Ensuring your blood is thin enough can prevent heart attack and stroke, and simple steps toward that end are outlined in the new book by Kenneth R. Kensey, M.D., a cardiologist and successful inventor of medical devices, with Carol A. Turkington. "The Blood Thinner Cure: A Revolutionary Seven-Step Lifestyle Plan for Stopping Heart Disease and Stroke," lays out a new theory about what causes heart attack and stroke and how to reduce personal risk. The book was released today by NTC/Contemporary Books, a division of McGraw-Hill Publishing.
“Compassionately and carefully explained, Kensey's program, which is based on the premise that cardiovascular disease need not be inevitable,” says a review in Publishers Weekly.
February is American Heart Month, which reminds us that heart disease effects most Americans. According to the American Heart Association, about once every minute an American dies from a heart attack, while once every three minutes stroke kills an American. Much is known about cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, a primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Yet, cardiovascular disease is still the #1 cause of death in the United States.
Most adults know that decreasing saturated fat in their diets can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. In "The Blood Thinner Cure," Dr. Kensey recommends taking measures to control three additional risk factors—blood pressure, how forcefully the heart contracts and blood viscosity -- because these physical factors may turn out to be even more important risk factors for heart disease than smoking or high cholesterol.
“Medical science has focused almost exclusively on the chemical composition of blood, such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels," Dr. Kensey says. "While blood chemistry is absolutely important, studies have shown that physical properties -- such as viscosity -- may play a critical role, and that has been largely overlooked. Physical properties of blood directly affect blood flow, and sufficient blood flow is essential for the health of all organs."
The premise of Dr. Kensey's book is that that mechanical injury from thick blood causes atherosclerosis. The process starts as arteries near the heart adapt to increases in blood pressure by stiffening and hardening. To circulate the blood through these less flexible arteries, the heart has to pump harder. The increased force from the heart changes the quality of the blood flow from gentle to turbulent, and the blood starts to wear and tear at certain spots in the arteries. Similar to the way calluses form on our skin when it is subjected to constant friction, the arterial lining adapts to the harsh blood flow by forming calluses (known as early atherosclerotic plaque). The build-up of plaque reduces the blood flow in the arteries and eventually causes blockage, which results in heart attacks and strokes.
In "The Blood Thinner Cure," Dr. Kensey recommends controlling blood pressure, blood viscosity and how forcefully the heart contracts by:
Drinking more water. Dr. Kensey recommends 12 glasses per day. Water lowers blood pressure and softens and liquefies red blood cells, helping them move through the arteries more easily. Giving blood. Giving blood saves lives, and scientific research shows blood donation can positively affect the health of many donors. Dr. Kensey believes health benefits occur because giving blood reduces its thickness. Taking an aspirin a day, if your physician approves, because an aspirin a day can help prevent coronary artery disease by thinning the blood. Stopping smoking. Cigarette smoking increases the thickness of the blood by raising the concentration of red blood cells, and the tar in cigarette smoke makes blood stickier. Watching your diet. Obesity is linked to increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. The American Heart Association says obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Staying active. Exercise and physical activity condition and strengthen the heart, make it work efficiently and reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity, which can lead to atherosclerosis. Reducing stress. Stress, anger and hostility contribute to thickened blood and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. To obtain more information about "The Blood Thinner Cure" or to order a copy of the book, visit www.thebloodthinnercure.com or phone 1-800-969-2585. The book will be available widely in U.S. bookstores and can be ordered through www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.
