Heart disease starts when you're very young. Act now to avoid this serious health problem.
Timestamps
0:00 When does heart disease start?
0:40 The important test you need
1:20 How does heart disease start?
2:40 What causes oxidation?
3:10 How to prevent heart disease
5:38 Share your success story!
Let's talk about the sequence of events that lead to heart disease. This sequence of events really all starts when you're seven years old. Certain studies found lesions in the aorta of virtually 100% of children between the ages of 7-9 years.
It's important to understand the cascade effect that leads to cardiovascular disease. You don't want to wait until you have heart attack symptoms, calcium build-up in the arteries, or a clot to make a change.
There is a test called the CAC test that measures calcium in your arteries. It's one of the best predictors of mortality. You don't want any calcium in the arteries.
Oxidative stress leads to necrosis, which causes inflammation and macrophages, which then leads to microcalcification and then more calcification, fibrosis, and cholesterol.
Higher levels of glucose in the blood is probably the number one cause of oxidation. It's so important to reduce the carbs you consume. Omega-6 fatty acids are also very inflammatory and can lead to oxidation.
The most important things to potentially help prevent cardiovascular disease:
• Keep your oxidants low (cut out sugar and omega-6 fatty acids)
• Increase your antioxidants (especially vitamin E)
• Do regular intermittent fasting and periodic prolonged fasting
Dr. Eric Berg
08/31/2023
