Atherosclerosis Begins in Early Childhood

Atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries) is a disease caused by years of eating the rich Western diet. Fatty plaque deposits accumulate and coat the inside of the blood vessel walls beginning in early childhood. These fatty plaque streaks can be seen in children as young as three years of age, and by the age of 10, most children already have the beginning stages of heart disease.

Autopsies performed on over 300 young men killed in the Korean War revealed that over 77% of the hearts examined already had gross evidence of arteriosclerosis. The average age of the men examined was 22 years. Some vessels were clogged 90% or more. Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. The gradual clogging, hardening, and damage of the interior walls goes by unnoticed until symptoms develop. This is why heart disease is often referred to as the "silent killer." By the time symptoms are felt, arteries may be blocked 75% or more. Approximately half of all patients who experience their first (and fatal) heart attack are not even aware that they have heart disease.  

Atherosclerosis results in poor circulation to the extremities, the brain and other organs and is the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Excellent health depends on excellent circulation. With optimal circulation, vital nutrients, oxygen, and disease fighting properties bathe our entire bodies and remove toxic wastes.

Dr. John McDougall explains in this video that angioplasty, stents, and bypass surgery have not been shown to save or extend lives. Additionally, these procedures do not prevent future cardiac events. The greatest percentage of heart attacks occur when newly formed plaques on the inside of our arteries, rupture; causing an inflammatory response and clot to form, blocking the flow of blood. These vulnerable and unstable plaques cannot be seen using diagnostic tools. Anyone eating the standard American diet has these unstable plaques throughout their entire vascular system. A small percentage of heart attacks are caused from arteries that show significant blockages. This plaque has had time to solidify, and is more stable than the newly formed plaques. The good news is that both the newly formed plaques as well as the more stable plaques can cease to be a problem if aggressive dietary and lifestyle measures are followed precisely.

For More Information:

(1) Heart Disease Starts in Childhood

(2) Yes! Heart Disease Can be Reversed Using Diet!

(3) Abolishing Heart Disease

(4) Manifestations of coronary atherosclerosis in young trauma victims--an autopsy study

(5) Natural History of Aortic and Coronary Atherosclerotic Lesions in Youth