Omega-3 supplements in obstructed carotid artery: advice?

I am 66 years old. About 1 year ago I was advised by the ENT to have a carotid doppler ultrasound. Outcome: the right carotid artery has 40% obstruction. Now the general practitioner says this is normal, but I am concerned. I would appreciate some advice. Thank you.

Dear Olga,

the presence of slight arterial deposition is physiological as the years go by. The phenomenon may begin even during adolescence; the speed with which it progresses then varies from person to person. The result is a more or less important obstruction of the arteries-in your case, of one of the carotid arteries, that is, the arteries that, running in the neck, carry blood to the structures in the neck and head.

Your physician will undoubtedly have assessed your case with all due care. For our part, we can remind you that carotid artery obstruction is often not associated with the appearance of symptoms as long as it does not severely obstruct blood flow, and that is why it is important both to diagnose it in early stages and to act on your lifestyle to prevent it from worsening.

Since the reasons and mechanisms by which carotid arteries clog are the same as those by which other arteries do, he can deal with his carotid artery obstruction just as he would deal with any other atherosclerotic phenomenon.

What is atherosclerosis

So keep in mind thatatherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and that is why molecules with anti-inflammatory properties found in food can help counteract it.

The process of atherosclerosis begins with the accumulation of cholesterol-rich particles (especially the so-called LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein) within the part of the arteries and can culminate in the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque and the formation of thrombi. The event that triggers cholesterol accumulation is damage to the tissue lining the inner artery wall (the endothelium); risk factors such as hypertension, altered lipid levels, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and oxidative stress alter blood vessel tone and anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting capabilities, promoting both the accumulation of LDL (mostly oxidized) and the adhesion of white blood cells and platelets to the damaged area.

The reason white blood cells arrive at the damaged site is the production of inflammatory molecules (the cytokines) and other substances by endothelial cells. Inflammation also activates the liver, which produces fibrinogen, a molecule that induces platelet aggregation.

How to cope with atherosclerosis

Periodic checkups are essential to assess the progress of your condition, but not only that. Given the role of blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis, and given that many of its risk factors depend on lifestyle, acting on the latter is equally critical. 

In general, it is recommended:

• The extensive consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables;
• Prefer whole grains (and their derivatives);
• Choose healthier sources of protein, such as legumes, nuts, fish and shellfish, low-fat dairy products, and lean (and unprocessed) poultry;
• Season with liquid, non-tropical vegetable oils, especially extra virgin olive oil;
• Minimize consumption of added sugars, salt and ultra-processed foods;
• Limit alcohol consumption;
• do not smoke;
• Practiceregular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week if moderate intensity, or at least 75 minutes if vigorous);
• Maintain a healthy weight and, if necessary, lose weight.

Additional help might come from a dietary supplement with ingredients that can counteract risk factors for atherosclerosis. The most suitable product depends on your general health picture; based on the information you have provided, you may find the following to be helpful. Cardiol® Forte, which, thanks to theantioxidant action of its active ingredients, could help stabilize atherosclerotic plaques already present.

Cardiol® Forte: an aid against arterial obstruction

Cardiol® Forte is a supplement containing dry extract of artichoke(Cynara cardunculus L.) leaves titrated in chlorogenic acid and luteolin 7-glucoside, with Omega 3 EPA and DHA, polyphenols from olive tree(Olea europea L.), monacolins from fermented red rice, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, folic acid and piperine from dry extract of black pepper fruit.

In addition to being associated with inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, titrated extract of artichoke counteracts LDL oxidation. Vitamin E is also a known antioxidant. However, the active ingredients for which we suggest that you consider taking Cardiol® Forte with your physician or nutritionist are mainly Omega 3 EPA and DHA and olive tree polyphenols.

The anti-inflammatory action of Omega 3

In fact, Omega 3 is characterized by pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, underlying which are multiple mechanisms:

• molecules that regulate inflammatory processes are derived from fats, and those produced from EPA and DHA have less inflammatory potential than those obtained from other fats;
• EPA and DHA are also precursors of molecules that are anti-inflammatory and that are able to turn off inflammatory phenomena that are already in progress;
• Omega 3 regulates the activity of proteins and other factors involved in inflammatory processes, exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, Omega 3 also regulates the immune system: inhibiting the activity of white blood cells and regulating their interactions and their production of inflammatory molecules. Finally, Omega 3 exertsantithrombotic and antiplateletaction against platelets.

The benefits of olive oil polyphenols

Olive polyphenols (such asoleuropein andhydroxytyrosol) have also been associated with the regulation of inflammation. For example, the PREDIMED(PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study associated the addition to a Mediterranean diet of 1 liter per week of extra virgin olive oil (particularly rich in polyphenols) with the reduction of inflammatory cytokines in people with high cardiovascular risk. The same authors showed that this addition helps stabilize atherosclerotic plaques.

Other authors have more specifically demonstrated the benefits of hydroxytyrosol and the advantages of polyphenol-rich olive oil against inflammation typical of women with impaired blood pressure up to 159/99 mmHg.

How to take Cardiol® Forte

Daily dietary supplementation with Cardiol® Forte generally involves taking 1 capsule of per day, preferably before dinner, as part of a healthy, balanced diet; with regard to the latter, information gathered from the scientific literature suggests that adhering to the principles of the Mediterranean Diet may be a good choice. However, we remind you that even in the case of how to take dietary supplements, Cardiol® Forte included, the final word lies with your doctor or nutritionist, who know in detail your specific case, such as allergies, any medications you may be taking, and altered risk factors.

Hoping to have been of help to you, we remain at your disposal for any further questions or clarifications.

Best wishes.

The Omegor team

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