Unstable, destructive molecules that lack an electron, free radicals form naturally as a result of normal metabolic processes such as breathing, but can be significantly increased beyond healthy levels by smoking, obesity, poor diet, aging, over-exercise, stress and other factors. Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidants (from the body's internal system or from the diet) are not adequate to fend off the amount of free radicals being generated.

"Oxidative stress(free Radicals) may be important in the development of coronary artery disease because the heart, in contrast to the liver or lung, is relatively poorly defended against oxidative stress," cardiologists observe.1

Oxidative stress can make certain types of lipids, or fats, more destructive to the heart. LDL, the "bad cholesterol," becomes much more damaging to the cardiovascular system if it is oxidized. Oxidized LDL is absorbed at a much more rapid rate than non-oxidized LDL by macrophages, specialized cells that "scavenge" damaged material in the body. When macrophages become engorged with high amounts of oxidized LDL, they can eventually form the "foam cells" that compose fatty streaks in atherosclerotic plaque. Besides accelerating the formation of fatty streaks and lesions, oxidized LDL is highly toxic to the blood vessel wall and can degrade connective tissue.

High blood pressure and increased heart rate can increase consumption of oxygen by the heart, causing increased production of free radicals. If the body's antioxidant system does not respond to quench these increased levels of free radicals, oxidative damage to the heart muscle can result. This is theorized to be one mechanism whereby obesity can promote lipid peroxidation of the myocardium, the middle layer of the heart composed of heart muscle.2

Oxidative stress can also impair the ability of the endothelium, the inner layer of cells that line blood vessels, to expand and dilate in response to blood flow. Based on this scenario, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species has been linked to "cardiac contractile dysfunction," potentially leading to arrhythmia and heart attack.2

Cells contain built-in defenses against free radical damage, including the enzyme superoxide dismutase, a free radical scavenger that mops up the unstable, reactive molecules, and glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. These substances are important for protecting the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage. Low levels of serum glutathione in adolescent boys have been cited as "an independent predictor" of parental coronary heart disease.1

Antioxidant therapy (with vitamins E and C) has been shown to improve vascular relaxation both experimentally and in human subjects with a genetic predisposition for high lipid/cholesterol levels.3,4 Optimal antioxidant nutriture, one that ensures adequate levels of all nutrients, may be more important than providing an excess of any single nutrient alone in protecting against heart disease.5 Thus diets rich in antioxidant vitamins have been specifically recommended for patients with coronary artery disease.6

Assessing the body's antioxidant defense and oxidative stress levels is an important clinical tool for safeguarding against the potential role of free radical damage in cardiovascular disease.

The Oxidative Stress Analysis evaluates urine markers for free radical damage, including urine lipid peroxides and two markers for hydroxyl radial activity. Blood markers include reduced glutathione (GSH) and two critical antioxidant enzymes inside the body.

References:
1 Morrison JA, Jacobsen DW, Sprecher DL, Robinson K, Khoury P, Daniels SR. Serum glutathione in adolescent males predicts parental coronary heart disease. Circulation 1999;100(2244-2247).

2 Vincent HK, Powers SK, Stewart DJ, Shanely RA, Demirel H, Naito H. Obesity is associated with increased myocardial oxidative stress. Int J Obes 1999;23:67-74.

3 Mietus-Snyder M, Malloy MJ. Endothelial dysfunction occurs in children with two genetic hyperlipidemias: Improvement with antioxidant vitamin therapy. J Pedatr 1998;133:35-40.

4 Kugiyama K, Motoyama T, Hirashima O, Ohgushi M, Doejima H, Misumi K, Kawano H, Miyao Y, Yoshimura M, Ogawa H, Matsumrua T, Sugiyama S, Yasue H. Vitmain C attenuates abnormal vasomotor reactivity in spasm coronary arteries in patients with coronary spastic angina. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998;32:103-9.

5 Gey KF. Cardiovascular disease and vitamins. Concurrent correction of 'suboptimal' plasma antioxidant levels may, as important part of 'optimal' nutrition, help to prevent early stages of cardiovascular disease and cancer, respectively. Bibl Nutr Dieta 1995;52:75-91.

6 Simon HB. Patient-directed, nonprescription approaches to cardiovascular disease. Arch Intern Med 1994;154(20):2283-96.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.