. (No report of high blood pressure was given either.) The pain relief given by nitroglycerin is because its action dilates the coronary vessels and increases blood flow, oxygenating heart tissue.

What puzzled the doctors was, in the absence of typical accompanying symptoms, why the apparent heart pain?

I do not have a plausible explanation for the pain episode.  As a Christian I do not rule out the power of prayer and supernatural intervention. Rush is loved and respected by thousands of Christians who regularly listen to his popular talk show on radio.  I’m sure thousands (if not millions) of Christians started praying for him when the news of his hospitalization came over the airwaves…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

P.S. If  a friend is not familiar with this blog site, you can copy and paste this or just give them the link which is: http://naturalhealthsecrets.ws

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, heart attack, Rush Limbaugh

• Inflammation in arteries (shown by the C-Reactive Protein test ) This is determined by a simple blood test that measures the amount of a specific protein that is associated with inflammation.
• Atherosclerosis is caused by inflammation.  This results in a plaque that lines the inside of the arteries, producing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke and decreasing the arterial flow.
• High blood pressure (hypertension). When blood pressure is higher than normal it makes the heart work harder to circulate blood throughout your vascular system because of the increased resistance.  In addition, more friction is created, especially at bifurcations where the arteries branch off.  This can produce inflammation, more arterial plaque, and more tendency to form obstructive blood clots.
• Genetics (heredity) Your family history gives some idea of your heart disease susceptibility and it cannot be changed. It is only one factor among many that increase coronary heart disease risk.
• Smoking causes toxins and inflammation throughout you body and especially in the cardiovascular system.
• Obesity is a high risk factor…again due to increased inflammation, especially with belly fat cytokines and with the squeezing of internal organs.
• Diabetes 2 Over 60% of diabetics die of heart disease…according to the diabetes association.
• Excess homocysteine that comes from abunant red meats causes increased inflammation and accumulation of cholesterol plaque.
• Low testosterone hormone.  Studies show a higher incidence of heart attacks with testosterone deficiencies
• Low estrogen hormone likewise is associated with increases of coronary heart disease.
• Low growth hormone. With youth and high levels of the growth hormone there is little risk of heart attack or stroke, coronary heart disease is not an issue.
• High triglycerides. Some triglycerides are normal and good, a source of energy.  Excessive amounts of triglycerides cause inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular accidents. (heart attack & stroke)
• Lack of exercise Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to all parts of the body and is good for the heart.  Statistics show that lack of exercise is associated with coronary heart disease.
• Nutritional deficiencies. This is probably the the most important consideration because diet can control most inflammation and can supplement deficiencies.  Inflammation is the mother of all degenerative diseases and heart disease is the number one killer in the Western world.

How do you treat coronary heart disease?

Alternative heart doctors recommend CoQ-10, Omega 3’s, D-ribose, L-Carnitine and good vitamin and mineral supplements.

Crucial:  A good diet that emphasizes fresh, raw vegetables, whole grains, minimal red meats, with low sugar and sodium consumption will cancel out many of the risks…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

P.S. Please add a comment if you agree or disagree or would like to add to the information.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, excess homocysteine, heart attack and stroke, risk factors of coronary heart disease

Inflammation is the major pre-requisite for atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is often implicated as the culprit but it needs inflammation in order to attach and line the inside of your arteries. Another definition of atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries due to the plaque containing calcium. It is sometimes called arteriosclerosis.

The consequences of atherosclerosis are compromised general health, increased heart attack or stroke and high blood pressure. Let’s examine  these resultant, evil consequences.

Because atherosclerosis impedes the circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body, optimal health is lost. The body has to work harder to be healthy. As the plaque thickens, it is a time bomb waiting to go off. The ultimate end extreme  is death.

Heart attack and stroke occur because the thickened plaque lining your arteries can cause clots or “chips” of plaque to break off and obstruct a coronary or cerebral artery. When this occurs, blood supply is blocked and death results to the tissue in that area;  hence, a heart attack or stroke has occurred.

Besides the atherosclerotic plaque itself producing high blood pressure, another reason for hypertension is due to increases of fibrin, which is the clot matrix in your blood. Age and poor diet accelerate the thickening of your blood with fibrin. Often medical doctors will place you on a blood thinner drug. Alternative medical doctors will recommend a proteolytic enzyme like that found in pineapple or Nattokinase (fermented Japanese soy). Studies show the proteolytic enzyme therapy is quite effective.

High blood pressure occurs for two reasons. The first is due to decreased lumen size that increases the resistance to blood flow. This makes the heart work harder and increases the blood pressure.

The second reason for increased pressure is the increased viscosity of the blood… due to fibrin. Plasmin is a natural balancer of fibrin levels; unfortunately it decreases faster than the fibrin. This results in more fibrin and thick blood that produces hypertension or high blood pressure.

A leading enzyme researcher, Dr. Anthony Chichoke, reports that enzyme therapy like bromelain (in pineapple) or serratiopeptidase, can effectively reduce the thickened blood caused by too much fibrin. Aside from the stress and strain on the cardiovascular system there is serious danger of clots forming in the lungs, brain, heart and other important organs.

Inflammation can come from many sources but there are basically 4: Diet, air, toxins and hormone imbalances.

Diet or food intake is probably the most important because it can involve all inflammatory as well as healthy sources…nutrients, supplements and raw materials for hormones. It is a vehicle for the detrimental toxins that come from pesticide laced food and poor water. The body is amazing, if given the raw materials in a healthy diet, it can conquer disease and thwart a lot of toxins and insults in the form of pollutants, bacteria and viruses. But there is a limit to what it can handle.

Diet is an enormous factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Too much red meat causes excess homocysteine; it  is an amino acid that becomes an inflammatory  when excessive.   Sugar is overconsumed…from 136 pounds to 156 pounds are reported per person per year. It is inflammatory and contributes to diabetes 2 problems.  Trans fats (man made adulterations) are formed when all the reactive molecular handles are filled with hydrogen. Trans fats are inert and inflammatory.

Finally, toxins, pesticides and polluting chemicals contaminate your food and water.  The air is polluted by industrial and combustion end products.  All of the above cause inflammation and contribute to atherosclerosis, a major cause of high blood pressure,  heart disease and stroke.…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, sugar, toxins, trans fats

Smoking is a terrible inflammatory agent affecting most organs of the body but its impact on the heart, circulatory system and lungs is the greatest. Intolerance to physical activity, increased blood pressure, blood clotting tendency, obesity, and bad cholesterol levels are all negatives produced by smoking. Smoking clearly is co-related to inflamed cardio-pulmonary systems.

According to Dr. Clyde Yancy: “Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States…Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.”

Even second hand smoke is to be avoided. According to a report done by Dr. Yancy: “Each year about 37,000 to 40,000 people die from heart and blood vessel disease caused by other people’s smoke.” Fresh air, exercise and avoiding smoke are some of the best remedies you can have for general, as well as, heart health.

Inflammation is the problem that wreaks havoc because of toxic irritants.

Inflammation in the arteries is shown by C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interlukin-6 blood tests.  The following list gives  most of the significant risk factors in heart disease.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Genetics (heredity)
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes 2
• Excess homocysteine
• Low testosterone hormone
• Low estrogen hormone
• Low growth hormone
• High triglycerides

Inflammation can be reduced and counteracted by exercise and a good diet with good anti oxidant supplements like vitamins A, C and E. CoQ-10 is a strong anti-oxidant and powerful enzyme for heart health.  Fresh fruits like the berries, especially blue berries are helpful. These measures will only lessen but not cancel the bad effect of risk factors like smoking.

A good diet that emphasizes fresh, raw vegetables, whole grains, minimal red meats, with low sugar and sodium consumption can reduce many of these risks…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: atherosclerosis, heart disease risk, smoking

A key ingredient for causing arteriosclerosis is the accumulation of calcified plaque that lines the blood vessels and linings of the heart. This arteriosclerosis occurs when there is inflammation in the blood vessels and it attracts LDL (low density lipids) cholesterol.  Cholesterol alone is not the problem but rather inflammation in the blood vessels. Calcium sticks to inflamed artery linings and also helps LDL cholesterol become attached.

Even if an artery doses not rupture to cause a heart attack or stroke, the same kind of cardiovascular accident occurs if a plaque that lines the blood vessels chips off and plugs the coronary artery or the cerebral artery. When blood flow stops to part of the heart tissue it dies or necroses.  The same thing occurs in the brain. Dead cells in the heart or brain compromise the function of these organs.

It behooves us to control inflammation by paying attention to diet and intake of substances that inflame the blood vessels. (Check out other risk factors on this site.)  Certain mineral and vitamins are also crucial to cardiovascular health.  Arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis is truly a significant risk factor in both coronary heart disease and in cerebral artery disease…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, heart attack, inflammation