ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Please read this before continuing on:

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death and disability in the Western world. Atherosclerosis can be defined as the progressive narrowing of the arteries. A heart attack or stroke can occur as a result of a blood clot that forms in an atherosclerotic artery, and/or when the artery narrows to the point of severely restricting blood flow. Restricted blood flow results in cell injury and cell death in the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs.

Specific diseases caused by atherosclerosis include coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, cerebral vascular disease, thrombotic stroke, transient ischemic attacks and diabetic vascular complications.

The mechanisms that have been identified as the most probable causative factors in the development of atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow include:

* LDL cholesterol oxidation. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." Oxidation of LDL renders it "sticky," which enables it to be readily deposited on the internal lining of blood vessel walls. The oxidation of LDL cholesterol and other blood fats can initiate and significantly contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

* Homocysteine. Homocysteine is a by-product of methionine metabolism. Homocysteine often causes the initial lesions on arterial walls that enable LDL cholesterol and fibrinogen to accumulate and eventually to occlude blood flow. Homocysteine also contributes to the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and the accumulation of arterial plaque. Homocysteine also can cause abnormal arterial blood clots (thrombosis) that can completely block an artery. Homocysteine alone promotes atherosclerosis and thrombosis, even if cholesterol and triglyceride levels are not significantly elevated.

* Abnormal platelet aggregation. Fibrinogen, platelets and other clotting factors aggregate with LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and calcium on the arterial wall to further promote the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Abnormal platelet aggregation can lead to the development of a blood clot on the arterial walls inside the heart, brain or any other organ, resulting in ischemia (reduced blood flow) and/or infarction (cell death). Abnormal platelet aggregation can cause an acute arterial blood clot that can lead to a suddenly fatal heart attack or stoke.

To prevent the known atherogenic factors from causing a heart attack, stroke or other arterial occlusive disease, the following protocols should be followed:

1. To inhibit the oxidation of serum cholesterol we suggest:

a) Life Extension Mix - Three tablets, three times a day, preferably with meals. Life Extension Mix contains a potent spectrum of such antioxidants as vitamin E, which have been shown to inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol.

b) Coenzyme Q10 - 100 mg to 200 mg a day. CoQ10 works synergistically with Vitamin-E to prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation. CoQ10 also enhances heart cell energy function. CoQ10 in a base of rice bran oil should be used, based on studies showing superior assimilation and cardiac benefits.

c) Life Extension Herbal Mix - One tablespoon early in the day. This formula contains plant extracts that have been documented to maintain the health of the vascular system and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Life Extension Herbal Mix contains pharmaceutical doses of such premium grade herbal extracts as green tea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, bilberry and grape seed-skin extract. The suggested dose is one tablespoon mixed with water or juice early in the day.

2. To inhibit the formation of atherogenic homocysteine, we suggest:

a) Folic Acid - 800 micrograms with every meal. Folic acid has been shown to significantly lower blood levels of artery-clogging homocysteine. Folic acid stays in the body only for four to five hours after oral ingestion, so it is crucial to take 800 micrograms of folic acid with every meal. Use a folic acid supplement that also contains at least 300 micrograms of Vitamin-B12. Folic acid works synergistically with Vitamin-B12 to lower homocysteine levels.

b) Vitamin-B6 - 100 to 200 mg a day. Vitamin-B6 reduces homocysteine via a different mechanism than folic acid. There is enough Vitamin-B6 in Life Extension Mix to keep homocysteine levels under control in most people. In the case of the disease called familial homocysteinemia, however, folate will not reduce homocysteine levels adequately, but doses of Vitamin-B6 in excess of 500 mg daily can do so. Since high doses of Vitamin-B6 can cause peripheral nerve toxicity, high doses (500 mg a day and higher) should only be used when a blood test documents the failure of folic acid to lower homocysteine levels.

c) Trimethylglycine (TMG) -500 to 1,500 mg a day with meals. TMG is the most effective homocysteine-lowering substance known.

3. To inhibit the formation of blood clots inside arteries, we suggest:

a) Low-dose aspirin - Take ¼ of an aspirin tablet every day with the heaviest meal of the day.

b) Fish Oils - Take four to eight capsules daily of a concentrated EPA/DHA fish oil supplement. Flax oil may work as well as fish oils.

c) Garlic - Take 800 to 4,000 mg a day.

4. To lower cholesterol levels, we suggest:

a) Herbal Cardiovascular Formula - Take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. If your cholesterol levels are not significantly lower in 30 days, double or triple this dose.

b) Soy protein concentrate - Take one heaping tablespoon (10 to 20 grams) of soy protein powder containing a standardized amount of soy isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein. A product called Mega Soy Extract provides, in two small capsules, the amount of genistein and other isoflavones found in 10 to 20 grams of soy protein powder. It is not yet known if these two capsules of genistein extract will lower cholesterol levels. The Mega Soy Extract supplement is used primarily for cancer and osteoporosis risk reduction.

c) Fiber - Take 10 to 30 grams of soluble fibers, including pectins, guar and psyllium. You can take fiber powder along with soy protein powder.

It should be noted that there is an overlapping beneficial effect in the above recommendations. For example, the homocysteine -reducing effect of folic acid can inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis and also reduce the risk of abnormal blood clots forming inside arteries. Folic acid, therefore, protects against heart attack and stroke via two well-documented mechanisms of action.

Also, fish oil has been shown in published studies to reduce triglyceride levels by about 35 percent on average. Thus, fish oil may prevent abnormal arterial clotting and reduce triglyceride-induced arterial clogging.

In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, soy protein has been shown to induce a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, fasting insulin levels, and insulin-to-glucose ratios. In female monkeys, soy genistein has been shown to enhance the dilator response to acetylcholine in atherosclerotic arteries. This means that the daily ingestion of soy could prevent sudden heart attack or stroke by mechanisms other than its known cholesterol-lowering effect.

Linus Pauling recommended that 500 mg of the amino acid lysine be taken three times a day as a therapy for reversing atherosclerosis. Dr. Pauling showed that the combination of lysine and Vitamin-C inhibits lipoprotein(a) and (b) from accumulating on the arterial wall. Thus, individuals with coronary atherosclerosis or aortic valve stenosis may want to add Vitamin-C and lysine to their regimens.

Herbal Cardiovascular Formula contains potent extracts of ginger and curcumin. These extracts produce anti-inflammatory effects that may slow the progression of aortic stenosis. Ginger also inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation. For further information on aortic valve stenosis, refer to the Valvular Insufficiency/Heart Valve Defects protocol.

These protocols are designed to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and arterial blockage by :

1. Lowering and inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol;

2. Elevating beneficial HDL cholesterol;

3. Lowering serum triglycerides, fibrinogen, glucose, homocysteine and iron levels; and

4. Inhibiting the propensity of the blood to clot within blood vessels.

Following these protocols involves a lot of pill-taking, but it must be understood that there are many factors that can cause atherosclerosis and abnormal blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you fail to use all the known therapies for preventing atherosclerosis and abnormal blood clotting, one missing link could cause a life-threatening cardiovascular event. Many Foundation members already are following our atherosclerosis protocols because the same antioxidant nutrients used to prevent cardiovascular disease may also help to prevent cancer, cataract, Alzheimer's disease and a host of other aging-related illnesses.

Product availability: You can obtain Life Extension Mix, Coenzyme Q10, Life Extension Herbal Mix, folic acid, Vitamin-B6, fish oils, Herbal Cardiovascular Formula, Garlic, Fiberfood, Healthprin (aspirin), Mega EPA, TMG and Super Soy Extract powder by calling 1-800-544-4440 or order OnLine.