Introduction:
In North America, one of the most common diseases leading to death is
atherosclerosis; each year, approximately 16 million people in the United States
suffer from atherosclerosis [3]. A major factor in this disorder is
the process of oxidation of lipids in low-density lipoproteins that have been
trapped in the extra-cellular matrix of the subendothelial space. The chemical
reaction of oxidation stimulates immune responses which will lead to
plaque formation, in
flammation
and blood clots or lesions [2]. Although oxidation is a normal process in the human
body, as it produces a form of oxygen, it can also be harmful when reacting with
low density lipoproteins, which is a major factor leading to strokes or heart
attacks [6]. A possible way of preventing this oxidation process by using
antioxidants to "counteract" the results of oxidation and control the
accumulation of harmful free-radicals [10].
In this study, my objective is to find the most beneficial ways of preventing the process of oxidation. I will conclude that regular intakes of fruits and vegetables or vitamins with high antioxidant capacities can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of patients with atherosclerosis by decreasing the oxidation processes which occurs in the extra-cellular matrix of the subendothelial space. In addition, I hypothesize that the variety and the amounts of antioxidants that are taken by an individual will be significant for an improvement in the cardiovascular system and the decrease in the build up of atheroma.
*image is directly taken from: http://www.h4heart.com/h4heart/articledisplay.aspx?articlesubdetailid=CC_TPS_Pre_S
