Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs when the inside walls of an artery become thicker and less elastic. The thickening reduces the area available for blood flow. Although atherosclerosis reveals few symptoms at first, the damaged artery eventually cannot carry enough blood to supply the necessary amount of oxygen. The result is often a stroke or heart attack. About 1 million people die as a result of atherosclerosis each year in the United States.

• Pain and cramps at the site of the narrowed artery (chest, leg, etc.)
• Gradual or sudden increase in the severity of symptoms
• Hardened feel of arteries in forearms or carotid arteries in neck
• Lowered or absent pulses
• In more severe cases, muscle wasting, ulcer, or gangrene

Cholesterol and similar substances called lipoproteins attach themselves to the inside linings of the arteries. There, they gradually thicken into a substance called plaque. Plaque causes the artery to become tougher and less flexible. As plaque grows, it narrows the artery more and more, in some cases blocking it entirely. A sudden obstruction, as when a blood clot gets wedged in the blocked artery, can lead to immediate problems, such as stroke and heart attack.

Your health care provider will examine your neck, abdomen, and groin area for "bruits"—blowing sounds that indicate turbulence in blood flow. The provider will also take further blood samples. He or she may recommend X-rays, ultrasound or computed tomography (CAT scans). You may have a stress test, in which you run or jog for several minutes while providers monitor your blood pressure. For arteriography, you are X-rayed after a dye is injected into your bloodstream.

Atherosclerosis is easier to prevent than to reverse. Controlling the following risks will help prevent the disease. Eat a healthy diet low in fats and sugars, learn to cope with stress, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and control diabetes and high blood pressure. Drugs that lower your cholesterol may also help to control the disease. A procedure called endarterectomy removes plaque from the inside of arteries. This surgery has a high rate of success, although it also has some risks.

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs—lower cholesterol is associated with less build-up of fatty material inside the arteries; there are many types of cholesterol-lowering drugs; your health care provider will choose the one that is best for you

• Aspirin—lowers the likelihood that that blood clots will form

Nutritional supplements can be very effective. Hawthorn has an important role in both treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Yoga, meditation, relaxation, and biofeedback show promise.

• Vegetarian diet can help stop or possibly reverse the hardening process.
• Antioxidants: vitamin C (1,000 mg three times a day), vitamin E (400 IU a day), coenzyme Q10 (30 to 50 mg three times a day), selenium (200 mcg a day), lipoic acid (50 mg twice a day)
• Essential fatty acids (1,500 mg twice a day): While there has been much emphasis on low-fat diets, it may be more important to alter the types of fat in the diet, decreasing saturated fats and trans fatty acids, and replacing them with poly- and mono-unsaturated fats.
• Diet: garlic, ginger and onions all have a beneficial effect on platelet aggregation. Increase fiber (especially water-soluble), fruits, vegetables, and vegetarian sources of protein.
• Homocystiene metabolism: folic acid (800 mcg a day), B₆ (50 mg a day), B₁₂ (400 mg a day), betaine (200 to 1,000 mg a day)
• Chromium (200 mcg a day): may result in plaque reduction
• Magnesium (500 mg): decreases arrhythmias, angina, and death rates following heart attack, especially when given with potassium
• Bromelian (150 to 250 mg four times a day away from meals): stops platelets from sticking together and breaks down plaque
• Carnitine (750 to 1,500 mg twice a day): important in fatty acid metabolism, depleted in cardiac muscle during acute heart attacks

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

• Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha): prevents cholesterol deposits and improves blood flow. Take 3 to 5 g as either dried herb, solid extract, or liquid extract.
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): helps keeps arteries clear and keeps platelets from sticking together (250 mg three times a day)
• Mistletoe (Viscum album): keeps arteries flexible and reduces high blood pressure (can be toxic; use under a practitioner's care)
• Linden (Tilia cordata): atherosclerosis, historically used to lower blood pressure, especially with digestive problems and nervousness
• Rosemary (Rosemariana officinalis): increases coronary artery blood flow (used to stimulate digestion and relieve tension)
• Gentian (Gentiana lutea): bitter, digestive tonic, historically used for smoking cessation, avoid with ulcers

Hawthorn or ginkgo are recommended for treating atherosclerosis. Concentrated extracts may be required to achieve the recommended doses. In addition, a tincture (30 to 60 drops three times a day) or tea (1 cup three times a day) of one to four of the above herbs, taken before meals, may be helpful.

Homeopathy may be useful as a supportive therapy.

May be helpful in decreasing tension, stimulating proper digestion and elimination, and increasing a sense of well-being.

May be helpful at relieving tension.

Take measures to prevent the conditions that lead to this disease. Have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels measured regularly.

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