Thursday, November 19, 2009

Artery Plaque Creeps In

Like any organ in the body, the heart and its arteries will reflect the choices we make, good or bad. And bad choices will often lead to problems. When that happens, this critical organ can bring sudden disability or death—I’ve lost friends and relatives to unexpected heart attacks. Some were only in their 40s and 50s—and gone forever! We all need to know more about lowering our risk to maximize the heart’s longevity!

Based on what I know, artery plaque is more of a symptom; it reflects a chronic lack of healthy function. Like high-blood pressure or diabetes, plaque can creep into your life without initial symptoms. But having no chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness doesn’t mean your heart is healthy. Some studies show that more than 60% of men over 50 already have artery plaque, including plaque that is calcified. Some studies are finding early plaque in children as young as 10!