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Atherosclerosis

Research

Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation

Leaders in Support
      Advances against cardiovascular disease abound. ..Research to prevent arterial blockage. .. Heart disease death rate falling. .. Headlines like these are not fictional. There 4.; progress against the nation's long-standing; number one killer. The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation helps assure continued progress by supporting investigations that will hopefully bring about a cure for cardiovascular disease.
      Cardiovascular disease touches everyone directly or indirectly causing more deaths than the next two leading causes of death-cancer and accidents- combined. In addition to causing a tragic loss of human life, cardiovascular disease also has a severe economic impact. The American Heart Association estimates the current cost of disease at more than $137 billion annually.
      The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation focuses its energy and philanthropic resources on advancing research into the most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis. For more than ten years the foundation has contributed, in order to make a significant difference in the lives of many;
      The future looks promising.

 

How the Disease Develops

Stage 1

 The inner layer of a normal artery is gradually injured by high blood pressure, circulating cholesterol, and oxidizing substances that are increased by smoking.

A gradual thickening of the artery wall occurs as cholesterol accumulates and smooth muscle cells grow.

Stage 2

Stage 3

 The thickened wall's mechanical instability causes it to crack without warning.

The irregular wall is now a potent stimulus for clot formation (thrombosis).  The formation of such a clot may often prove to be the final step in blockage of an artery, leading to heart attack or stroke.

 Stage 4

 

Promising Research

        For more that a decade, the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation  has supported atherosclerosis research at the Indiana University School of Medicine, a national leader in the study of heart disease.  Support goes to talented young physicians and scientists, enabling them to better understand the root causes of atherosclerosis.  Conducting research at a major university medical center yields significant benefits. 

        The university setting enables scientists from many areas of expertise to collaborate.  This team effort is required for current research, which focuses on the genetic regulation of normal and abnormal vascular wall response in coronary arteries.  Such research will help identify therapeutic approaches to curing and preventing atherosclerosis.

        The foundation's contributions support Indiana University School of Medicine researches, speeding up the basic research process and the achievement of practical benefits for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Your Contribution is Vital!!

 

Ways to Give
        A commitment from each Cryptic Mason will go a long way toward supporting this research.  Clubs recognize larger pledges with the appropriate plaques, lapel pins, and certificates.  All contributions are cumulative from January 1, 1986.
        In addition to their generous support Cryptic Masons are invited to bestow a legacy for atherosclerosis research through their estate plans.  Donations may be sent through local representatives or directly to:

Cryptic Masons 
Medical Research Foundation
Marion K. Crum, Secretary
P.O. Box 1489
(UPS) 6954 E. Georgetown Rd
Nashville, IN 47448
(812) 988-2021
fax: (812) 988-8655

State Chairman CMMRF
Jim Bowles MIPGM
213 W. Main St 
Earlington, Ky. 42410-1211 
 
contact info:
270-383-2083 home
270-871-7853 cell  

 

 

 

Donor Recognition
        Club Certificates
General Grand Master's $1000
Ish Sodi 500
Grand Master's 100
Giblernites 50
Master's 25
        Plaques, Lapel Pins
Nine Arch Style Plaque $1000
Gold with Topaz 750
Gold 500
Silver with Topaz 300
Silver 150
Bronze with Topaz 100
Bronze 50

 

The Problem
        Every 34 seconds, an American dies from some form of cardiovascular disease.  Each year, close to 2 million Americans become stroke victims.  Medical research has identified several factors that are associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Some factors such as male gender, heredity, and advancing age cannot be changed.  However, there are additional factors, several of which result from lifestyle choices, which can be modified or controlled:
  • High Blood Pressure
    increases the heart's work load, causing it to enlarge and 
    weaken over time.  One in four adult Americans has high
    blood pressure.
  • Smoking
    in the most significant risk factor for sudden cardiac death. 
    Smokers have two-to-four times the risk of sudden cardiac
    death as non-smokers.
  • High Cholesterol Level
    increases the risk of coronary artery disease.  The higher
    the level, the higher the risk.
  • Sedentary Lifestyles
    can lead to several risk factors for atherosclerosis, including
    excess weight and high cholesterol.  Lack of exercise is 
    especially risky when combined with an unhealthy diet.

 

Warning Signs

The following are warning signs of a heart attack:
        Prolonged, heavy, squeezing pain in the chest
        Shortness of breath with nausea
        Radiating pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm

If you experience these symptoms, please
contact your doctor.