Cardiovascular Diseases:
Artherosclerosis, Angina, Heart Attacks, Strokes

Introduction

The cardiovascular system comprises the heart and vascular system (blood vessels) through which it pumps blood. This is the largest and most important system in the body that ensures that oxygen and nutritional requirements needed by all the cells are constantly supplied.

The heart beats about 100,000 times a day to pump about 12,250 litres of blood to all parts of the body, delivering oxygen and food nutrients needed by cells for energy production and other functions. The heart must therefore be maintained in optimal health if it is to sustain this capacity for a lifetime.

Artherosclerosis
Poor nutrition and lifestyle can cause long term changes in the body which, in turn, damage the blood vessels. This gradual “hardening” of the arteries, followed by development of plaque from changes in the artery wall and deposition of cholesterol and blood lipids and debris is known as Artherosclerosis. Artherosclerosis can be prevented, stopped or reversed through appropriate nutritional and lifestyle measures.

Heart Attacks and Strokes
When a blood clot gets stuck at a narrow point in a blood vessel, it partially or completely blocks the blood supply. When the coronary artery, the main artery supplying the heart muscles, is blocked then the supply of oxygen and food nutrients to the heart muscle is cut off. With no oxygen or nutrients, the heart stops pumping, a heart attack, and death may follow without any warning. If this happens in the arteries supplying the brain, then a part or the whole brain tissue is affected, causing a stroke.
Blockage of smaller arteries will result in death of part of the heart muscle and part of the brain tissue with a consequent reduction in their capacity.
Removing the risk factors and following medical advice at this stage may protect against further cardiovascular problems.

Most of these premature deaths from strokes and heart attacks could be prevented or delayed by ensuring a good nutritional status and healthy lifestyle.

Who is at Risk?

Older people .
Middle aged people.

The Causes

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol level.
• Smoking and passive smoking.
• Diabetes
• Low physical activity.
• Deficiency of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.
• High levels of homocysteine in the blood.
• Lack of antioxidant nutrients in the body.
• Low intake of essential Omega 3 fatty acids.
• Low levels of magnesium and potassium.
• Increased blood clotting factors.

Whether you have symptoms or not but would like to assess your risk of having cardiovascular disease you might like to consider **Nutritional consultation and Cardiovascular Risk Check