New research shows that inflammation in the bloodstream is twice as likely as high cholesterol to trigger heart attacks. The inflammation comes from many sources and triggers heart attacks by weakening the walls of blood vessels, making fatty buildups burst. Many believe the evidence is now conclusive that inflammation is a key factor in the cause of cardiovascular disease, by far the world's biggest killer.

The findings indicate that a marker for inflammation, called C-Reactive Protein (CRP), may be a better indicator of future heart trouble than cholesterol. Women in the study with high blood levels of CRP were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack or other comparable problem than those with high levels of the bad LDL cholesterol that clogs arteries. The data indicates that the C-reactive protein level is a stronger predictor of future heart attack and strokes than the LDL cholesterol level (N Engl J Med 2002 Nov 14;347(20):1557-1565).

Doctors believe the condition often begins when the fatty buildups that line the blood vessels become inflamed as white blood cells invade in a misguided defense attempt. Fat cells are also known to turn out these inflammatory proteins. Other possible triggers include high blood pressure, smoking and lingering infections, such as chronic gum disease.

The new class of Cholesterol lowering drugs, known as "statins," has been shown to lower CRP, but they can also cause muscle liver and kidney disease. Aspirin, which has been recommended for years to reduce the risk of blood clots and heart attacks, lowers CRP. However, Aspirin causes 16,000 deaths annually from internal bleeding.

The good news is that diet and exercise can lower CRP dramatically and an extract found the seeds of grapes and pine bark, known as proanthocyanadin, has been shown to be 5 times more effective than Aspirin without the side effects. Proanthocyanidin has been found to prevent blood clots and inflammation without increasing bleeding. (Thromb Res 1999 Aug 15;95(4):155-61)

Dr. Hansen has been testing CRP, as well as Homocysteine and Fibrinogen for patients with increased risk of heart disease for years. Homocysteine causes damage to artery linings if Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid are low. Fibrinogen also causes plaque to adhere to the walls of the arteries and can be reversed by eating garlic and taking special proteolytic enzymes.

Get Tested
Dr. Hansen recommends that everyone with a family history of heart disease, or symptoms of heart disease get tested for these new markers and correct them with natural remedies.

For more information about natural Cholesterol lowering options, please click here.
For more information about Grape Seed Extract, please click here.