The artery walls, which are usually elastic, become hardened with age and hamper the hearts ability to pump blood through the body. This condition greatly contributes to coronary heart disease and leads to high blood pressure and increases the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks.

Prevention.

• do not smoke
• avoid saturated foods
• take regular exercise.

Treatment.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

• smoking accelerates the process of arteriosclerios by making the blood more ‘sticky’ and likely to clot around the arteries. Stopping smoking is the first step in treatment of this disease.

DIETARY

making the following changes to your diet can prevent and reverse the to a significant degree:

• avoid saturated fats, found in red meats, fatty dairy products, shortening and margarine, coconut and palm oils used in snack foods, and eggs.
• substitute red meat for fish and poultry and vegetables, cooked dried beans and oat bran.
• eat a diet that is rich wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, avoid refined and junk foods.
• reduce the intake of salt and sugar
• supplementation with vitamin E has been shown to help circulatory problems: between 150 and 200mg daily.
• incorporate plenty of garlic into your diet.

MASSAGE

• regular massage from a therapist, friend or family member can greatly assist in relaxation, helping to lower blood pressure.

EXERCISE

• regular, gentle exercise, such as daily walking, swimming or gentle running or cycling, is helpful to treating this condition.

RELAXATION

• attending a yoga or meditation class will help improve or prevent this condition. The following relaxation routine should be carried out at least daily :
• lie on a firm surface, close your eyes and become aware of how your body feels. Focus your attention on each part of your body, starting with the tips of the toes, and finishing with your face and your eyes; consciously try to relax every part of your body in turn. The whole procedure should take at least ten minutes.

• yogic breathing helps relaxation: kneel on the floor, place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Inhale for two seconds, allowing your stomach to bulge out, then slowly exhale for four to eight seconds, feeling your stomach deflate. Then place your hand on your chest and repeat the procedure allowing your chest to bulge and deflate. Repeat this pattern for several minutes.
• biofeedback can help you learn to relax if you have difficulties.

ORTHODOX

• your doctor can detect arteriosclerosis by feeling the firmness of the arteries, by listening to blood flow with a stethoscope, or by examination of the blood vessels at the back of the eye. It is likely that the dietary, relaxation and exercises treatment listed above will recommended.