Atherosclerosis in Sweden: Implications for Americans

The American Heart Association published a report on a study that detected atherosclerosis in 42% of Swedish study subjects without known heart disease.¹

Compared to Americans, most Swedish citizens have lower vascular risks.²

In 2019, the percentage of obese people in Sweden was 13.1% compared to 40% in the United States.³

Coronary heart disease deaths are 22.5% higher in the United States than in Sweden.⁴

These data about artery disease in Sweden likely indicate greater atherosclerosis prevalence in the United States.

Autopsy studies on young Americans consistently show evidence of atherosclerosis.^5,6

Recognized risk factors of severe artery disease include hypertension,^7-9 elevated lipids^7,10-12 diabetes, ^7,13 and/or obesity.^7,14

A common misconception is that atherosclerosis is a modern-day phenomenon.

Studies using high-resolution images of mummified bodies from different world regions reveal the opposite. Atherosclerosis has plagued mankind for thousands of years.¹⁵

Atherosclerosis is the term used to describe damage and obstruction that occurs in the linings of our arteries.¹⁶

When arterial blood flow is impeded or blocked, the result can be death or disability from a stroke or heart attack.¹⁶

A misconception about atherosclerosis is that it did not exist in prior historic eras. I've heard so-called experts claim that people didn't suffer coronary artery disease in the past because their diets were so "natural.""

These "experts" do not have sufficient data and have no basis to claim that atherosclerosis is a recent phenomenon. All they can cite is that few people developed heart disease in the past compared to today.

The reason more people weren't having heart attacks back then is that most died before the age of 40-60 from diseases that are now curable.

The advantage we have today is being able to delay atherosclerotic progression and reduce our risk of coronary heart attack and ischemic stroke.

Atherosclerosis in Ancient Cultures

A study published in 2011 found definitive or probable atherosclerosis present in mummified bodies that lived during every era of ancient Egypt studied.¹⁷

In 2013, The Lancet showed that mummified humans dating back 4,000 years and spanning several geographic locations/cultures all suffered from clogged arteries.¹⁵

According to the lead investigator of The Lancet study:

"The fact that we found similar levels of atherosclerosis in all of the different cultures we studied, all of whom had very different lifestyles and diets, suggests that atherosclerosis may have been far more common in the ancient world than previously thought."¹⁵ —Randall Thompson, MD

Modern Era Atherosclerosis

A 2021 Swedish study found a1.8-times greater prevalence of atherosclerosis in people aged 60-64 compared to those 50-54 years old.¹

As we at Life Extension have long argued, atherosclerosis is a disease of aging that has long been prevalent.¹⁸

It took modern computed tomography imaging to document probable signs of heart disease in 34% of mummified humans whose estimated mean age at death was 43 years. Those who died at an estimated mean age of 32 years were less likely to show signs of atherosclerosis.¹⁵

These findings suggest that arterial disease has always been widespread. The encouraging news is that methods to prevent and even reverse it have been validated in modern clinical studies.

Why Is Atherosclerosis So Common?

We know that multiple factors can alter arterial function and damage the delicate arterial lining (endothelium). These negative factors include excess dietary intake of the wrong kinds of fats,²⁶ sugars,²⁷ high salt intake,²⁸ and tobacco smoke. ^29,30

Most of us are born with an intact endothelium that lines our arteries and protects against the formation of atherosclerosis.

As we age, our arterial lining endures chronic insult from internal and external factors that results in endothelial damage leading to atherosclerosis. Progressing blockage of blood vessels results in decreased blood flow to the heart, kidneys, and brain.^18,31

Health issues linked to atherosclerosis are a leading reason why most aging people die in the United States.¹⁶

Those who understand the many causes of atherosclerosis should not be surprised that it is so common. What's appalling is the number of people who continue to succumb to atherosclerotic diseases because of apathy and ignorance.

What Can You Do About It?

Endothelial dysfunction is one reason why atherosclerosis is such a common worldwide pathology.³¹

As the inner arterial wall (the endothelium) becomes dysfunctional, it enables atherosclerotic lesions to initiate, progress, and eventually occlude blood flow. ³¹

As you will read on page 40 of this issue, a combination of low-cost nutrients has been shown to help modulate endothelial dysfunction and improve blood flow.

Annual Blood Test Sale

We at Life Extension^® have long encouraged annual blood tests to screen for underlying arterial disease and take corrective actions when risk factors like homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and LDL are at dangerous levels.

Once a year, prices are discounted so our supporters can assess their status and initiate preemptive measures before illnesses strike.

On page 11 there is a description of the popular Male and Female Blood Test panels.

Commercial labs charge thousands for these tests, but readers of this publication obtain them for only $224 during the Blood Test Super Sale.

To order the Male or Female Blood Test Panel at these low prices, call 1-800-208-3444 (24 hours) or visit: www.LifeExtension.com/sales/lab-tests

For longer life,

William Faloon

References

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