John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

In this first in a series on heart health, we look at blood circulation within the heart itself.

Coronary (heart) circulation starts with oxygen-rich blood from the aorta pumping into the left and right coronary arteries and then into the smaller blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to heart muscle cells.

Any tissue receiving insufficient oxygen and nutrients will show stress and eventually die. When coronary circulation is restricted by plaques and clots this can lead to reduced circulation, causing angina and at worst a heart attack. The actual process by which plaques form is much more complex than we are led to believe. In an attempt to give a simple explanation, we are told circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol clogs coronary arteries, much like a pipe getting blocked with fat.

The reality is quite different. The process of plaque formation starts with excess LDL cholesterol becoming trapped within the walls of arteries. The trapped cholesterol then oxidises and changes into a dangerous form in what is an already inflammatory environment. White blood cells then gobble up the cholesterol and become fatty foam cells that form streaks in arteries, leading to the first step of atherosclerosis – the blocking of heart arteries. This is a dual process of oxidation of cholesterol and artery inflammation.

The answer is an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements rich in antioxidants, especially grape seed extract and vitamin E that reduce cholesterol oxidation and associated inflammation. Additionally, we add nutrients that help optimise blood flow and general blood vessel health.

While medication to lower cholesterol is very effective some cannot tolerate it, and others prefer a more natural solution. An option is to use natural compounds, such as palm fruit and citrus extracts, to help balance cholesterol. We'll look into natural cholesterol management in the next column.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med), is a nutritional therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@johnarts.co.nz Join his weekly newsletter at: www.johnarts.co.nz For product information visit: www.abundant.co.nz