Artery-opening methods such as bypass surgery and stents, a wire cage that holds arterial plaque against the artery wall, are extremely popular. However, the latest research suggests that these techniques are not the most effective way of preventing heart attacks. In a study conducted at the University of California, patients who had been referred for angioplasty were divided into two groups: those that received angioplasty and standard medical care, and those who were treated with cholesterol lowering drugs but no angioplasty. The patients whose cholesterol was aggressively lowered had fewer heart attacks, hospitalizations and sudden onset of chest pain.
Cardiologists now believe that most heart attacks do not occur because an artery is narrowed by plaque. Instead, the latest thinking is that heart attacks occur when an area of plaque bursts, a clot forms and blood is blocked. In up to 80 percent of the cases, the plaque that erupts was not obstructing an artery. Because heart patients may have hundreds of vulnerable plaques, cardiology researchers favor getting cholesterol levels and hypertension under control. Blood thinning medication may also be recommended (Kolata, G., NY Times, March 21, 2004.)
Health Concerns has several approaches to complementary cardiology. They include Polilipid, which contains two proven lipid-lowering extracts and lowers CRP, an inflammatory marker; Cordyceps PS, which is combined with TCM formulas for hypertension; and Flavonex, a ginkgo-containing formula for poor circulation.