Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Dysfunction is the leading cause of death among Americans. Development of CVD is prevalent in both men and women among all ethnic groups.
CVD is often referred to as the silent killer due to its slow progression of symptoms, which are often undetectable until the individual has reached an advanced stage. The practitioner’s role is to monitor the warning signs and high-risk behaviors associated with the development of CVD. Through education and support, the health care practitioner may work with the patient to prevent this deadly disease.
The illustration shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (figure A) and an artery containing plaque buildup (figure B).
The illustration shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (figure A) and an artery containing plaque buildup (figure B).
Risk Factors of CVD:
- Diabetes
- Family History of CVD
- Cigarette Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Age (men over 45 and women over 55)
- Abdominal Circumference (men over 40” and women over 35”)
- Hypertension
Lab Risk Factors:
- High LDL
- Low HDL
- Elevated Triglycerides
- Elevated Lipoprotein a
- Elevated CRP
- Elevated Homocysteine
- Elevated Apoprotein
The current understanding of CVD can be summarized in 3 steps:
- Development of stable atherotic plaques from inflammation
- Transformation of stable plaques to unstable plaques
- Plaque rupture leading to Coronary Syndromes
The risk factors that perpetuate the above process are high blood lipids, chronic inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, poor blood viscosity, and obesity. These are all factors that can be easily managed with lifestyle and diet changes. Imbalanced serum glucose and elevated serum insulin levels both contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD. It is thought that imbalanced blood glucose and insulin can produce inflammatory activity within the endothelium of blood vessels resulting in vascular damage. Chronic Inflammation is becoming recognized as a key underlying process that negatively affects all organ systems of the body, including the cardiovascular. The inflammation influences the plaque formation within the blood vessels. The blood is rich with nutrients. When there is an increase in inflammatory proteins or excessively sticky platelets the blood attains sludge like consistency. High serum lipids contribute to the atherotic plaque formation.
Diet and Lifestyle Factors:
Reduce:
- Stress
- Eliminate Smoking
- Minimize alcohol to 1 drink per day
- Reduce salt intake
- Avoid all hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats
- Limit Saturated fats such as animal fats
- Reduce weight if overweight
- Eliminate sugar from the diet
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is essential for proper functioning of the brain in both adults and infants. DHA concentrations in breast milk range from 0.07-1.0% of total fatty acids and are influenced by the amount of fatty fish in the mother's diet. In the US, infant formula has been supplemented with DHA since 2001. Research suggests that DHA contributes to numerous nervous system functions such as increased visual acuity, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease. It is highly concentrated in the brain and eye. Date
Increase:
- Mono and polyunsaturated fats such as olive, flax, and fish oils
- Increase fiber to 20-30 grams per day
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables
- Use healthy protein sources that are low in saturated fats
- Exercise; 1 hour, 3-5 days per week
Relaxation activities:
- Massage
- Prayer
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Cultivate loving relationships with family and friends
- Cultivate fun in your life
Trackbacks and Pingbacks