Treating Atherosclerosis

[lipidguy]

I currently had an EKG that revealed an Abnormal test result and have already had triple bypass surgery.
What kind of treatments can be used on a 40 year old to slow an aggresive form of atherosclerosis which is ultimately eating away at me? They might as well call this condition the, "new cancer." I have had 3 heart attacks
and am only middle aged. Please help.

[kenkeith]

Don't let an abnormal EKG be of much concern as the reliabilty for a correct diagnosis is not very good..better for heart rhythm issues.  Does your EKG report provide information for the negative response?  An abnormal EKG can have many causes and some are benign, artifact, etc. and it only a tool for a diagnosis with further clinical evidence.  

Thanks for sharing and if you have an further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care.

[ed34]

The only one I would really add is avoid stress as much as possible. If you have a stressful job, do your very best to change it, no job is worth your life.

[jrbon]

So here is my little knowledge (be aware that I might be wrong) to protect from atherosclerosis:

1) Keep BP under control. I am sure your dr do that.
2) Lower your LDL. There are studies that indicates the plaque can be reduced with LDL below 70. I am sure your dr do that.
3) Lower your inflammation level. Statins are good at that but not all has the same effect. So far I am happy with Atorvastatin.
4) Lower your homocysteine level. Vitamin B12 and Folates will help here.
5) Avoid peaks in your glucose levels. Try to make 5-7 small meals daily, avoid sugar, try to consume food with low glucemic index.
6) Increase your NO (nitric oxide ) levels. Theoretically Arginine help with that, but there are somehow controversial studies.
7) Check your Vitamin D levels if they are low, calcium might go into arteries instead of been in the bones.

Those are the ones that just come out of my mind. I am sure that others will add more info.


Jesus