From: Dr. Neal Pinckney (ip64-75-190-150.dial.aloha.net)
Subject: Re: About coronary heart disease
Date: January 12, 2002 at 9:18 pm PST

In Reply to: to clarify (or maybe obfuscate) my stupid question: posted by vee on January 12, 2002 at 2:52 pm:

There are many types of heart disease. This forum is limited to what is commonly known as coronary heart disease; that is, plaque, inflamation, weakness and blockages in arteries that carry blood to the muscles of the heart.

It would be safe to say that those people who have been told they have coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis or ischemia, are just the tip of the iceberg. The vast majority at risk of heart attacks or strokes are unaware of the dangers within.

Until one has been diagnosed, usually with a scan or catheterization of the heart, one doesn't know whether one has coronary heart disease. But the greater the number and degree of risk factors, the more likely one is to already have some reduction in arterial flow, even if a diagnosis has not been attempted. Those risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and a family history of heart disease or parental early death from heart attack or stroke.

Our program addresses both those who know they need to reverse their condition and those who have significant risk factors and wish to prevent a heart attack or stroke. The only difference is in the amount of calories from fat recommended.

We do not offer medical advice, only lifestyle suggestions, primarily dietary and exercise recommendations.

The Healing Heart Foundation website (link at the top of this page) addresses most of the commonly asked questions and offers information on coronary heart disease and the means of preventing and reversing it.