• Chapter 39: Conclusion
• Chapter 40: Specific Daily Supplement Considerations

Chapter Excerpts

The best treatment to prevent heart disease and stroke is NOT to simply lower cholesterol with statin drugs as much as it is to PROTECT LDL cholesterol… NO MATTER the level… from OXIDATION (according to the opinion of Dr. Ladd McNamara). Even among people with higher levels of cholesterol, those whose LDL cholesterol is NOT oxidized, along with a LOW homocysteine level (less than 6.5), will have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those that simply have a “normal” LDL cholesterol level (which IS oxidized).

Shall we risk serious and permanent side effects, including disease and possible death from statin drugs, or shall we enjoy all the positive benefits of nutrition, including longer life, less disease and no harm from the use of vitamins and minerals? The choice is in our hands …literally!

Ladd McNamara, M.D.

• Chapter 37: C Reactive Protein is Predictive of the Severity of Active Formation of Atherosclerosis
• Chapter 38: Testing Your Homocysteine and CRP Levels

Chapter Excerpts

Accordingly, an elevated CRP level is an indirect indication of inflammation in the body and that atherosclerosis, including heart disease, is actively developing.

The greater the homocysteine level, the greater the oxidation of both LDL cholesterol and the arterial lining (endothelium). The greater the inflammation, the higher the CRP level.

However, using statin drugs to lower CRP when it can be lowered more effectively through exercise, proper diet, weight loss, and vitamins and minerals, without any health risks makes the non-pharmacological route much more attractive and wise.

Ladd McNamara, M.D.

Chapter References

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• 184: Block G, Jensen C, Dietrich M, Norkus EP, Hudes M, Paker L. Plasma C-reactive protein concentrations in active and passive smokers: influence of antioxidant supplementation. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Apr;23(2):141-147.
• 194: Jialal I, Devaraj S. Inflammation and atherosclerosis: the value of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein assay as a risk marker. Am J Clin Pathol 2001 Dec;116 Suppl:S108-115.
• 195: Nestel P, et al. The n-3 fatty acids eiosapentaenoid acid and docosahexaenoic acid increase systemic arterial compliance in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2002 Aug;76(2):326-330.
• 196: Morrison H, et al. Serum folate and risk of fatal coronary heart disease. JAMA 1996 Jun 26;275:1893-1896.
• 197: Graham I, Daly L, Refsum H, et al. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. The European Concerted Action Project. JAMA. 1997 277:1775-1781.
• 198: McCully K. Homocysteine, folate, vitamin B6, and cardiovascular disease (Editorial). JAMA. 1998 279:392-393.
• 199: Wald N, Watt H, Law M, Weir D, McPartlin J, Scott J. Homocysteine and ischemic heart disease: results of a prospective study with implications regarding prevention. Arch Intern Med. 1998 158:862-867.
• 200: Nygard O, Nordrehaug J, Refsum H, et al. Plasma homocysteine levels and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. NEJM 1997 337:230-236.
• 201: Luc G, Bard J, Juhan-Vague I, et al. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fibrinogen as predictors of coronary heart disease. The PRIME study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2003 Jul 1;23(7):1255-1261.
• 202: Ridker P, Brown N, Vaughan D, Harrison D, Mehta J. Established and emerging plasma biomarkers in the prediction of first atherothrombotic events. Circulation 2004 109: IV-6-IV-19.

Ladd McNamara, M.D.

• Chapter 33: Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Essential Fatty Acids: The Real Way to Reduce the Risk of Death from Heart Disease and Stroke – Part 2

Chapter Excerpts

Studies using levels of vitamin C, well above 700 mg per day have shown a decreased risk of diseases, including the risk of heart disease.

Ladd McNamara, M.D.

Bioflavanoids such as grape seed extract, resveratrol, & quercetin all have shown remarkable results in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancers. They work synergistically, as well as with other antioxidants to reduce the risk of disease.

L-carnosine may slow down the aging process, and protects the brain, skin, and arteries from damage. Furthermore, L-carnosine helps the heart to contract more effectively through enhancing the use of calcium.

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Ladd McNamara, M.D.