Tocotrienols-A Potent Antioxidant

DEFINITION OF TOCOTRIENOL

Vitamin E is one of the most important phytonutrients in edible oils. It consists of eight naturally occuring isomers, a family of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) homologues.
All the eight isomers share some important traits:
The head, or chroman ring in technical term
The tail, which is called the phytyl tail for tocopherols
The active group on the head of the molecule, which is called the hydroxy group


The chroman ring has chemical groups which are called methyl groups attached to it. Alpha has all three available sites filled while beta and gamma have two methyl groups but in different positions. Whereas delta has only one.
The tocotrienol tail has three double bonds while the tocopherol tail has none. In the chemical parlance, bonds are the forces that keep atoms together. A single bond means the atoms share two electrons, a double bond means they share four electrons.
The structural name for alpha-tocopherol is 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4',8',12'-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol.
The structural name for alpha-tocotrienol is 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4',8',12'-trimethyltrideca-3',7',11'-trienyl)-6- chromanol.

SOURCES OF TOCOTRIENOLS
Edible oil originating from plants are rich source for tocotrienols. Crude palm oil extracted from the fruits of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) particularly contains a high amount of tocotrienols (up to 800 mg/kg), mainly consisting of gamma-tocotrienol and alpha-tocotrienol. It also contain the most potent form of all commercially available tocotrienols - delta-tocotrienol.
Tocotrienols are also found in oil derived from rice bran, barley, wheat germ and rye.Common sources of tocotrienols are:
Palm
Rice
Wheat

Barley
Rye
Oat

Tocotrienols From Normal Diet Alone
Since tocotrienols only occur at very low levels in nature, with the highest concentration found in palm oil, so it is virtually impossible to attain the amount of tocotrienols that show beneficial effects from the normal diet alone. For example, one would need to consume a cup of palm olein (cooking oil) a day to get the level required for effectiveness as described in most studies.

Sources
Amount Taken To Achieve the Required Levels of Tocotrienols
RBD Palm Olein (Cooking Oil)
1 tea cup (~ 80 g)
Rice Bran Oil
2 tea cup (~ 160 g)
Barley
3.0 kg
Wheatgerm
1.5 kg
Oats
4.0 kg

HEALTH BENEFITS

Cholesterol Reduction

Inhibit cholesterol production in the liver, thereby lowering total blood cholesterol.
Alpha tocotrienol suppresses hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity that results in the lowering of LDL cholesterol levels.
Tocotrienols which are naturally occurring in palm oil have been shown to suppress lower plasma cholesterol in human.
Combination of gamma-tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol is found as a potential hypolipemic agent in hyperlipemic humans at atherogenic risk.
Tocotrienols inhibit cholesterogenesis by suppressing HMG-CoA reductase.

Reversing Arteriosclerosis

Reverses arterial blockage (carotid arteriosclerosis), hence reducing the risk factors for cardio-vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and stroke. Palm based tocotrienols is the first and natural compound to be shown by human study, to have the ability to reverse arteriosclerosis.
Medical human research showed that patients with confirmed carotid arteriosclerosis, who consumed 240mg of palm based tocotrienols/ day for 18-36 months had a decrease in the amount of cholesterol plaque in their carotid artery while those receiving placebo did not show such an effect.
Palm based tocotrienol protects the ApoE knockout mice against cholesterol build-up and hence prevent arteriosclerosis.


Protection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Heart Injury

Medical study suggests that palm based tocotrienols were more efficient than alpha-tocopherol alone in the protection of the heart against oxidative stress induced by ischemic reperfusion.

Inhibit of Platelet Aggregation

Delta-tocotrienol was significantly more potent than the alpha and gamma-tocotrienols, in the inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Palm based tocotrienols may serve as an antithrombotic agent by decreasing platelet aggregation significantly.

Anti-cancer and Tumour Suppresive

Palm based tocotrienols had shown to inhibit human breast cancer cells irrespective of estrogen receptor status. Tocopherol has no effect at all on human breast cancer cells.
Delta - tocotrienol was found to be the most effective tocotrienols in inducing apoptosis (cell death) in estrogen-responsive and estrogen-nonresponsive human breast cancer cells.
Confer anti-cancer properties.
Inhibit tumor growth of certain cancers.
Alpha-tocotrienol and gamma-tocotrienol have shown to prolong the life span of cancer-infected mice.
Gamma-tocotrienol is 3 times more potent in inhibiting growth of human breast cancer cultured cells than Tamoxifen.

Potent Natural Super - Antioxidant

Alpha-tocotrienol has been shown to be 40 - 60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol as an antioxidant in the prevention of lipid peroxidation.
Delta-tocotrienol is the most potent antioxidant (highest antioxidant potency) of all commercially available tocotrienols and has been shown to be the most effective tocotrienol in inhibiting human breast cancer and liver cancer cells.
Effective antioxidant in the prevention of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation after strenous exercise for athletes, joggers and body builders.

Anti - Aging / Cosmetics and Personal Care

Preferentially accumulates at the strata corneum of the skin. First line of defense against free radicals generated in the skin by UV/ozone rays. Prevention of skin aging and damage by oxidative rays. Being a more potent antioxidant, the tocotrienols neutralizes free radicals at a faster rate and hence protect tocopherols.
Protection against UV-induced skin damage and skin aging.
Tocotrienols topically applied onto the skin was found to penetrate rapidly through the skin and the highest concentrations are found in the uppermost 5 microns.
Tocotrienol-treated skin contained Vitamin E at concentration 7-30 fold higher than control values.
Tocotrienol augments the efficacy of sunscreens containing compounds that reduce penetration of or absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Lower Blood Pressure
Palm gamma-tocotrienol has ability to prevent development of increased blood pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) after 3 months supplementation.


Scientific References for Tocotrienols· Antioxidant Activity · Cholesterol Reduction · Cardiovascular Health & Protection · Cancer Prevention - Breast Cancer · Cancer Prevention - Liver Cancer · Anti-Cancer - General· Anti-Aging· Neuroprotective Property · Distribution & Bioavailability· Analytical & Isolation Methods· Sources, Chemistry & Metabolism· Toxicology & Other Health Benefits

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are a group of compounds that help to protect the body from the formation and elimination of free-radicals. Free-radicals are formed from exposure to sunlight and pollution and also as a byproduct of cell metabolism. Alcohol, cigarette smoke, stress and even diet also affect the level of free-radical development in the body. Excellent antioxidants include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, ginkgo biloba, grape seed extract, and green tea extract.
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Vitamin C FormulaVitamin C Formula is a Life Plus formulation of one of nature's most important nutrients. Vitamin C is also referred to as ascorbic acid. It is essential, and our bodies do not manufacture it. Because Vitamin C is water soluble, it is easily "dumped" into the urine and eliminated when super large amounts are taken at one time. In order to preserve the highest levels in the body, Life Plus Vitamin C Formula is uniquely formulated to be a slow release tablet.
Vitamin E ComplexVita-E-Complex contains the entire family of compounds called tocopherols, which are composed of d-alpha, d-gamma, d-delta, and d-beta-tocophero. Vitamin E is one of the most important single antioxidants and is considered to be the master vitamin that provides nutritional support to the lipid portions of our cells, such as the cell membranes. Vitamin E helps nutritionally support red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and organs throughout the body. It is an antioxidant that helps support the nervous, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems.

Antioxidant Vitamins

What are antioxidant vitamins?
Much research has recently focused on how antioxidant vitamins may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Antioxidant vitamins — E, C and beta carotene (a form of vitamin A) — have potential health-promoting properties. Though the data are incomplete, up to 30 percent of Americans are taking some form of antioxidant supplement.
AHA Scientific Position
The American Heart Association doesn't recommend using antioxidant vitamin supplements until more complete data are available. We continue to recommend that people eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods daily from all the basic food groups.
Eating a variety of foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol will provide a natural source of these vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Background
Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol is important in the development of fatty buildups in the arteries. This process, called atherosclerosis, can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Until recently, it was thought that LDL cholesterol lipoprotein oxidation and its biological effects could be prevented by using antioxidant supplements. However, more recent clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of antioxidant supplements. Some studies even suggest that antioxidant supplement use could have harmful effects.
Using dietary supplements of antioxidants to prevent cardiovascular disease should not be recommended until their effect is proved in clinical trials that directly test their impact on CVD end points. Beneficial effects must be demonstrated in well designed (randomized, placebo-controlled) clinical trials before recommending widespread use to prevent cardiovascular disease.
At this time, the scientific evidence supports a diet high in food sources of antioxidants and other heart-protecting nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts instead of antioxidant supplements to reduce risk of CVD.
Related AHA publications:
Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish}

Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Diseases
How does oxidation work in cardiovascular disease?
Atherosclerosis is a condition where the walls of the arteries are damaged and narrowed by deposits of plaque (cholesterol and other fatty substances, calcium, fibrin, and cellular wastes) , eventually blocking off the flow of blood. Plaque deposits can result in bleeding (hemorrhage) or formation of a blood clot (thrombus). When hemorrhage or thrombus blocks the flow of blood through the entire artery, a heart attack or a stroke occurs. High blood levels of cholesterol - particularly the cholesterol carried by low-density lipoprotein ("LDL", a protein found in blood) - are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Normal LDL in plasma is not oxidized. Oxidation of LDL is believed to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (Frei 1995). Macrophage cells preferentially take up oxidized LDL, become loaded with lipids, and convert into "foam cells" (Aviram 1996). Foam cells accumulate in fatty streaks, early signs of atherosclerosis. Humans produce auto-antibodies against oxidized LDL, and the levels of such auto-antibodies are higher in patients with atherosclerosis (Frei 1995).
The identification of LDL oxidation as a key event in atherosclerosis suggests that it may be possible to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by antioxidant supplementation (Ylä-Herttuala 1991). Vitamin E is the major naturally-occurring antioxidant in human lipoproteins (Bowry et al. 1992). Most circulating carotenoids are associated with lipoproteins in plasma (Clevidence and Bieri 1993). The largest fraction of total carotenoids is found in LDL, as evidenced by the typically yellow color of this lipoprotein fraction (Clevidence and Bieri 1993). The largest fraction of hydrocarbon carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene and lycopene), as well as most vitamin E and other tocopherols, is transported by LDL (Clevidence and Bieri 1993; Goulinet and Chapman 1997; Oshima et al. 1997), suggesting that these compounds in particular may play an important role in preventing oxidative modification of this lipoprotein fraction. The more polar xanthophylls (oxygenated carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and capsanthin) are distributed more evenly between HDL and LDL (Clevidence and Bieri 1993; Goulinet and Chapman 1997; Oshima et al. 1997). For example, a Japanese study found that ~70% of hydrocarbon carotenoids (lycopene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene) were found in LDL, whereas the polar xanthophylls (capsanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) were distributed about equally between HDL and LDL (Oshima et al. 1997). The authors speculated that these polar xanthophylls might be localized at the polar surface of lipoproteins high in phospholipids (as is HDL) (Oshima et al. 1997). Upon subfractionation of LDL particles, it was found that lycopene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are found mostly in larger, less-dense LDL particles whereas lutein and zeaxanthin are mostly in the smaller, more dense LDL particles (Lowe et al. 1999). Interestingly, the more dense LDL subfractions, which had lower overall carotenoid and vitamin E concentrations, were also more easily oxidized (Lowe et al. 1999).
Epidemiological and clinical data indicate that dietary antioxidants may protect against cardiovascular disease (Frei 1995). Several epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between serum levels of beta-carotene and other carotenoids and coronary heart disease (reviewed by Kritchevsky 1999). One study found that serum levels of alpha- and beta-carotene and lycopene were 1.9-, 1.7-, and 2.7-fold higher, respectively, in Israeli men than in Czech men; mortality rates, blood pressure, and coronary heart disease rates in the subjects were highest in Czech and lowest in Israeli men (Bobak et al. 1999). However, clinical studies with carotenoid supplementation have been equivocal, and in fact some major clinical trials with beta-carotene supplementation have shown either no or negative effects on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer (reviewed by Mayne 1996 and Kritchevsky 1999). Carotenoids are regarded as good biomarkers for fruit and vegetable dietary intake, but other plant-derived compounds may well play a significant role in health. Still, studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin E (Reaven and Witztum 1993) and other small compounds (including vitamin C, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, and drugs such as probucol) can decrease the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation (Jialal and Fuller 1995); these compounds have in common their antioxidant activity.
Carotid intima-media thickness ("carotid IMT", essentially the thickness of one of the main arteries in the neck) is a measure of asymptomatic early atherosclerosis; in one atherosclerosis risk study, carotid IMT was found to be inversely correlated to the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are xanthophylls (oxygenated carotenoids) regarded as biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake (Iribarren et al. 1997). Another study found that lutein and cryptoxanthin were twice as high in a population (Toulouse) that had a much lower incidence of coronary heart disease than another group (Belfast), suggesting that such xanthophylls (hydroxycarotenoids) may be useful as antioxidant supplements (Howard et al. 1996).
Few studies have used carotenoids (other than beta-carotene) as anti-atherogenic dietary supplements. One in vitro study showed that cell-mediated oxidation of LDL was inhibited by beta-carotene, but enhanced by lutein or lycopene (Dugas et al. 1998). The same researchers later reported that dietary (i. e., in vivo) supplementation of 15 mg per day of beta-carotene over four weeks resulted in a 3- to 6-fold increase in the beta-carotene content of LDL; the in vitro-tested increase in oxidation resistance of LDL isolated from the subjects was greater than the increase in oxidation resistance seen in LDL enriched in vitro 11- to 12-fold with beta-carotene (Dugas 1999). Again, no effect on LDL resistance to oxidation was seen for lycopene supplied as a dietary supplement (Dugas 1999). These results are in contradiction to studies that reported a significant decrease in serum lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation after three weeks of lycopene dietary supplementation (Agarwal and Rao 1998), and that in vitro supplementation of beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, or zeaxanthin inhibited cell-mediated LDL oxidation (Carpenter et al.1997) A recent large study of the relationship between dietary antioxidant intake and risk for ischemic stroke (as a consequence of atherosclerosis) followed 43,738 men aged 40 -75 years over 8 years (Ascherio et al. 1999). This study found a significant inverse relation between lutein intake and risk for ischemic stroke but this was not independent of other dietary factors. The authors concluded that vitamin E and vitamin C supplements and specific carotenoids did not substantially reduce risk for stroke in the population studied.
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References:
Agarwal, S. and Rao, A. V. (1998) Tomato lycopene and low density lipoprotein oxidation: a human dietary intervention study. Lipids, 33: 981-984.
Ascherio, A., Rimm, E. B., Hernán, M. A., Giovannucci, E., Kawachi, I., Stampfer, M. J., and Willett, W. C. (1999) Relation of consumption of vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids to risk for stroke among men in the United States. Ann. Intern. Med., 130:963-970.
Aviram, M. (1996) Interaction of oxidized low density lipoprotein with macrophages in atherosclerosis, and the antiatherogenicity of antioxidants. Eur. J. Clin. Chem. Clin. Biochem., 34(8):599-608.
Bobak, M., Hense, H. W., Kark, J., Kuch, B., Vojtisek, P., Sinnreich, R., Gostomzyk, J., Bui, M., von Eckardstein, A., Junker, R., Fobker, M., Schulte, H., Assmann, G., Marmot, M. (1999) An ecological study of determinants of coronary heart disease rates: a comparison of Czech, Bavarian and Israeli men. Int. J. Epidemiol., 28: 437-444.
Bowry, V. W., Ingold, K. U., and Stocker, R. (1992) Vitamin E in human low-density lipoprotein: when and how this antioxidant becomes a pro-oxidant. Biochem. J., 288(Part 2):341-344.
Carpenter, K. L. H., Van Der Veen, C., Hird, R., Dennis, I. F., Ding, T., Mitchinson, M. J. (1997) The carotenoids beta-carotene, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin inhibit macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation. FEBS Letters, 401: 262-266.
Clevidence, B. A. and Bieri, J. G. (1993) Association of carotenoids with human plasma lipoproteins. Methods Enzymol., 214:33-46.
Dugas, T. R., Morel, D. W., and Harrison, E. H. (1998) Impact of LDL carotenoid and alpha-tocopherol content on LDL oxidation by endothelial cells in culture. J. Lipid Res., 39(5):999-1007.
Dugas, T. R,, Morel, D. W., and Harrison, E. H. (1999) Dietary supplementation with beta-carotene, but not with lycopene, inhibits endothelial cell-mediated oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Free Radic. Biol. Med., 26: 1238-1244.
Frei, B. (1995) Cardiovascular disease and nutrient antioxidants: role of low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr., 35(1-2):83-98.
Goulinet, S. and Chapman, M. J. (1997) Plasma LDL and HDL subspecies are heterogeneous in particle content of tocopherols and oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids: relevance to oxidative resistance and atherogenesis. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., 17:786-796.
Howard, A. N., Williams, N. R., Palmer, C. R., Cambou, J. P. Evans, A. E. Foote, J. W., Marques-Vidal, P. McCrum, E. E., Ruidavets, J. B., Nigdikar, S. V., Rajput-Williams, J., and Thurnham, D. I. (1996) Do hydroxy-carotenoids prevent coronary heart disease? A comparison between Belfast and Toulouse. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res., 66(2):113-118.
Irribaren, C., Folsom, A. R., Jacobs, D. R., Jr., Gross, M. D., Belcher, J. D., and Eckfeldt, J. H. (1997) Association of serum vitamin levels, LDL susceptibility to oxidation, and autoantibodies agains MDA-LDL with carotid atherosclerosis: a case control study. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., 17(6):1171-1177.
Jialal, I. and Fuller, C. J. (1995) Effect of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene on LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis. Can. J. Cardiol., 11(Suppl. G):97G-103G.
Kritchevsky, S. B. (1999) ß-Carotene, carotenoids and the prevention of coronary heart disease. J. Nutr., 129: 5-8.
Lowe, G. M., Bilton, R. F., Davies, I. G., Ford, T. C., Billington, D., and Young, A. J. (1999) Carotenoid composition and antioxidant potential in subfractions of human low-density lipoprotein. Ann. Clin. Biochem., 36:323-332.
Mayne, S. T. (1996) Beta-carotene, carotenoids, and disease prevention in humans. FASEB J., 10:690-701.
Oshima, S., Sakamoto, H., Ishiguro, Y., and Terao, J. (1997) Accumulation and clearance of capsanthin in blood plasma after the ingestion of paprika juice in men. J. Nutr., 127:1475-1479.
Reaven, P. D. and Witztum, J. L. (1993) Comparison of supplementation of RRR-alpha-tocopherol and racemic alpha-tocopherol in humans: effects on lipid levels and lipoprotein susceptibitily to oxidation. Arterioscler. Thromb., 13(4):601-608.
Ylä-Herttuala, S. (1991) Macrophages and oxidized low density lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Ann. Med., 23(5):561-567.

Cardiovascular deseases and Management

Cardiovascular Disease Facts and Statistics
Cardiovascular Diseases[arteriosclerosis, angina, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia]
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Cardiovascular Disease Self Management Program[Nutrient Associations, Lifestyle Changes, Medical Options and Precautions]
Center for Disease Control Framework[Federal and State Government Recommendations and Programs]
Cardiovascular Drugs[Common drugs used to treat cardiovascular problems with list of side effects]
Personal Cardiovascular Experiences[Hayley's amazing drop in cholesterol levels and praise from a doctor about blood pressure and heart test results]
CV-Kit[Complete nutritional support for cardiovascular problems and diseases]

Cardiovascular Disease Facts and Statistics
Leading Cause of Deathin the United States
One person diesevery 30 secondsfrom heart disease,that's over 2,600 peopleevery single day!
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), principally heart disease and stroke, is the Nation's leading killer for both men and women among all racial and ethnic groups.
Almost 1 million Americans die of CVD each year, which adds up to 42% of all deaths.
Heart disease doesn't just kill the elderly -- it is the leading cause of death for ALL Americans age 35 and older. Heart disease accounts for over one million deaths each year; in 160,000 of those deaths the individuals were 35 to 64 years old.
Early medical detection and treatment is available, but the effectiveness of this in actually preventing heart attacks is questionable according to a study that was published in the journal Circulation. In this study, Dr. Lewis Kuller reviewed the medical records of 326 individuals who had received medical examinations within the six month period before they died from a sudden heart attack. Eighty-six of the 326 examinations were done within the seven day period prior to death from heart attack. Not a single one of the 326 heart attacks had been predicted by the physicians.
The death toll alone is a staggering burden, but it is only part of the picture. The rest of the picture is filled with individuals who daily struggle with the complications of CVD. One out of every four Americans has CVD, that converts to about 57 million Americans. Heart disease and stroke account for almost 6 million hospitalizations each year and cause disability for almost 10 million Americans age 65 years and older.

CVD costs the nation $274 billion each year, including health expenditures and lost productivity. The 1999 cost is estimated to be $286.5 billion, and the burden continues to grow as the population ages.
Until fiscal year (FY) 1998, NO Federal Funding had been directed to states to target CVD.
According to studies conducted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control where you live might affect your exposure to factors causing heart disease (i.e. environmental pollution, daily stress, lifestyle behaviors).
Also, a number of health-related behaviors practiced by people every day contribute markedly to cardiovascular disease. Their statements are as follows:
Tobacco Use: Smokers have twice the risk of heart attack as nonsmokers. One-fifth of the annual 1,000,000 deaths from CVD are attributable to smoking. Surveillance data indicate that an estimated 1,000,000 young people become "regular" smokers each year.
Lack of Physical Activity: People who are sedentary have twice the risk of heart disease as those who are physically active. Despite these risks, America remains a predominantly sedentary society. Surveys show that more than half of American adults do not practice the recommended level of physical activity, and more than one-fourth are completely sedentary.
Poor Nutrition: Between 20% and 30% of the nation’s adults (some 58 million people) are obese and thus have a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes. Only 27% of women and 19% of men report eating the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.


Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) includes dysfunctional conditions of the heart, arteries, and veins that supply oxygen to vital life-sustaining areas of the body like the brain, the heart itself, and other vital organs. If oxygen doesn't arrive the tissue or organ will die.
Ischemic Heart Disease is the technical term for obstruction of blood flow to the heart. In general this results because excess fat or plaque deposits are narrowing the veins that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Excess buildup of fat or plaque are respectively termed arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Equally significant would be inadequate oxygen flow to the brain, which causes a stroke.
High Blood Pressure (hypertension) often results from this excess fat or plaque buildup because of the extra effort it takes to circulate blood. Even though the heart works harder, blockages still shortchange the needed blood supply to all areas of the body. The body's amazing survival systems will mask the subtle damage that is occurring from this extra wear and tear, but not forever. High blood pressure is called "The Silent Killer" because the first warning sign is an angina attack or a deadly heart attack or a stroke.
Kidney disorders (which leave extra fluids, sodium, and toxins in the body), obesity, diabetes, birth control pills, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol, stress, and thyroid and adrenal gland problems can also cause and exacerbate a high blood pressure condition.
Damage to the heart tissues from CVD or from heart surgery will disrupt the natural electrical impulses of the heart and result in cardiac arrhythmia (an abnormally high or abnormally low heart rate). Individuals often don't realize the aftermath and side effects that invasive surgical procedures leave. Sudden fluctuations in heart rate can cause noticeable palpitations, with an associated faintness, or dizziness, and if severely abnormal could interfere with blood flow and even initiate a heart attack.
Proper ranges of cholesterol are also important in the prevention of heart attack or stroke. Total blood cholesterol above 200 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol above 130 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol below 35 mg/dl; and lipoprotein(a) level greater than 30 mg/dl are indicators of problematic cholesterol. Cholesterol is not actually a damage mechanism but is more an indicator of compromised liver function, and increased risk of heart attack.
Infection of the heart, carditis and endocarditis, is an additional complication that can occur as a result of a weak immune system, liver problems, heart surgery, or from an autoimmune disorder like rheumatic fever. Endocarditis is quite common in persons with compromised immune systems from HIV or AIDS. If not appropriately handled, permanent heart muscle damage can occur from the infection.


Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment StrategiesThe traditional approach is medication and surgery, but several published studies indicate that a second and even third opinion should be obtained before proceeding with surgery.
"Angiograms, bypass surgery, and angioplasty are a big business. Over one million heart angiograms are performed each year for a total annual cost of over ten billion dollars. But based upon extensive analysis, it appears that most of this money is wasted. The use of expensive surgery is physically invasive and traumatic for the heart patient, and upon evaluation of case histories has been shown to be five to ten times more deadly than the disease, and in many instances unnecessary!" [As reported in: Graboys, et. al. 1987 Journal of the American Medical Association; Graboys, et. al. 1992 Journal of the American Medical Association; Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) 1984 New England Journal of Medicine; CASS study, Alderman, et. al. 1982 and 1990 Circulation (Journal)].Many scientific studies validate the effect diet and supplements can have for the body to heal damages to the cardiovascular system. Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.
Our Personal Framework for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control will give you this nutrient association information as well as other helpful lifestyle changes for managing the disease. We also include the Center for Disease Control Framework for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control to help you understand on a large scale what the government is doing.