Cardiac care. Calcification and arteriosclerosis. Kader Kochi.

Incidence of morbid conditions like calcification, arteriosclerosis and calculus formation due to the abnormal metabolism of calcium and vitamin D are more in tropical countries. 

Calcium constitutes about 2% of total body weight. Vitamin D, vitamin C, and lactose are essential for absorption of calcium through intestine. Green leaves rich with oxalic acid may interfere the absorption of calcium. Excess of calcium is mostly excreted daily through bowel. Constipation and infrequent urination have a role in abnormal deposition of calcium in tissues indirectly.

Diet with high protein and high salt can increase the daily requirement of calcium. Calcium is the essential element for blood coagulation. It has a role in the release of insulin from islets depot. It is essential for cardiac muscle contractions.

Normal blood Calcium   = 9.5 mg % -10.5 mg %.

Ionized Calcium    = 4.2 mg % - 5.2 mg %.

Calcitonin hormone can lower and para thyroid hormone can elevate the calcium level. 55 % of calcium present as calcium ions. 12 % present with other anions. 33 % present with protein.

Causes of high Calcium level

Hyperparathyroidism.

Multiple myeloma.

Adrenal insufficiency.

Osteolytic diseases.

Vitamin D intoxication.

High level of calcium may induce extra cardiac systole. It has Neuro sedatary effect. High calcium level may promote nerve weakness, muscle flaccidity and dementia like syndromes.

Causes of low calcium level

Hypo parathyroid.

Renal insufficiency.

Malabsorption syndrome.

Rickets.

Osteomalacia.

Hypo albuminaemia.

Mucus glands disorders.

Acidosis.

Low level of calcium has neuro excitatory effect. It may promote anger, irritability, cramps, stridor and diplopia. Mental retardation and arrested growth are common in childhood with low calcium. It may diminish cardiac contractibility. Osteoporosis is not related to low level of  calcium directly.

Sources of Calcium

Sesame seeds.

Curry leaf. 

Spinach. 

Fenugreek.

Carrot.

Soya.

Niger seeds. 

Red gram.

Almonds.

Beet root.

Black gram.

Bengal gram.

Big onion. 

Oysters.

Cheese. 

Milk powder. 

Ice cream.

Buffalo milk.

Crab.

Prawn.

Sardines.

Eggs.

Vitamin D present more in liver, viscera of fish, egg yolk, and butter.  Fat in skin are converted into vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation. Liver insufficiency and kidney weakness are the other main factors behind the D hypovitaminosis.

Sources of vitamin D

Soya.

Fish oil.

Milk.

 Egg yolk.

IRON

High level of metabolized iron also play an important role in development vascular degeneration and arteriosclerosis. Hyper acidity favors Iron absorption. Minimum daily requirement of iron is about 15 mg. Arteriosclerosis is also one of common complication of diabetes mellitus.

Normal serum iron                  = 90 ug% -150 ug%,

Causes of high Iron level

Haemochromatosis.

Haemolytic anemia.

Pernicious anemia.

Hypoplastic anemia.

Chronic hepatitis.

Causes of low Iron level  

Malnutrition.

Hook worm infestation.

Menstrual disorder.

Nephrosis.

Bone marrow disorders.

Sources of Iron 

Sesame.

Beetroot.

Dates. 

Red gram.

Tamarind. 

Cashew nut. 

Coconut.

Rice flakes. 

Cumin. 

Spinach. 

Pepper.

Chicken liver.

Oysters. 

Red meat.

The excessive consumption of food containing Iron and Calcium have a significant role in the incidence of chronic vascular diseases. 

Risk factors

Obesity.

Abnormal cholesterol metabolism.

Hypertension.

Old age.

Diabetes.

Hyperinsulinism.

Tobacco smoking.

Alcohol.

Chronic renal disease.

Chronic  pulmonary obstructive disease.

Carbon pollution.

Poverty and starvation.

Hyperglycemia.

Hyper uric acid.

Abnormal calcium metabolism.

Rheumatic vasculitis.

Pancreatic insufficiency.

Liver insufficiency.

High homocysteine level.

Hyper-phosphatemia (Radiation effects).

High potassium.

Vascular injury by abnormal infiltration with WBC, platelets, Amyloid, oxalate, sucrose, uric acid, arsenic, heavy metals; artificial steroids, and autoimmune factors.

Abnormal vascular endothelial proliferation.

Rheumatic vasculitis.

Loss elasticity due to vitamin E deficiency.

Physical inactivity.

Sedentary life.

Sympathetic nerve overactivity.

 Psychological stress.

Environmental stress.

Excess of acid food.

Contrast food habits. 

Excess of Thiocyanate in food.

Chronic viral infections.

Lead toxicity.

Ferum toxicity.

Haemochromatosis.

Amyloidosis.

Sarcoidosis.

Family history of ischemic cardiac diseases.

Male gender.

Preventive measures 

Avoid modifiable risk factors.

Avoid saturated fat and trans fat.

Avoid excess of vitamin D rich supplements daily.

Avoid prolonged body exposure to sunlight in summer.

Avoid diet pattern promoting constipation. 

Avoid high consumption of red meat.

Avoid excess of oxalate rich food items like tomato.

Avoid unnecessary synthetic steroids.

Take plenty of water daily.

  

Take low calcium diet in later half of life.

Identify and avoid all items that promote allergic or toxic vascular inflammation.

Take preventive measures against osteoporosis.

Use water filter for drinking purpose.

Chelation 

Calcium x Magnesium rich herbs.

Iron x Arsenic rich food ( Fish, rice).

Heavy metals x Coriander, Fennel. 

Homeopathic remedies

Crataegus, Ginseng, Mentha piperita, Syzygium aromaticum, Crocus sativa, Piper longum,Zingiber, Piper nigrum, Galangal,  Allium sativa, Acassia babul, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia arjuna, Gulgule, Eucalyptus honey, Oxymel, Secale cor, Ginkgo biloba, Salix nigra, Cinchona, Adhatoda vasaka, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Althaea officinalis, Alfalfa, Taxus baccata, Thea sinensis.

Arteriosclerosis prevention

Apply Oil christi (Externally on abdominal skin).