Cholesterol?  Now For The Rest Of The Story

Heart disease claims more lives in this country than the big C (cancer) despite all the drugs being given to “prevent” it.  Statin drugs are increasingly being prescribed for ever decreasing “high cholesterol” levels.  Thirty years ago the “normal” cholesterol number was as high as 300 mg/dl.  Today, that figure has plummeted to UNDER 200 mg/dl – a level most of us find impossible to reach without drugs that cause many side effects such as liver damage and muscle damage.  Recently there is increasing evidence that elevated total cholesterol is not the only marker for predicting cardiovascular disease, but is only one part of a series of substances that all play a role.  In this issue, we will talk about these other players and what we can do naturally to decrease our risk factors for heart disease.

First thing, let’s revisit the “mechanics” of the formation of the plaque in our arteries that result in cardiovascular disease.  In one of our previous articles “Heart To Heart,” we wrote:

“What is this plaque that builds up in the arteries and what can cause it?  It starts with an injury to the artery wall by a variety of chemicals such as chlorine, trans-fatty acids, chemicals from smoking cigarettes, environmental toxins that find their way to the blood stream, free radicals, lipid oxidation and high blood pressure.  The injured cells release chemicals to start the healing process.  These chemicals cause new cells to be produced – cell proliferation or plaque.  Because these cells are not normal (they have mutated), they function differently, causing the artery to become partially blocked as well as less elastic (hardening).”

CAD begins with injury to the inside of arteries.  The injury can be due to a number of substances, but one that can be measured in a blood test is the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) portion of the total cholesterol versus the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) portion.  A high level (over 50 mg/dl) of HDL helps protect the arteries from attack by oxidized LDL, a harmful free radical.  The higher the LDL level, the more can become oxidized.  A certain amount of LDL is necessary to transport fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E to the cells.  Optimally, LDL levels should be below 150 mg/dl. Recent recommendations state that, for those at high risk for CAD, the level should be below 100 mg/dl.   A low HDL/total cholesterol ratio (less than 1:3 – 30% of total cholesterol is HDL) is good.  Taking supplements such as beta-sitosterol, pantethine, policosanol, cinnamon and fish oil can support lowering total cholesterol without lowering the HDL level. A diet high in fresh veggies and fruit and avoiding processed foods and saturated fats (meat, butter, lard) helps as well. Exercising regularly will also raise your HDL level.

An often-ignored blood fat called Triglycerides also can be a marker for risk of CAD.  Elevated triglycerides, especially in diabetics, can indicate a much-elevated risk.  A dietary change to include veggies, fruit, whole grains, more fiber, fish and nuts does the most to help reduce triglycerides levels.  Avoid all white flour products, cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and refined white sugar.

Once these injuries occur to the artery walls, they then become inflamed.  As with any inflammation, a substance called C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is released in elevated amounts.  This CRP can be measured by a blood test that is called “Cardiac CRP.’  Other inflammations can cause an elevated CRP such bacterial, viral and parasitic infections and are easily ruled out.  Supplements such as natural Vitamin E (d-tocopherols are natural – dl-tocopherols are synthetic), 800 IU daily, Vitamin C 1000 – 3000 mg daily, quercetin and Pycnogenol, fish oil, and herbal supplements such as curcumin can help reduce arterial inflammation.  All these supplements and recommendations on how to take them can be found in your independent health food store.  Refined carbohydrates (white flour, sugar, etc) elevate CRP levels so avoid foods containing them.

Another new marker for risk of CAD is homocysteine, a “left-over” from breaking down protein.  Normally, this amino acid hangs around only a short time and in low levels.  Elevated homocysteine levels contribute to the inflammation of the arterial wall.  Once the injury to the wall occurs, homocysteine causes the oxidized LDL to start clinging to the arterial wall, starting the chain reaction that forms, as its end product, the plaque that causes arterial blockage and CAD.  Homocysteine levels can be measured with a blood test.  Homocysteine levels can be lowered with the supplements vitamin B-6, B-12 and folic acid.  Consume a diet high in veggies, particularly green leafy ones (not iceberg lettuce!) and low in meat and animal products.

The best way to avoid heart disease is to prevent it through a healthy, vegetable-based diet, wise supplementation and regular exercise.  Should you find you have one or more of these risk markers don’t panic – you can lower your risk significantly through this very same regimen.  Remember – YOU have the most control of your health!

Health is not everything, but without spiritual and physical health, everything is nothing.

Until next time we meet – may God Bless you with good health, with a little help from you!

The information in these columns is for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult your physician for any serious condition.

Len Rossi, ND has been a proponent of Natural Healing for 30 years. After a 25-year career as a pro wrestler, Len earned his Doctor Of Naturopathy degree in 1982 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.