Heart Disease is a general term used to describe several different conditions. It is any disorder that affects the hearts ability to function normally, for example; heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, etc. The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.

It is a common myth that high cholesterol causes heart disease. In fact, it is the oxidation of cholesterol that causes heart disease. In truth, more people have heart attacks with normal cholesterol levels than elevated levels. There is higher death rate with low cholesterol levels than high. It is important to know the dangers of cholesterol medications. These medications can cause liver damage, neuropathy, severe joint pain and ligament and tendon rupture, atrophy, heart failure, and depression. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and work in routine exercise to stay healthy.

According to the US News and World Report, 1 out of 2 people die of heart disease and 25% of children 5 and up already have plaque forming in their arteries. Even worse, 60% of 15-19 year olds had plaque building up in their all-important coronary artery which supplies blood to the heart. Heart disease kills twice as many women as cancer and about 79,400,000 Americans have heart disease. Compared to cancer which kills about 550,270 people per year, heart disease kills 871,500 people per year.

Most people think that Heart Disease is normal with aging. In fact, heart disease and cancer are common in the US but they are absolutely not normal. High blood pressure is a good indicator that there is thickening or blocking of the arteries. This is caused by platelets in the blood clumping together to heal the arteries. Another cause of heart disease is inflammation. When damage occurs to the lining of ones arteries (or elsewhere) chemicals are released to initiate the process of inflammation. This causes the arteries to constrict which makes blood more prone to clot.

There are easy ways to prevent heart disease by just adjusting your daily diet. There are many advanced diet plans out there to follow, you just need to be sure to stick to it. One thing you can do is eat lots of garlic. Other helpful minerals and vitamins include: CoQ10, fish oil, multi-mineral vitamins, and anti-oxidants. There are also great Chiropractic ways of reducing chances of heart disease, so be sure to stop in and ask Dr. Jerod what he can do to help you stay healthy!

Dr. Jerod – Health & Wellness Expert

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Dr. Jerod Ochensdorf – 763-420-2226