Health experts believe that the prevention of heart disease, particularly arteriosclerotic heart disease, is possible. To be sure, some risk factors are uncontrollable, such as sex, age and genetics; but there are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk.

Arteriosclerotic heart disease may be referred to as arteriosclerosis and is characterized by a thickening of and loss of elasticity of the blood vessel walls.

Atherosclerosis, which is a very similar and often confused term, is defined as a form of or a stage of arteriosclerotic heart disease, in which plaque builds up on the inner lining of the blood vessel walls. The prevention of heart disease focuses primarily on preventing this build up of plaque.

Plaque that is found in the arteries of the heart is referred to as atheroma. This plaque is composed of an inflammatory accumulation of macrophage white blood cells. It is believed that increasing amounts of LDL or bad cholesterol begin circulating in the blood stream, with dietary changes and habits that begin in school age children and are often carried over into adulthood.

Current research indicates that LDL cholesterol irritates and damages the lining of the blood vessels, leading to the inflammatory responses that cause the plaque. It is apparently a very slow process. It is quite possible that efforts for the prevention of heart disease should begin at a very early age.

Some of the suggestions from the American Heart Association for the prevention of heart disease include controlling childhood obesity and improving the nutritional value of the typical child’s diet or the typical “school lunch”. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein, such as fish or chicken, which is not fried or breaded, are heart healthy choices.

The best tests for detecting early arteriosclerotic heart disease are not commonly used or widely accepted. They are typically not covered by health insurance plans and often the disease is not detected until symptoms appear. According to data collected in 2004, a heart attack or sudden death is often the first symptom of arteriosclerotic heart disease. Thus, the yearly check-up is extremely important.

While doctors typically do not perform extensive tests for the early stages of heart disease, they do typically check weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are the best indicators that the medical community has at this time. Additionally, a simple blood test for C-reactive protein, produced by the body during the inflammatory process, can indicate that inflammation of the arteries is present.

High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol or C-reactive protein circulating in the blood stream, along with obesity, age and heredity are all risk factors for the development of arteriosclerotic heart disease. Blood sugar levels also play a role, uncontrolled diabetes, particularly Type II or adult onset diabetes is currently considered a risk factor.

However, adult onset diabetes appears to be related to improper diet, lack of exercise and obesity, as well. While reducing age or changing parents is not possible, controlling the other risk factors can help with the prevention of heart disease.

According to the most recent research, it appears that using a combination of approaches for the prevention of heart disease is more effective than a single approach. Among these approaches are: making dietary changes, losing weight (particularly around the abdomen), reducing blood sugar levels to low normal and taking certain dietary supplements.

Controlling blood pressure and lowering LDL cholesterol may be achieved through dietary changes or prescription medications may be necessary. The same is true for reducing blood sugar levels. The dietary supplements that may help with the prevention of heart disease include anti-oxidants, the B-vitamins and folic acid.

Mangosteen puree, a dietary supplement, contains the most antioxidants available from a single source. These antioxidants destroy free radicals that can cause cellular damage leading to arteriosclerotic heart disease.

Mangosteen is an exotic fruit from Southeast Asia, and should not be confused with the more mundane mango. Mangosteen is an excellent source of B-vitamins and folic acid which helps lower homocysteine, an amino acid found in meat. High blood levels of homocysteine are related to the early development of arteriosclerotic disease.

In addition, the mangosteen contains natural anti-inflammatory properties which may be helpful for the prevention of heart disease.