The cardiovascular system consists of a complex network of blood vessels which transport the blood which carries oxygen, carbon dioxide, enzymes, nutrients, and waste materials throughout the body.
If also includes the heart, which is a one pound muscle that is the driver of this life sustaining system, pumping an astounding 100,000 times a day to make sure all of our cardiovascular needs are met.
When cardiovascular issues occur most often it is result of the heart not being able to do its job without straining, this in turn is generally caused by a blockage inside the arteries, either those supplying blood to the heart or those sending blood racing away from the heart.
The obstruction inside the artery (an atheroma), which leads to reduced blood flow to the heart and serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke to occur consists of arterial plaque.
Arterial plaque is comprised of cholesterol, dead cells, fibrous tissue, and eventually calcium.
It all starts when the inside of the artery is damaged leading to an immune system response to heal the damage.
While this initially seems like a good thing, and far from something that could lead to cardiovascular issues, if the circumstances are right the patch placed on the interior lining of one of the artery will start to accumulate blood cholesterol along with waste products such as dead cells.
This explains why cardiovascular issues generally begin with the accumulation of cholesterol, and why most cardiologist warn against consuming a diet high in cholesterol and other blood fats.
In other words to improve one's chances of avoiding cardiovascular issues a heart an artery healthy diet should consist of a disproportionate large amount of fruits and vegetables, and a disproportionately small amount of meat and dairy, with the exception of cold water fatty fish.
So now we know that cholesterol and other blood fats can play a major role in narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time but what could cause the artery damage in the first place.
There are a number of theories that abound with many experts believing that cholesterol is not only the building block of the arterial obstruction but injures the arterial lining as well.
Other possibilities are blood amino acids produced in the body when protein is consumed, known as homocysteines; certain autoimmune conditions are a possibility; direct toxicity is another idea bandied around; along with smoking.
Of all these possibilities the three which generally are considered to present the most serious risk for cardiovascular issues are high cholesterol, homocysteines, and smoking.
In conclusion we should do everything possible to keep our arteries clear of dangerous plaque, thus allowing our heart to function as intended.
Steps often mentioned to accomplish this are staying active, saying no to cigarettes, consuming a diet low in fat and cholesterol, considering a B vitamin supplement to neutralize dangerous homocysteine amino acids, and implementing a natural cholesterol reduction supplement if needed.
If also includes the heart, which is a one pound muscle that is the driver of this life sustaining system, pumping an astounding 100,000 times a day to make sure all of our cardiovascular needs are met.
When cardiovascular issues occur most often it is result of the heart not being able to do its job without straining, this in turn is generally caused by a blockage inside the arteries, either those supplying blood to the heart or those sending blood racing away from the heart.
The obstruction inside the artery (an atheroma), which leads to reduced blood flow to the heart and serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke to occur consists of arterial plaque.
Arterial plaque is comprised of cholesterol, dead cells, fibrous tissue, and eventually calcium.
It all starts when the inside of the artery is damaged leading to an immune system response to heal the damage.
While this initially seems like a good thing, and far from something that could lead to cardiovascular issues, if the circumstances are right the patch placed on the interior lining of one of the artery will start to accumulate blood cholesterol along with waste products such as dead cells.
This explains why cardiovascular issues generally begin with the accumulation of cholesterol, and why most cardiologist warn against consuming a diet high in cholesterol and other blood fats.
In other words to improve one's chances of avoiding cardiovascular issues a heart an artery healthy diet should consist of a disproportionate large amount of fruits and vegetables, and a disproportionately small amount of meat and dairy, with the exception of cold water fatty fish.
So now we know that cholesterol and other blood fats can play a major role in narrowing and hardening of the arteries over time but what could cause the artery damage in the first place.
There are a number of theories that abound with many experts believing that cholesterol is not only the building block of the arterial obstruction but injures the arterial lining as well.
Other possibilities are blood amino acids produced in the body when protein is consumed, known as homocysteines; certain autoimmune conditions are a possibility; direct toxicity is another idea bandied around; along with smoking.
Of all these possibilities the three which generally are considered to present the most serious risk for cardiovascular issues are high cholesterol, homocysteines, and smoking.
In conclusion we should do everything possible to keep our arteries clear of dangerous plaque, thus allowing our heart to function as intended.
Steps often mentioned to accomplish this are staying active, saying no to cigarettes, consuming a diet low in fat and cholesterol, considering a B vitamin supplement to neutralize dangerous homocysteine amino acids, and implementing a natural cholesterol reduction supplement if needed.
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