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Angina (chest pain) or heart attack – Weakness, breathlessness, perspiration, pain in the arms, back, neck and abdomen.

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Paralytic attack (stroke) or cerebrovascular disease or transient ischemic attack (a sudden loss of brain function which usually recovers completely within 24 hours). Their general symptoms include weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body along with trouble in speech or understanding speech, loss of vision in one eye, trouble in walking straight, dizziness and loss of balance or coordination. Sometimes people have acute headache too.

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Renal failure (kidney failure) - Kidney failure due to atherosclerosis falls under the chronic category as it develops slowly and symptoms include frequent urination, a tendency to tire very easily and shortness of breath.

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Reduced hair growth on the legs along with pain, ache, cramps, numbness or sense of fatigue in the leg muscles, blowing sounds which a doctor can hear with a stethoscope that indicate turbulence in blood flow, thickened nails are all indications of peripheral artery disease.

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Natural hardening up of arteries with age – This process takes place over many decades and is more prominent in men

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High level of cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the blood) – this is primarily the main reason behind premature hardening and blockage of arteries

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Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure (high BP is again due to the restrictive flow of blood in the arteries) are the other major culprits of atherosclerosis

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Poor eating habits (excessive intake of white sugar, refined foods, and a high fat diet rich in cholesterol) and excessive drinking and smoking aggravate as well as initiate atherosclerosis. Smoking is definitely the major threat

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Accumulation of homocysteine (an amino acid which is produced by the human body and considered a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia and primarily atherosclerosis as it leads to temporary dysfunction of the cells lining blood vessels)

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As with other diseases, stress (emotional or due to stressful lifestyle you may be leading) is also considered as a contributor to this disease

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Inflammation, may be due to some infection

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Taraxacum officinalis (also known as Dandelion) was commonly used in Native American traditional medicine and is found in many parts of the world today. It contains bitter principles that have a supportive effect on the liver and digestive system by supporting the flow of bile. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Dandelion supports the routine excretion of retained water and is also considered to be an excellent cleansing tonic for the liver.

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Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn) - Hawthorn is easily found throughout Europe, West Asia, North America and North Africa. Flowers contain tyramine (an aromatic amine) which is known to be extremely good for the heart. They also contain flavonoids – antioxidants that dilate and protect blood vessels. Berries contain anthocynins (polyphenols), vegetable pigments that are again extremely helpful in maintaining healthy blood vessels. Both flowers and berries, together are used to treat various cardiovascular diseases like angina, high blood pressure, artery hardening, heart palpitations and irregular heart beat. In effect, hawthorn is and can be used as general tonic for a tired heart, specially of an old person. Various and extensive researches have shown that hawthorn is a wonderful remedy for cardiovascular illnesses. All the above mentioned constituents of hawthorn help in strengthening the heart and keep the heart beat in check. They improve the flow of blood to the heart and by relaxing the involuntary muscles, check the high blood pressure as well. This they achieve by dilating the blood vessels and reducing their resistance to the blood flow. They also reduce heart palpitations and therefore have a splendid calming effect on the nervous system.

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Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) - The active nutrient in the olive leaf is oleuropein, a phenolic glucoside (structurally classified as an iridoid). The olive leaf also contains the bioflavonoids - rutin, luteolin, and hesperidin, which work synergistically with oleuropein to enhance its natural activity. This ingredient is well known for its supportive action to maintaining balanced blood pressure, healthy circulation and balanced blood sugar levels. Components of olive leaf extract have powerful antioxidant activity and studies have demonstrated that Olea europea relaxes the blood vessels.

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 Agathosma betulina (also known as Buchu) has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South Africa for many centuries. The leaves of buchu contain 1.0 – 3.5% volatile oils as well as flavonoids - compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects. Buchu supports the body’s natural ability to rid itself of toxins by supporting the secretion of retained water.

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Ginkgo Biloba - This oldest surviving tree specie, dating back to millions of years has predominantly been grown in China till the 18th century. Then it came to Europe and from there to United States. Trees may live up to 1000 years and are usually grown in rich, well drained soil in sunny locations. Leaves of ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids - antioxidants that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. Chinese researches have shown the usefulness of ginkgo in treating asthma and atherosclerosis as well.

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Use of vegetable oils (safflower oil, flax seed oil, olive oil which have polyunsaturated fats) should control the cholesterol level in your body. Remember, “good” fat (like the one found in above oils) is beneficial for your health, so don’t make your diet fat-free but that which contains “good” fat.

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Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must as they contain natural antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C that prevent oxidation of LDL’s, a major reason for atherosclerosis. These don’t have any side effects as is the case with drugs that lower cholesterol level. They also contain potassium which is necessary to keep the electrolyte balance in the body and for nerves to function properly. Another flavonoid that curbs oxidation of LDLs is quercetin which is richly found in apples, onions and black tea.

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Omega-3 fatty acids, known to prevent thickening and hardening of artery walls and increase their elasticity, are present in good quantities in oily fish like salmon, tuna, sardine and mackerel. So their consumption may be increased.

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Folic acid or B vitamins help in breaking break down homocysteine. If you take green leafy vegetables and fruits daily, you don’t have to bother about taking extra folic acid supplements, unless your doctor specifically recommends. Vitamin C is also supposed to reverse the effects of homocysteine.

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Drinking wine in small quantities increases the HDL (high density lipoprotein) level thereby preventing the development of atherosclerosis as HDL removes cholesterol from fats and takes it back to the liver. One unit a day for women and two units a day for men is considered as ideal.

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A healthy, well-balanced, low fat diet is extremely important for hypertension patients. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must ( garlic should be included ) as the potassium present in them counters the effect of salt taken which in turn is a blood pressure increasing agent. Kidney patients should keep a watch over their potassium intake. Oily fish with sparse salt is good for hypertensive patients. Natural diuretics (diuretics are drugs that remove water and salt from the body) like coffee, tea, parsley and specifically dandelion leaves should be taken to lower the blood pressure.

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Give up smoking and excessive drinking immediately.

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Limit intake of saturated fats like meats, dairy products, eggs etc.

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Only drink filter and instant coffee else be prepared for your increased cholesterol level.

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Learn to say no to processed sugary foods..

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Regular exercises have shown much better results in people suffering from atherosclerosis than when they had a sedentary lifestyle.

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De-stress – Easier said than done but something that leaves us with no other option. Resort to some meditation or relaxation exercises to calm down your emotions and de-stress.