Cholesterol Deposits in the Arteries - Walking Through the Process

Cholesterol deposits in the arteries are a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. But how can a health artery turn into a time bomb for heart attack over a period of time. In this article we will attempt to unravel the mystery of cholesterol deposits in the arteries, arming you will valuable information to avoid being one of the one million men and women who will fall victim to a heart attack this year in the United States alone.

It is easy to think of your artery as a garden hose type apparatus but it is much more complicated than that. The wall of the artery is composed of several layers. The lining or the inner layer (endothelium), when healthy, is smooth and unbroken allowing cholesterol, calcium, and dead cells to flow by without getting trapped. Cholesterol deposits start when the lining of the artery becomes jagged or diseased. At this time white blood cells called monocytes are activated and move out of the blood stream and through the lining of an artery into the artery's wall. Inside the artery they are changed into foam cells, which are cells that collect fatty materials, mainly cholesterol. Over time, smooth muscle cells move from the middle layer into the lining of the artery's wall and multiply there. Connective and elastic tissue materials also accumulate there, as may cell debris, cholesterol crystals, and calcium. The accumulation of fat laden cells, smooth muscle cells, and other materials forms a patchy deposit called plaque. As plaque continues to build blood flow starts to be lessened leading to pain and discomfort. At this point it is only a matter of time, unless steps are taken to reverse cholesterol accumulation, until total blockage occurs resulting in a heart attack.

One surprising statistics is that cholesterol deposits can begin to accumulate as early as the age of three. Another interesting fact is that arterial blockage can be reversed through proper diet and lifestyle modifications, including consuming a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, staying active on a daily basis, watching your weight, and lastly, if you smoke kicking the habit. For many this will do the trick but others may need the help of a cholesterol reducing prescription medication or one of a number of very effective natural cholesterol reducing supplements.

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about natural remedies for better health visit purchaseremedies.com Purchase Remedies.com