John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

High cholesterol is a known risk factor for developing coronary heart disease but the real culprits are high levels of artery inflammation coupled with low antioxidant levels.

The first stage in the formation of plaques is oxidation (free radical damage) of cholesterol trapped in heart artery walls. The second stage is an inflammatory response and thirdly the formation of plaques that restrict blood flow. There are a number of antioxidants that protect cholesterol from becoming oxidised, especially vitamins E, C and co-enzyme Q10.

The widely respected Physicians Health Study has identified five main risk factors for sudden death from CHD. The number one risk factor is low levels of the Omega 3 fats. Those with high levels of Omega 3 only have a 10% risk of CHD while those with a low index have almost 10 times the risk.

Risk factor two is background inflammation – those with the highest levels of background inflammation, as measured by CRP (C Reactive protein), have the highest risk of heart disease. This comes as no surprise as Omega 3 and various antioxidants lower CRP. In heart health programmes I invariably include at least 200mg of 95% grape seed extract, 400IU of vitamin E, all the other antioxidants groups and a full B vitamin complex and Omega 3.

Risk factor 3 is your ‘good' HDL cholesterol. HDL measures cholesterol returning from your cells to your liver to be recycled. The next two risk factors are almost a dead heat for fourth equal. Both high levels of LDL cholesterol and high levels of the highly destructive radical amino acid homocysteine are risk factors. Homocysteine is easily neutralised by B vitamins.

Bad fats, low antioxidants, too much weight and not enough exercise- these are the real killers. The key to reducing CHD risk factors is to adopt all, not just some, of the measures that reduce plaque formation and improve both coronary and general circulation. More than this, these measures will help promote good circulation, lower blood pressure and ensure that your heart and blood vessels will last a full lifetime. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John, phone (local) 578 9051 or 0800 423 559.