A research team at Tufts University studied the effects of oat compounds, called avenanthramides, on arterial health.

They say that their findings suggest the avenanthramides of oats decrease the expression of inflammatory molecules that can lead to chronic inflammation and eventually a hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. Eventually, the plaques can make the artery narrow and less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow. If the coronary arteries become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

Among the ways to keep your arteries healthy are eating a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, maintaining your weight and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.

The study is published in the scientific journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine.

Eating oats has previously been shown to improve health and lower the risk of coronary heart disease by helping to lower cholesterol.

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco followed 3,258 men and women aged 18 to 30 for two decades with repeated measurements of LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. At the end of the study, participants had their coronary artery calcium, which is indicative of atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, measured by a CT scan.

They found that individuals exposed to higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol or lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol during young adulthood were more likely to develop coronary calcium.

Atherosclerosis, or blockages in the coronary artery from cholesterol and plaque, can lead to heart attack and stroke.

"The study shows that cholesterol levels in young adults are more important than we previously believed, because even the moderate non-optimal levels that are present in most young adults may alter their health decades later," said the study’s lead author, Stephen Hulley, M.D. "For many people in their 20s and 30s, it probably matters in the long run what they eat and how much they exercise, even though their risk for having a heart attack in the short term is low."

According to Reuters, researchers studied nearly 12,000 adults in Scotland and found those with poor oral hygiene had a 70 percent increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day and who were less likely to have unhealthy gums.

"Compared to things like smoking and poor diet, which are obviously the main risk factors for heart disease, we are not claiming this is in the same league," lead researcher Richard Watt told the news provider. "But even after controlling for all those things there is a still a relationship between this very simple measure of tooth brushing and heart condition."

Watt said that gum disease and its accompanying inflammation can contribute to clogged arteries. Blood tests on subjects with poor oral hygiene were also positive for two factors called C-reactive protein and fibrinogen – both of which signal inflammation in the body.

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia have found that children with a greater body mass index, more body fat and less endurance had stiffer central arteries compared to leaner and fitter children. Stiff arteries are a hallmark of atherosclerosis, which is when arteries become clogged.

They looked at overweight or obese children between the ages of 8 and 11 years, half of whom participate in aerobic exercises such as jumping rope and playing basketball after school while the other half participate in sedentary activities, such as board games and crafts, for their findings.

Lead researcher Dr. Catherine Davis said that identifying sedentary, overweight kids early could help hasten preventive measures.

In addition to the stiff arteries, Davis’ team also discovered that regular exercise decreases metabolic risks linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Obesity rates in the U.S. have tripled in the past 30 years and as many as one third of American children are considered obese.

First lady Michelle Obama recently launched the "Let’s Move" initiative to help solve the obesity epidemic facing the nation.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 8,200 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography, which is a diagnostic imaging tool that looks at the coronary arteries and evaluates the amount of blockage from plaque.

They found that those with a family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) have a 28 percent chance of developing the disease themselves compared to those with no family history. In addition, family history of CAD was found to be independently associated with an increased prevalence of plaque in the arteries.

Premature coronary artery disease occurs in people 45 and under. As a person ages, the coronary arteries are more likely to narrow and harden, leading to obstructive coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.

Among the ways to prevent or slow the progression of CAD are managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, eating a heart-healthy diet, increasing exercise, reducing stress and quitting smoking. Nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 may also help improve overall heart health.

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found that a protein called PGC-1alpha plays a key role in the process known as angiogenesis, which spurs the growth of new blood vessels.

The research team studied the effect of exercise on mice for their results. As expected, the animals that exercised were found to have high levels of angiogenesis. They also found the mice that were lacking the PGC-1alpha protein failed to grow new blood vessels in response to exercise. Ultimately, their experiments demonstrated that exercise activates beta-adrenergic signaling, which leads to a robust induction of PGC-1alpha.

The findings suggest, according to researchers, that walking daily is the best therapy for PAD sufferers.

PAD affects 5 million individuals in the U.S. and is the leading cause of limb amputations. It is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. It is characterized by leg pain primarily encountered while walking, but can also be a sign of widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Besides exercise, lowering cholesterol and quitting smoking are among the ways to reduce the progression of PAD, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Nutritional supplements containing gingko are also believed to help manage the discomfort associated with the disease.

Researchers in London say the matrix metalloproteinase-8 enzyme (MMP8) has been shown to play a crucial role in raising blood pressure and causing abnormal build-up of cells in the arteries—both of which increase the risk of heart disease.

"Our research tells us that this enzyme plays a crucial role in the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries which causes heart disease," said Shu Ye from the University of London.

The study, appearing in the journal Circulation Research, tested two groups of mice—one of which was genetically altered to not produce the MMP8 enzyme. Both groups were fed a Western-style diet high in fat and cholesterol. The mice which lacked the enzyme had clearer arteries and lower blood pressure.

Tests on humans found that out of 2,000 patients undergoing artery testing, 25 percent had a similar version of the gene for MMP8. They also had more clogged arteries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

The Mayo Clinic says supplements containing blond psyllium, coenzyme Q10, flaxseed and omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in lowering cholesterol and preventing some types of heart disease.

I often get questions from worried patients and readers with heart concerns and I’ve made it my mission to spread the word that this doesn’t have to happen to you… even if you have a long history of heart-related concerns and bad cholesterol in your family. You simply don’t have to be stuck with the bad genetic hand you’ve been dealt.

Readers often ask, what causes the plaque and toxins to deposit on the walls of the blood vessels? A typical Western diet, stress, prescription drugs, excess weight, cigarette smoke and environmental toxins are all to blame.

Now you might be saying to yourself… many of these things are simply beyond my control. And you’d be right. But please keep reading because I want to tell you about a safe and simple amino acid that can promote healthy circulation and help sweep your arteries clear so you never again have to worry about poor circulation.

For more than 50 years, scientific studies have proven this amazing and safe amino acid can help reduce toxin deposits… promote healthy blood flow… and help support strong and supple arteries. Simply known as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), this amino acid attaches itself to harmful toxins. Since your body recognizes EDTA as a foreign substance, it is quickly eliminated from the body—carrying with it the heavy metals and toxic deposits.

As toxins and gunk are flushed away, healthy blood flow can once again nourish the heart, brain, muscles and every organ in the body. And then, with healthy circulation, full of oxygen-rich blood, you can help reduce scores of annoying health problems and experience genuine improvements to your health.

Here are several health benefits many users report experiencing once improved blood flow is restored…

• Healthy cholesterol, homocysteine and blood pressure levels
• Less swelling in your legs and ankles
• Easier breathing
• Warmer hands and feet
• Renewed energy—enough to keep you going all day and night
• A stronger immune system
• Renewed sexual potency—to perform and enjoy a healthy love life again
• Healthy vision
• Improved memory and mental powers—razor-sharp thinking at any age
• Fewer wrinkles—and a healthy, radiant glow to your skin
• Better hearing

EDTA can be delivered intravenously (I.V.) or orally in the form of a dietary supplement. However, expect I.V. chelation to be time consuming… require the supervision of a medical professional… to involve needles… and come at a high cost requiring repeat procedures.

Thankfully EDTA is also available in a safe oral supplement providing many of the same benefits over time without the high costs, needles or doctor’s visits.

If you are more than 40 years old—and especially if you have a family history of heart problems—I recommend you consider adding oral EDTA to your daily regimen to help promote healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, smooth circulation and to help reduce your toxic exposure.

Yours for healthy living,

Dr. Michael Cutler
Medical Advisor, True Health™