Posted by Rick

In Reply to: The concept of mineral imbalance as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease has been elucidated in epidemiological, animal, and human (clinical) studies posted by Anthony Brea D.C.

> 2)That as hypertension progresses in response to stresses (physical and
> mental stress, K+ and Mg++ deficiency etc...), endothelial damage occurs
> and in the presence of diminished protective factors (eg.
> anti-oxidants,Mg++,copper, essential fatty acids, B complex etc...)
> atherosclerotic changes begin to occur.(plaque formation)

Atherosclerotic plaque is actually composed of different layers of
material. It generally starts out as calcification, then cholesterol is
laid down later (usually only after the vessels are almost all the way
blocked). When magnesium and certain trace mineral levels are low
relative to calcium levels, there is evidence that the body does not
handle what then becomes "excess" calcium very well. This excess calcium
can be deposited on the arterial walls - a kind of "toxic waste site".
This process is enhanced when arterial walls are damaged, which happens
with high blood pressure or with chronically low vitamin C or with
conditions like vasculitis. Chromium is an important nutrient that helps
protect vessel walls - and over 70% of people over age 77 are deficient.
The vessel deposition process happens partly because cellular and serum
calcium concentrations are tightly controlled. If urinary excretion in
inhibited by high blood pH (alkalosis), or by a low protein intake or a
low phosphate intake (especially if the calcium intake is high) - then
there is nothing left for the body to do but "dump" the calcium somewhere;
so onto the artery walls it goes.

It is therefore possible in some people, by raising magnesium levels and
ensuring adequate trace mineral intake (like chromium), to reverse
atherosclerosis by allowing the body to begin to use the otherwise-excess
calcium. (See Boskey AC, Pasner AS, Effect of magnesium on lipid-induced
calcification, Calcif Tissue Int, 32:139-143, 1980 and Leonard F,
Initiation and inhibition of subcutaneous calcification, Calc Tiss Res,
10:269-279, 1972).

This also means that ingesting high levels of calcium without proper trace
mineral support can actually accelerate the development of
arteriosclerosis.

Rick

Follow Ups:

• The first stage is a fatty streak, not calcification. Martin Banschbach, Ph.D.
• I've got to correct your conception of atherogenesis. The first phase of atherosclerosis is the fatty streak, which is composed of foam cells Cindy J. Fuller, Ph.D., R.D.

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