Magnificent Magnesium

by Dennis Goodman

  Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for the other 13 percent of all strokes, and refers to a stroke that is caused by a blood vessel that ruptures and then leaks blood (hemorrhages) into the brain. There are two subcategories of hemorrhagic stroke. The first type is intracerebral hemorrhage, in which a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling its contents into surrounding brain tissue, damaging brain cells and depriving them of oxygen. The second type is subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is caused by the bursting of an artery or aneurysm (abnormal bulge or “balloon” in a blood vessel) on or near the surface of the brain.

  A particularly acute form of subarachnoid hemorrhage is due to the rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in or on the surface of the brain; they are usually present from birth and affect less than one percent of the population. While many AVMs are harmless, they are known to hemorrhage in over half of all patients who have them, and thus must be monitored regularly.

  In addition to the two main categories of stroke, you can also suffer a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or what is sometimes called a mini-stroke. A TIA is similar in nature to an ischemic stroke, in that it, too, is caused by a blood clot; the only difference is that in a TIA, the blood clot eventually passes through, ending the blockage. Although the symptoms are nearly identical, a TIA is not formally classified as a stroke, because the blockage is temporary, lasting five minutes or less. People who experience TIAs may suffer some brain damage, and are still at risk for a full-blown stroke later on. Because of this, prompt medical attention is recommended even when symptoms seem to be fleeting.

  A variety of factors increase the risk of stroke, including poor nutrition and diet, hypertension, lack of regular physical activity, being overweight or obese, smoking or regular exposure to secondhand smoke, diabetes, a previous history of heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption, the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, and sleep apnea, a condition in which oxygen levels fluctuate and drop during the night due to intermittent interrupted breathing. Use of birth control pills can also increase the risk of developing blood clots, and thus stroke. In addition, race can be a factor; statistically, African Americans have a higher risk for stroke than whites and other groups.

  Symptoms vary according to the type and severity of the stroke. They include sudden dizzy spells, loss of coordination or difficulty walking, slurred speech, difficulty understanding speech, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, and blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. A person who suffers a hemorrhagic stroke may also experience a sudden, sharp headache, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. At the first sign of symptoms, dial 911 for immediate medical attention, for the sooner you receive treatment, the higher your chances will be for a successful recovery.

  Ischemic stroke is more likely than hemorrhagic stroke to be fatal. In both types, the risk for a second stroke is greatest in the weeks or months following the first; thus it is vital that proper treatment and preventive measures be taken.

  In order to ensure appropriate treatment, the doctor will need to identify the type of stroke suffered. A thorough physical exam will be conducted, with questions about the symptoms experienced and their duration. Blood tests will be ordered to determine more information about the levels of blood sugar and other chemicals, and to determine how quickly the body forms blood clots. The patient might also undergo a CT scan and/or MRI to detect brain damage, an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck to determine blood flow and plaque build up, an angiogram of neck and brain arteries, or an echocardiogram to determine the source of blood clots in the heart.

  Treatment varies according to the type of stroke suffered. For ischemic strokes, doctors focus on quickly restoring proper blood flow to the brain. This can be accomplished by giving the patient aspirin immediately following the stroke to prevent further clots from forming. Simultaneously, blood clot-dissolving drugs called thrombolytics will be administered, ideally within 4 to 5 hours after the stroke occurs; the most common thrombolytic used is called tissue plasmogen activator (TPA). In severe cases of ischemic stroke, physicians may surgically thread a thin tube (catheter) through an artery and up to the brain, in order to deliver TPA directly to the area where the stroke occurred and bust the clot. A catheter might also be used to insert a small device to mechanically capture and remove the blood clot.

  In some cases, surgical measures might be taken in order to prevent the risk of a future stroke. This can be accomplished by angioplasty with stents or by a procedure called carotid endarterectomy, in which the carotid artery is opened to remove the plaque that is blocking it. The artery is then either stitched up or patched using material from another vein or an artificial graft.

  In cases of hemorrhagic stroke, the focus is on controlling bleeding in the brain, and to reduce pressure caused by the bleeding. In such cases, aspirin, thrombolytic drugs and TPA cannot be given, as these drugs can cause the bleeding to worsen. Instead, drugs to lower blood pressure levels, prevent seizures, and reduce brain pressure will likely be used. It may also be necessary to repair blood vessels surgically. Procedures include surgical clipping, in which a tiny clamp is attached to the base of the damaged blood vessel or aneurysm in order to prevent it from bursting, and coiling, in which small coils are threaded into an aneurysm to block blood flow. When hemorrhagic stroke is threatened or caused or by the rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), surgery can also be performed to remove the problematic veins if they are small and easily accessible.

  Treatment will also be necessary to manage the lingering aftereffects of a stroke, which include loss of muscle control or paralysis on one side of the body, continued problems speaking and being understood, difficulty reading or writing, difficulty swallowing, mental confusion and memory problems, pains or numbness in the parts of the body affected by the stroke, and depression or other emotional problems. Most people require some degree of caretaking after suffering strokes, and many will need to undergo a rehabilitation program in order to regain speech and muscle capacity. A psychologist or psychiatrist may also be necessary in order to deal with any depression or other lingering emotional problems that result from the stroke. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, symptoms can improve over time, and even resolve fully.

  THE RISK FACTORS

  Having read about the most common types of cardiovascular disease, you now understand how serious our national epidemic is, and why it is truly “at the heart” of America’s health care crisis. Although treatment options are expanding, the best way to manage heart disease is to prevent it from happening in the first place. In addition to regular screenings from your doctor, true prevention of heart disease involves addressing all of the known risk factors that increase its likelihood of occurrence. The most common risk factors for each condition were mentioned in the earlier descriptions. Now let’s examine these risk factors separately in order to get a better sense of the roles they play in heart disease.

  There are two categories of risk factors: uncontrollable (non-modifiable) and controllable (modifiable). As the name implies, uncontrollable risk factors are facets of your life that you have no control over, such as age, hereditary factors (your genes), a family history of heart disease, and race. African Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans all have a higher risk for developing heart disease compared to whites and Asian Americans.

  By contrast, controllable risk factors are those you can manage in order to minimize your risk of cardiovascular disease. Although doing so does not guarantee that you will never develop heart disease, at the minimum, proactive behavior allows you to improve your mindset and your health in other areas. The most common controllable risk factors are discussed here.

  Being Overweight or Obese

  Because of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, Americans are getting fatter. According to the CDC, nearly 34 percent of all men and women in the United States are obese (at l
east 20 percent over their ideal body weight), and an additional 30 percent more are unhealthily overweight, though not yet obese. Being overweight strains your heart and can contribute to other risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. If you are overweight, seek help to lose weight by eating right and exercising.

  High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

  High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for heart disease, affecting nearly one in three adults in the United States. Have your blood pressure levels regularly screened by your doctor, and learn how to control it with diet, exercise, stress and/or weight management, and, if necessary, blood pressure medications. For more information, see the section on hypertension (page 28).

  High LDL and Total Cholesterol Levels, Low HDL Cholesterol Levels

  High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol, along with low levels of healthy HDL cholesterol, have long been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. Because cholesterol is a major risk factor, your intake of this fatty substance must be controlled. Cholesterol management should be individually tailored to take into account your other specific risk factors, but will almost always involve eliminating unhealthy trans fats, junk food, and soft drinks from your diet.

  Lack of Exercise

  Americans live increasingly sedentary lifestyles; most of us fail to get the exercise we need. Regular physical activity will significantly reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, and provides a wealth of other benefits as well—it helps people lose weight, reduce stress, strengthen bones and muscle, and raise their HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. You don’t need to be a gym rat to achieve these benefits, either. In fact, a growing body of research indicates that moderate exercise is sufficient for most people’s requirements. A daily walk, gardening, bicycling, and swimming are all excellent ways to get the exercise you need. The key is to pick an activity that you enjoy doing and stick to it—getting twenty to thirty minutes of exercise each day will put you on the right path to optimal health and make you feel much better. If you are not used to physical activity, be sure to consult with your physician first before beginning an exercise program.

  Poor Dental Hygiene

  Historically, some studies have indicated that gum disease seemed to be associated with a higher risk for heart disease. It seemed to make good sense that bacteria from the mouth could enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body—including the heart—where they would cause inflammation and contribute to atherosclerosis. More recently, however, the American Heart Association issued a statement casting doubt upon this theory. Gum disease and heart disease share certain common risk factors—including smoking, age, and diabetes—which probably account for the correlation previously observed between the two conditions. But correlation does not give us proof of causation. In other words, it is now considered highly unlikely that gum disease causes heart attack or stroke.

  Even so, it is in your best interest to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a germ-killing mouthwash daily. These are all essential self-care measures you can and should take to maintain your overall health.

  Poor Diet

  The standard American diet is responsible for much of our nation’s health care crisis, and plays a major role in many cases of heart disease. Your diet is another area over which you have a great deal of control. Emphasize foods that are healthy for you and free of chemical additives; eat an abundant supply of fresh vegetables each day, along with lean meats, poultry, and heart-healthy fish such as salmon (avoid fish that is farm-raised due to the food dyes, antibiotics, and other additives they contain), and moderate amounts of whole grains and legumes. For snacks, consider nuts or fruit in place of sweets, and avoid junk and fast food.

  Smoking

  Smoking is a deadly habit that affects almost every organ in your body. Tobacco is linked to one out of every five deaths in America, and is responsible for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths. In addition, smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Smoking decreases the supply of oxygen to the heart, increases blood pressure and heart rate, and also causes the formation of unhealthy blood clots. Even light smoking causes damage to the heart and blood vessels, and can change the structure of blood vessels. Smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease. In fact, the risk of heart attack is over 50 percent higher for smokers compared to nonsmokers, and even higher than that for heavy smokers (ten or more cigarettes a day). If you smoke, quit; seek help to do so, if necessary. If you don’t smoke, but are frequently around people who do, try to limit your exposure, as people who inhale secondhand smoke also run a higher risk for developing heart disease.

  Stress and Uncontrolled Emotions

  Both stress and uncontrolled emotions, especially anger, significantly raise the risk for heart disease, and have been linked to higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Research has shown that chronic stress can increase the risk of heart attack by nearly 30 percent. In addition, uncontrolled stress has also been shown to elevate blood pressure and increase levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

  If you suffer from chronic stress or have trouble controlling your emotions, consider exploring stress and anger management techniques, either on your own or with the help of a health professional. Also consider making time for hobbies or other activities you enjoy, and for spending time with friends and family members who are supportive of your needs. By becoming more conscious of how you respond to stressful or upsetting conditions, you will start to gain better control over your reactions.

  Type 2 (Adult-Onset) Diabetes and Prediabetes

  Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the blood contains high levels of unregulated glucose (sugar) due to the body’s inability to produce or use a substance called insulin. If not properly treated and controlled, type 2 diabetes and its precursor, prediabetes, can cause serious damage to the heart and lead to heart attack, stroke, and other forms of heart disease. Both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are virtually nonexistent in cultures that adhere to a healthy diet and get regular exercise, yet their incidence in the United States continues to skyrocket. Fortunately, both conditions are easily managed; with proper diet, exercise, and weight loss, prediabetes can even be reversed if caught promptly. If you suffer from either type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, be proactive and take control before your condition takes control of you.

  THE MISSING LINK

  As you can see, there are many aspects of your life that you can control and change in order to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, because there are many other aspects of your life that you can’t control, sometimes even the best intentions go unrewarded. The fact is that many people who are overweight or have high blood pressure and high cholesterol live long lives without suffering from heart disease, while many others who have addressed these same risk factors and eliminated them are still prone to heart attacks and other heart conditions. Research shows that many patients with normal LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels still go on to develop heart disease. Although scientists today are at a loss to understand why, you needn’t be.

  Over the last sixty years, a tremendous body of research has accumulated on the considerable benefits of a single mineral supplement. The research increasingly indicates that this element is the missing link between all these heart conditions, a simple substance without which our bodies suffer, and which, when used as a dietary supplement, can dramatically improve your cardiovascular health, and your quality of life more generally. This substance is magnesium—and the more you know about it, the more control you’ll have over your health.

  The goal of this book, therefore, is to show you how vital magnesium is, especially with regard to maintaining a healthy heart and circulatory system. When taken regularly, magnesium may prove beneficial in preventing and treating the heart diseases that have s
o plagued our country. In the next chapters, you will see why magnesium is indeed “magnificent” and why you are almost certainly deficient in it. Then, in subsequent chapters, you will learn how the cardiovascular and circulatory systems work, the essential roles that magnesium plays in keeping them both functioning properly, what heart disease really is, what other health conditions magnesium helps to prevent and reverse, and, finally, how you can ensure that you are getting all of the magnesium you need safely and effectively.

  To find out how a single nutrient can make a huge difference in your health, read on.

  2

  Magnificent Magnesium

  and Why You Aren’t Getting Enough

  Living without adequate levels of magnesium is like

  trying to operate a machine with the power off.

  —DR. CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP

  Without enough magnesium, cells simply don’t work.

  —DR. LAWRENCE M. RESNICK

  When most people think of nutrients, they think of vitamins. Although vitamins are certainly important, by themselves they are not enough to provide your body with all that it requires to create and maintain optimal health. Equally important are the nutrients known as minerals. In this chapter, you will learn what minerals are and why they are so important to your health. Then you will read about one of the most overlooked, yet most vital minerals—magnesium—and about its many roles in the body. Finally, you will find out why so many of us today do not have enough of the magnesium our bodies need to stay healthy.