Heart Health

Hardening of the arteries
Hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, is a common disorder. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. Over time, these plaques can block the arteries and cause symptoms and problems throughout the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Over the course of years and decades, plaque build up narrows your arteries and makes them stiffer. These changes make it harder for blood to flow through them. Clots may form in these narrowed arteries and block blood flow. Pieces of plaque can also break off and move to smaller blood vessels, blocking them. Either way, the blockage starves tissues of blood and oxygen, which can result in damage or tissue death.This is a common cause of heart attack and stroke.

Causes
Hardening of the arteries is a process that often occurs with aging. However, high blood cholesterol levels can make this process happen at a younger age.

Include Niacin as well as non-flush Niacin, the flushing is due to the tiniest surface capillaries dilating.
Remedies
Garlic is great for the cardiovascular system and helps clean blood vessels.
Cayenne scours blood vessels clean. Take in supplement form if the powder is too strong.
Hawthorn is a wonderful cardiovascular herb which benefits circulation without putting pressure on the heart. It is a cholesterol and mineral solvent.

Vitamins for Atherosclerosis
There are many vitamins and herbs that may help with atherosclerosis. A small selection can be found below.