Cardiovascular System Flashcards
How many valves does the heart have, what are they called and what are their purposes?
1) tricuspid valve- regulate blood flow between right atrium and ventricle
2) pulmonary valve-controls blood flow from right ventricle into pulmonary arteries which carry blood to lungs to bring back O2
3) mitral valve-oxygen rich blood passes from left atrium to left ventricle
4) aortic valve- oxygen rich blood passes from left ventricle into aorta, the largest artery, where it is delivered to the rest of your body
How many chambers does the heart have, what are they called and what are their relative locations?
4
Left and right atrias- upper
Left and right ventricles- lower
What is the name of the only artery to carry oxygenated blood?
Pulmonary artery
What are the three centres of the body that clean the blood?
Kidney, liver, lymphatic system
What diet is best for cardiovascular conditions?
High fibre, low (saturated) fat
What parts makes up the cardiovascular system?
Heart and circulatory system
What is the most valuable herb for the cardiovascular system and why?
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)- tonic for both vascular system and heart. Safe in most cardio conditions except slow heartbeat and while on meds like digoxin
What group of vitamins are important for people with cardiovascular disease to supplement?
B vitamins
What are some factors that contribute to generalized cardiovascular disease?
Age and gender Heredity Diet Tobacco and Alcohol Stress and personality type Environmental toxins Exercise Cholesterol Homocysteine (b6, b12 and folic acid deficiencies show increased risk) Fibrogen
What is arteriosclerosis?
Hardening of arteries
To eliminate arteriosclerosis, what needs to happen?
List two herbs that can help with this action.
Clean the arteries and vessels. Hawthorn (crataegus spp) Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Buckwheat (Fragopyrum esculentim) Garlic (allium sativa) Etc
List some supplements that may be helpful for arteriosclerosis
Magnesium Bromelain (breaks down plaque) Chelated calcium Look at zinc and copper deficiency L-carnitine Lecitihin (increases cholesterol solubility amd inhibits platelet formation) Omegas for anti-inflammation Panthene (helps eliminate cholesterol) Multi b vitamin Vitamin e
What herbal actions are helpful for arteriosclerosis
Vascular tonic
Vasodilators
Antispasmodic
Antitherom
What is hypertension and what herbal actions are beneficial in treating it?
A chronic increase in blood pressure above a normal range (High blood pressure)
Vascular tonic Hypotensive Central and peripheral vasodilators Antispasmodic Cardiovascular nervine
What is hypotension and what are some herbal actions that are beneficial in treating it?
Abnormally low blood pressure. Can result in’dizziness, shock, or endocrine issues. Rarely needs treatment.
Tonic Hypertensive
Hepatic stimulant
Vasodilators
What is arrhythmia? List some herbs that are especially helpful for this condition.
Abnormal heart beat. May exhibit palpitations.
motherwort (leonarus cardiaca) amd Borage (Borago officinalis) are both considered specific for this condition, especially when stress or hormones are to blame
hawthorn (crataegus spp) is also helpful for this condition when combined with nervines
linden/lime blossom (Tilia spp.) is a tonic and nervine and is also very beneficial for arrhythmia