Atherosclerosis and Obesity: as Great Risks to our Health

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis also known as hardening of the arteries. The term atherosclerosis comes from the Greek word atheros which means “gruel” or “paste” and sclerosis which means “hardness”, it denotes formation of fibro fatty lesions in the internal lining of the large and medium-sized arteries such as aorta and its branches, the coronary arteries and the large vessels that supply blood and nutrients to the brain.
Although there has been a gradual decline in deaths caused by atherosclerosis over the past decades, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men and women in United States alone.
This condition begins as an insidious process and clinical manifestations of the disease do not become evident for 20 to 40 years or longer. Fibrous plaques commonly begin to appear in the arteries in early twenties.
Some of the causes of atherosclerosis have not been certainly identified. However, studies identified predisposing risk factors namely: age, history of disease, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol level.
Among these, health care behaviors such as cigarette smoking, hypertension, high blood cholesterol levels and diabetes mellitus, are considered to be the major risk factors.
High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels can be controlled with a change in heath care behaviors. There is evidence that an elevated cholesterol level does not only contribute to the development of atherosclerosis lesions that block arteries but it also interferes with vessel relaxation.
Diabetes mellitus Type 2 on the other hand, develops in middle-aged and in overweight individuals. Diabetes usually elevates blood lipid levels and increases risks of atherosclerosis. Controlling diabetes risk factors is important so as to prevent atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis just like hypertension and stroke is a deadly disease. You can be asymptomatic at first but it suddenly falls to numerous complications such as heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
So, the best way to repress and stifle atherosclerosis is to lower fat and cholesterol intake.
Since most of the risk factors of this said disease are strongly linked with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. It is imperative to brawl with these risk factors.
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways and supplements that could help overcome high cholesterol and fat levels as well as obesity. You can always choose the natural way like exercising regularly, eating vegetables and avoiding fatty and oily foods.
Studies suggest that the most effective organic product to fight obesity is weight loss tea. Weight loss teas are proven to suppress your appetite, lower your cholesterol level and decrease food cravings that eventually lead to a healthier lifestyle. The best part is that they are completely natural and safe!
In order to suppress atherosclerosis and its risk factors, it is important for you to examine and to reflect on your eating habits. Be keen enough to know your diet drawbacks so as to improve your eating habits. What better way to do that than knowing what’s wrong with it first. Select foods based on your total eating patterns not whether any individual food is "good" or "bad." Eat in moderation and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that is vital for a good health.
Never take your health, most especially your blood and cholesterol levels, for granted. Check your weight, body mass index and cholesterol level, today. There is a good reason why doctors say “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

Ludovic Beraud