Heart Disease, Stroke and Cholesterol

Heart disease and stroke are the main cause of death in North America. Both result from the same process—arteriosclerosis, also called atheroscle-rosis or hardening of the arteries. This is such a common disease in the developed world that it has been considered a normal part of the aging process. In fact, overwhelming evidence links it closely to diet and life-style issues such as smoking and lack of exercise, suggesting that this major cause of mortality and morbidity is preventable, or that its progress may be slowed down or even reversed. Although it is more common in older people, the early stage of this disease is sometimes found in children, and people in their thirties can suffer significant damage.

The consequences of arteriosclerosis are disastrous—heart failure, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, high blood pressure, impaired circulation and many other ailments. Additional contributing factors aggravate this condition and must be managed throughout our lives to ensure health and longevity. Some of the high risk factors are listed below and in figure 24, together with suggested ways to deal with them.

Dietary fiber adds bulk to the feces, which then pass through the intes-tines more easily, aiding normal bowel function. Low-fiber diets affect fat absorption and increase cholesterol levels. A high-fiber diet is critical. Adequate fiber can be found by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains every day. To understand how GSH can help prevent and treat this disease, let's look at how arteriosclerosis develops. An artery wall has three layers (see figure 25)—a tough epithelium, a thick muscular mesothelium and a delicate endothelium. The endothelial lining is especially prone to damage, and thin streaks of fatty deposits can build up there. In the healthy artery,

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Heart Disease, Stroke and Cholesterol