Home Remedies for Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening of the walls of the arteries. It has become a common
ailment in modem times, accounting for much of the disability and high death rate, more so among
older people.
Arteriosclerosis is usually preceded by atherosclerosis, a kind of fatty infiltration in the inner lining
of the blood vessel walls. The most risky places for such degeneration are the coronary vessels of
the heart and the arteries of the brain. Arteriosclerosis results in the loss of elasticity of the blood
vessels and a narrowing of the smaller arteries, which interferes with the free circulation of the
blood.
The symptoms of arteriosclerosis vary according to the arteries involved. Signs of inadequate blood
supply generally appear first in the legs. There may be numbness and coldness in the feet, and
cramps and pains in the legs even after light exercise. If the coronary arteries are involved, the
patient may have sharp pains, characteristic of angina pectoris. When arteries leading to the brain
are involved, the vessel may burst, causing haemorrhage in the
brain tissues. A cerebral vascular stroke, with partial or complete paralysis on one side of the
body, may result if there is blockage with a blood clot It may also lead to loss of memory and a
confused state of mind in elderly people. If arteries leading to the kidneys are involved, the patient
may suffer from high blood pressure and kidney disorders.
The most important causes of arteriosclerosis are lack of physical exercise, excessive intake of
white sugar, refined foods, and a high fat diet rich in cholesterol. Hardening of the arteries may
also be caused by other diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Emotional
stress plays an important part, and heart attacks are more common during periods of mental and
emotional disturbances, particularly in those engaged in sedentary occupations. Heredity also
plays its role and this disease runs in families.
It is imperative that a patient has his condition diagnosed by a physician and resorts to
remedies only in consultation with him.