Medical Condition Atherosclerosis

Source:

2009 icd-9-cm diagnosis 440 - atherosclerosis

Active Ingredients used for Atherosclerosis:

Alfalfa, Bilberry, Copper, Garlic, Niacin Niacinamide, Omega 3 Fatty Acids Fish Oil Alpha Linolenic Acid, Thiamin Vitamin B1

Active Ingredient	Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade*
alfalfa (medicago sativa l.)	several studies in animals report reductions in cholesterol plaques of the arteries after use of alfalfa. well-designed research in humans is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.	c
bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)	bilberry has sometimes been used traditionally to treat heart disease and atherosclerosis. there is some laboratory research in this area, but there is a lack of clear information in humans.	c
copper	the effects of copper intake or blood copper levels on cholesterol, atherosclerosis (cholesterol plaques in arteries), or coronary artery disease remain unclear. studies in humans are mixed, and further research is needed in this area.	c
garlic (allium sativum l.)	preliminary research in humans suggests that deposits of cholesterol in blood vessels may not grow as quickly in people who take garlic. it is not clear if this is due to the ability of garlic to lower cholesterol levels or to other effects of garlic.	c
niacin (vitamin b3, nicotinic acid), niacinamide	niacin decreases blood levels of cholesterol and lipoprotein (a), which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis ("hardening" of the arteries). however, niacin also can increase homocysteine levels, which may have the opposite effect. overall, the scientific evidence supports the use of niacin in combination with other drugs (but not alone) to decrease cholesterol and slow the process of atherosclerosis. more research is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.	b
omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid	some research reports that regular intake of fish or fish oil supplements reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart, while other research reports no effects. additional evidence is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn in this area.	c
thiamin (thiamine), vitamin b1	patients with diabetes are at risk of developing hardened arteries (called atherosclerosis). this happens when cholesterol and other substances build up and clog the arteries. thiamin has been studied as a way to help widen arteries that are too narrow. regular intake of thiamin might help slow the progression of atherosclerosis. however, additional research is needed.	c

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.