Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death and impairment.

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Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death and impairment in America today. It is estimated that 1,100,000 new or recurrent coronary attacks occur per year in America. It affects close to 60 million Americans. To better place this disease in perspective, every 20 seconds a person in the United States has a heart attack, and one third of these attacks lead to death. Moreover, 50% of Americans have levels of cholesterol that place them at high risk of coronary artery disease, and cholesterol is only one factor that causes the occlusion of arteries that is technically known as atherosclerosis.

The high mortality of the disease, widespread suffering, and huge economic impact demand an integrated medical approach and therapies. This protocol reflects that meticulous approach.

The most common form of heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, generally known as coronary heart disease, hardening and/or thickening of the arteries. It involves the slow buildup of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, body cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood) in the inside lining of an artery. The buildup that results, called plaque, may partially or totally block the blood's flow through the artery. This can lead to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) on the plaque's surface. If either of these occurs and blocks the entire artery, a heart attack or stroke may result.

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One researcher reported that otherwise-healthy soldiers examined after returning from World War II had arteries already occluded 22%, even though they were only 20 years old. Sometimes referred to as the "silent killer," atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease can progress for years undetected by an individual who may have, or be at great risk from, the disease.

Generally few symptoms arise with the early, and in some cases later, stages of the disease. An elevated or high blood pressure for an individual with normal blood pressure may be an indication of disease presence; however, blood pressure increases generally occur over a ...

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