Treatments for Blocked Arteries

Before reading this health issue read June's Health issue:
PREVENTING BLOCKED ARTERIES

In June's Echo Germanica, I discussed ways of preventing blocked arteries. In this and the next issue of the newspaper, various treatments for blocked arteries will be reviewed.

With established disease, nutritional intervention and a proper exercise program continue to be very important. Presently, the use of modern pharmaceutical drugs such as statins (to reduce cholesterol) and ACE inhibitors (to help improve heart contraction and produce vascular remodelling) have reduced mortality in patients with established cardiovascular problems.

However, the use of these drugs may prolong life but not improve the quality of life and do have side effects. Therefore, the appropriate intake of nutritional supplements can really help improve one's energy and well being. For instance, the regular use of Coenzyme Q 10 improves energy production in cells and cardiac function. It reduces the side effects of satins, which lower Coenzyme Q10 levels in the blood. The intake of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C protects the vascular wall lining. The use of chromium improves the regulation of blood sugar, and an adequate intake of magnesium regulates blood pressure and reduces spasm of the arteries.

A high intake of vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 lowers the level of homocysteine in the blood. Hemocysteine is a substance, which damages the vascular wall over time. Therefore, the use of these vitamins in a multivitamin and mineral supplement, as a preventive measure, is important. Supplementation should be used under medical supervision.

Beside the use of low dose aspirin to reduce the aggregability of the blood, the intake of bromelain and turmeric (found in curry and as supplements) is helpful. Ginger is another spice useful for reducing platelet aggregation.

The use of a treatment called EDTA chelation therapy is a powerful adjunct to the above treatments. EDTA therapy is the intravenous administration of the chelating agent, EDTA. This substance is very beneficial because it improves the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, reduces calcium build-up in the arteries and reduces free radical stress. When correctly used, it has been found to be a safe, effective treatment to cardiovascular disease patients with minimal side effects.

The therapy has other benefits, which include: the reduction of platelet "stickiness" and coagulability of the blood: the improvement of cellular function by removing the body burden of toxic metals such as, lead and cadmium, which "smother" respiration in the cell; the lessening of free radical damage to cells and the betterment of the quality of life accompanied by less pain,, an enhancement of energy and well-being and increased physical activity. In fact, EDTA chelation therapy has been shown to improve cardiovasculation function in 88% of patients by a thorough report.

In summary, treatment of cardiovascular disease consists of nutritional supplementation, proper exercise, appropriate medial intervention, as well as EDTA chelation therapy. Watch for my review of this important therapy in the next issue of Echo Germanica.