The Dangers of Plaque
by Dr. Dennis Okwuadigbo

There are two major kinds of plaque. Systemic plaque is the accumulation of lipids, saturated trans-fats, oxidized cholesterol, toxins and toxic heavy metals which produces a sticky, gummy, hardening, thickening and calcification of arterial walls which hinders the flow of oxygen and blood throughout the body…thus putting one at risk for stroke or heart attack. 

The second type of plaque is dental. This is where sticky materials such as saliva, food particles, and bacteria form around the gum lines and the surface of the tooth promoting decay and gum disease if not removed.

How and what causes plaque formation?

Free radical oxidation: Due to the metabolic activities in the body and from the environment, oxidation radicals damage the cells and blood vessels by corrosion and rusty-erosion (oxidation reaction).

Excess Lipids & Fat

Oxidized cholesterol, trans-fatty acids, hydrogenated oils and saturated fats build-up plaque fragments and blood clots. Low cholesterol is as dangerous ad high cholesterol because blood vessels in the brain can become weak and burst open, causing a massive stroke.

Heavy metals and toxic substances

Mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium and synthetic preservatives pollute and destroy blood vessels, and cell membrane as they deposit toxic materials that renders arterial walls weak and non-pliable. Therefore, they can become subject to break with the least minimum of stress or pressure from the flow of blood. Toxins and heavy metals can stay in the body up to seven plus years if not removed.

Is plaque dangerous?

The answer is yes. Why? Because plaque build-up in the arteries is the leading cause of cardiovascular/heart disease in the United States. Accumulation of plaque in the brain is associated with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and even Parkinson disease. Plaque formation causes unwanted health hazards as it hardens, thickens, calcifies, narrows and blocks the flow of blood and circulation through the blood vessels and cell membranes.

Health consequences

• Heart/cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, abnormal oxidized cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, aneurisms, hardening of the arteries, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, angina, (chest pain), congested heart failure (CHF) and poor circulation.

• Diabetes, inflammation/edema, swelling of the legs/ankles, shortness of breath (SOB), numbness/cramps, arthritis, joint pain, chronic migraines, gout, cold hand/feet, varicose veins, abnormal blood clots, sleep problems, tiredness, fatigue, weakness and low energy, poor sexual drive and impotence.

• Degenerative disorders. Poor vision, premature aging, depression, tooth decay and gum disease, low immune system, skin and hair problems, poor memory, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson disease, gull and kidney stones.

According to experts, plaque is the major cause of heart, cardiovascular and various other degenerative diseases.

The following statistics were compiled by the American Medical Association; the American heart Association; and the Journal of American Medical Association Research:

• Heart attack and stroke kill more than one & a half million people annually in the United States.

• Every 30 seconds someone dies of a heart attack.

• Cardiovascular disease kills more than six times the number of women than breast cancer.

• Stoke and heart attack exhibit almost no visible symptoms before it strikes.

• Approximately 700,000 Americans suffered a fatal stoke in 2005.

• Coronary artery disease is the cause of death every 60 seconds.

• Today it is estimated that one in three people (71 million) suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. Eighty percent of heart attack victims are age 40 and older.

• Seven million heart surgeries are performed on Americans every year.

• Five hundred & fifty billion dollars was spent last year on heart or cardiovascular surgery in the United States.

• Children and young adults are increasingly becoming victims of heart disease in this country. In fact, 5.9 million end up in hospitals each year.

• High blood pressure, high oxidized cholesterol, and diabetes has quadrupled over the last decade and continues to rise.

It is important we take seriously the dangers of plaque accumulating in our bodies. Changing our lifestyles through a healthy eating routine, moderate exercise, eliminating caffeine and nicotine, learning to relax, can all have a positive result on our health.

Dr. Dennis specializes in healthcare and is the author of, The Interaction Handbook of Drugs vs. Nutritional Supplements, can be heard on KKVV 1060AM radio, and has developed various supplements, including Plaque-Out. 702-444-4044.