Atherosclerosis
Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook
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Overview
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries is an inflammatory process [Ross1999]. The source of the inflammation is subject to continuing debate, but some authors have suggested that one cause of inflammation may be recurrent infections associated with a immune system compromised by hypothyroid function [Barnes; Starr2005]. Indeed, there is considerable evidence dating back as far as 1877 that hypothyroidism accelerates the process of atherosclerosis [CSL1888; Ord1877].Etiology
Conventional medicine treats dyslipidemia as the major source of atherosclerosis, and promotes statin drugs and avoidance of dietary animal fats as the best way to prevent atherosclerosis. However, Dr. Starr argues against animal fats as a source of atherosclerosis:... during and after World War II, the vast majority of people in Europe were deprived of eggs and animal fats. Yet, thousands of autopsy results from this period reveal that the rate of atherosclerosis was accelerated to four times the rate before or after this period [Starr2005, pg 166].Dr. Starr continues by pointing out the "French Paradox" - the French diet is high in saturated fats such as eggs and butter, but they suffer lower rates of heart attacks. Dr. Weyrich notes that this has sometimes been attributed to the consumption of red wine, but also points out that at least one study shows that a 60% fat diet is more effective in improving dyslipidemia and losing weight than a 30% fat diet. As summarized by Dr. Starr, the results of the study reported by Duke University in 2002 are as folows [need reference]:
| % Fat in diet | Weight loss # | % Change HDL | % Change TG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | 30 # | +11% | -49% |
| 30% | 20 # | 0% | -22% |
In conclusion, while dyslipidemia may be associated with atherosclerosis, association does not imply causality. In fact, avoidance of dietary fats is counterproductive to correcting dyslipidemia or preventing atherosclerosis. On the other hand, correcting hypothyroidism appears to benefit both dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis - suggesting that hypothyroidism may be a causitive factor in both dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
ICD-9 Codes
| ICD9-Code | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|
References
Unless specifically noted above, references used in the construction of this web page include the following:[FDM] Lecture notes from Functional Medicine University.
[SCNM] Lecture notes from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
[UT] Lecture notes from the University of Tennessee graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
[Barnes] Broda O. Barnes M.D. Research Foundation at http://www.brodaobarnes.org. Cited by [Starr2005].
[Barnes1973] Barnes BO. On the genesis of atherosclerosis. J American Geriatrics Society. 21(8):350-354. Cited by [Starr2005].
[CSL1888] Report of a Committee of The Clinical Society of London to Investigate the Subject of Myxedema. Transactions Clincial Society London Vol. 21 (suppl) (1888). Cited by [Starr2005, pg 29].
[Espinosa-Klein2002] Espinosa-Klein C, et. al. Impact of infectious burden on extent and long-term prognosis of atherosclerosis. Circulation 105(1):15-21 (2002). Cited by [Starr2005].
[Fishberg1924] Fishberg AM. Arteriosclerosis in thyroid deficiency. JAMA. 82:463-464 (1924). [Cited by Starr2005].
[Mazel1973] Mazel MS. A surgeon reviews a half century of progress in the treatment of coronary heart disease. J American Geriatrics Society. 21(8):355. Cited by [Starr2005].
[Ord1877] W.M. Ord. On myoxoedema, a term proposed to be applied to an essential condition in the cretinoid infection occasionally observed in middle-aged women. Trans Med-Churg Society London 60-1:57-78 (1877-1878). Cited by [Starr2005].
[Ross1999] R. Ross. Mechanisms of Disease - Atherosclerosis - An inflammatory disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 340(2):115-123 (1999). Cited by [Starr2005].
[Starr2005] Mark Starr. Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic. Columbia, MO: Mark Starr Trust (2005).
[Strong1969] Strong JP & McGill HC. The pediatric aspects of atherosclerosis. J Atherosclerosis Research 9:251 (1969). Cited by [Starr2005].
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This web page is http://www.DrWeyrich.com/disorders/atherosclerosis.html - Phone Dr. Weyrich at (480) 423-6952