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Cholesterol, Hypertension, and Stress |
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(READING TIPS: For fast reading, scan through the topic headings in BOLD BLACK, important conclusions in BOLD BLUE, and " Must Know " in BOLD RED. To jump to specific sections in this article, click on the respective LINKS in the Contents.)
| Before You Begin Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here. |
Content
Introduction
Elevated Cholesterol
Elevated Blood Pressure
Elevated Stress
Discussion
14 million Americans have heart disease and more than
2,600 die daily from heart attacks in the United States alone. According
to the World Health Organization, 12 million people worldwide die every
year from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular diseases.
15% of adults in their late 30s to 40s are afflicted by this disease, about
50% of 55 to 64 year-olds, and 65% of those in the next decade are afflicted.
It is obvious that most of the population slept through Heart Disease Prevention
101 in school.
To reduce the incidences of cardiovascular disease, researchers have been
unearthing markers that have proven predictive values in this disease. Over
300 markers have been unearthed, including correlations between infection,
age and height, and male pattern baldness to the increased incidence to
cardiovascular disease.
What are the latest alternative treatment options in normalizing three
established risk factors - elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and stress?
Elevated Cholesterol
Cholesterol, a lipid (fatty) component of all cellular membranes, is required
to support cellular integrity and for the biosynthesis of vital hormones.
80% of our cholesterol is produced by the liver. The endogenous production
of cholesterol is controlled by the rate limiting enzyme, HMG-CoA ( 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl
coenzyme A) reductase.
Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis begins in our teenage years.
In response to the high cholesterol level, muscle cells underneath the endothelium,
or inner lining, of blood vessels release a signal to attract monocytes.
Monocytes are white blood cells that fight infection. When these cells migrate
under the endothelium and amass cholesterol, calcium, and other substances,
a plaque is formed. With time, the swollen endothelium loses its elasticity
and may rupture. This injury to the lining draws clot-forming platelets,
resulting in a clot or thrombus. The narrowed artery may cause chest pain
(angina) or, if completely obstructed, a heart attack.
Elevated serum cholesterol level is a recognized and well-established risk
factor for developing coronary heart disease. For most people, lifestyle
adjustments (including dietary changes and moderate exercise) are sufficient
to normalize the cholesterol levels. For those who don't respond to these
methods, or for those with a genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolemia,
standard medical therapy will employ drugs to bring cholesterol under control.
These include bile acid sequestrants, cholestyramine, and colestipol.
A class of drugs used to aggressively treat elevated LDL levels is the synthetically
derived HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as Iovastatin, pravastatin, and
simvastatin. By inhibiting the production of HMG-CoA reductase, cholesterol
production in the liver is reduced. Together, they belong to the "statin"
group of drugs. These are among the most potent lipid-lowering agents available.
To compensate for the resulting reduction of cholesterol production, the
liver increases absorption of LDL cholesterol, further contributing to an
overall reduction of LDL cholesterol levels.
While statin drugs are
effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, they have serious side effects.
Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase also inhibits the intrinsic biosynthesis
of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a central compound in the mitochondrial respiratory
chain. CoQ10 is indispensable for optimum cardiac function, and reduction of CoQ10 constitutes a new
risk of cardiac disease, especially for those whose cardiac function is
compromised, such as those with congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
Statin drugs are also expensive to use with monthly costs around US $100-200.
To deal with the prohibitive cost of statins, researchers in China have
examined the use of a natural food product called red yeast rice as a more
affordable alternative to controlling cholesterol levels. Red yeast flour
is used extensively in Chinese cooking as a flavoring agent and food coloring
for dishes such as tofu, Peking duck, and Chinese spareribs. It is manufactured
by fermenting rice with a specific strain of yeast called Monascus purpureus.
It has been used as health-enhancing properties for over two thousand years.
Only recently was it discovered
that red yeast rice contains an abundance of lovastatin, the same cholesterol-lowering
ingredient found in pharmaceutical statins, such as Mevacor, that acts as
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
Clinical research has been conducted
in China and the United States. A single-blind trial with 502 patients diagnosed
with hyperlipidemia was studied in China. Patients were randomized into
one of four groups: three treatment groups and a control. These patients
either had a serum total cholesterol of over 230 mg/dL, LDL of at least
130 mg/dL, or triglyceride of 200-400 mg/dL. All patients also had HDL levels
lower than 44 mg/dL. Patients were given 600 mg red yeast rice twice a day
(1,200 mg/day). After 4 weeks of therapy, the treatment group's LDL level
declined an average of 24.6% versus only 6.3% in the control group. Serum
triglyceride levels declined an average of 19.8% in the treatment group
versus 9.2% in controls. HDL levels increased by 12.8% in the treatment
versus only 4.9% in the control group, and total cholesterol levels decreased
significantly by 17.1% in the treatment group, compared to a drop in the
control group of only 4.8%. Benefits continued to accrue over the course
of the eight-week study, with patients in the treatment group achieving
an average reduction in total cholesterol of 22.7% versus a 7% average reduction
in the control group. LDL reduction was 30.9% in the treatment group, triglyceride
levels were reduced by 34% in the treatment group versus 13% in the control
group, and HDL increased by 20% versus only 8% in the control group.
A similar study over 12 weeks was carried out in America by Dr. David Herber
of the University of California at Los Angeles. Dr. Herber's study was a
double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment involving 83 volunteers taking
red yeast supplements. LDL levels dropped 15% among patients taking the
red yeast supplement over an eight-week period. Most individuals following
a very strict diet - without taking a cholesterol-lowering supplement -
can only expect to have a 10% reduction in cholesterol level.
While generally well tolerated, minor side effects of red yeast rice include
heartburn, flatulence and dizziness. These are usually resolved upon its
discontinuation.
Nutritional Supplements Consideration:
- 600 mg Red Yeast Rice Powder twice a day for those with cholesterol levels
greater than 200 mg/dl and triglyceride levels greater than 200 mg/dL
Elevated Blood Pressure
Hypertension weakens the artery
wall which are already stiffened and narrowed by plaques. As the heart is
overloaded, blood pressure continues to rise. This increase forces the left
ventricle of the heart to work even harder, causing left ventricular hypertrophy,
resulting in chronic heart failure and electrical system dysfunctions, triggering
arrhythmias.
Traditional treatment of hypertension varies from beta-blockers, vasodilators,
diuretics, and calcium channel blockers. They are prescribed under the supervision
of a physician and many have unpleasant side effects.
Alternative forms of treating hypertension through natural means have been
under study in recent years, especially in relation to minerals. Epidemiological
data suggest a relationship between blood pressure and calcium, potassium,
and magnesium. Relatively high amounts of mineral intake can induce vascular
smooth muscle relaxation and thus, peripheral resistance. These minerals
are also critical in controlling conduction system and reduce the incidence
of arrhythmias. Magnesium, in particular, plays a role in neuromuscular
transmission activity and ion exchange. Studies have shown that patients
with essential hypertension have significantly lowered blood pressure after
8 weeks on the mineral compared to the control group.
Other than minerals, essential fatty acids have anti-inflammation and platelet
aggregation, thereby lowering blood pressure. A high
intake of 5,000 mg to 10,000 mg of essential fatty acids is needed. This
often causes a harmless but unpleasant fishy "burp" which is not well tolerated.
Also, the herb hawthorne has been known to cause vasodilatation, which reduces
peripheral vascular resistance. It enhances cardiac ejection fraction and
decreases blood pressure.
Nutritional Supplements Consideration:
- Magnesium 400 - 700 mg
- Calcium 800 - 1,000 mg
- Potassium 400 - 600 mg (from food)
- Hawthorne 160 - 250 mg (2% flavonoids and 18.75% procyanidins)
Elevated Stress
Stress
is a hallmark risk factor of cardiovascular disease, mainly due to its effect
on arterial blood pressure, levels of atherosclerosis promoters, and neuroendocrine
reactions. Studies
of psychological stress in monkeys, for example, demonstrated an increased
number of injured endothelial cells in the thoracic aorta. Acute psychological
stress has also been shown to induce rapid and significant elevation in
plasma homocysteine levels. The monkeys also suffered from exacerbated atherosclerosis
via a heightened response of the sympathetic nervous system, which also
exacerbates poor circulation. Studies have found that laboratory-induced
stress, such as anger and irritability in heart disease patients, causes
ischemia more than half the time.
Stress management can measurably improve performance on cardiac function
tests. This is especially true of Type A personalities, whose chances of developing heart
disease by the time they are 50 is four to five time greater than Type B
personalities. The writing on the wall is clear - relax or else!
Certain nutrients can reduce the effects of the stress response at the physiological
level. Antioxidant nutrients, such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ1O), Vitamin E, Vitamin
B complex, and Magnesium help counteract the increase in oxidative stress
associated with psychological stress.
Nutritional Supplements Consideration:
- Coenzyme Q10: 30 mg
- Vitamin E: 400 IU
- Vitamin B12: 500 - 1,000 mcg
- Magnesium: 300 - 500 mg
- Vitamin C: 500 - 2,000 mg
- Bea Carotene: 15,000 - 25,000 IU
| Attention Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here. |
In addition to lifestyle modifications consisting of a healthy diet and moderate exercise, normalization of traditional established risk factors of cardiovascular disease may incorporate nutritional supplementation as part of the regimen.
To normalize elevated cholesterol, red yeast rice powder may be considered.
To normalize high blood pressure, various minerals can be considered.
To normalize stress, various antioxidants can be considered.
| Attention Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here. |
Discussion
In addition to lifestyle modifications consisting of a healthy diet and
moderate exercise, normalization of traditional established risk factors
of cardiovascular disease may incorporate nutritional supplementation as
part of the regimen.
To normalize elevated cholesterol, red
yeast rice powder may be considered.
To normalize high blood pressure, various minerals can be considered.
To normalize stress, various antioxidants can be considered.
| Message from Dr. Lam I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don’t understand, comments (good or bad), or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here. |
About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He is currently the Director of Medical Education at the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, U.S.A. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Lam pioneered the formulation of the three clinical phases of aging as well as the concept of diagnosis and treatment of sub-clinical age related degenerative diseases to deter the aging process. Dr. Lam has been published extensively in this field. He is the author of The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity (available on-line). He also serves as editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Research.
For More Information
For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam
at www.LamMD.com. Feel free to email
Dr. Lam at dr@LamMD.com if you have any questions.
Reprint Information
This article may, in its unabridged, unaltered form and in its entirety only,
be reprinted and republished without permission provided that it is for personal
and non commercial education use only and further provided that credit be given
to the author, with copyright notice and www.LamMD.com
clearly displayed as source. Written permission from Dr. Lam is required
for all other use.
©2000 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
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