Herbs and the cardiovascular system Flashcards
What are the 3 components of the cardiovascular system?
Heart
Vascular system (including arteries, veins, and capillaries)
Blood
How many times does the heart beat during an average lifespan?
2.5 billion times
Describe the pattern of blood flow throught the heart?
Deoxygenated blood → Right atrium →through tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Lungs
Oxygenated blood → Left atrium → Mitral Valve → Left ventricle → Body
Name the four valves of the heart.
Mitral (bicuspid) valve - between the left atrium and left ventricle
Tricuspid valve - between the right atrium and right ventricle
Pulmonic valve - between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Aortic valve - between the left ventricle and aorta
What does systole and diastole mean?
systole - contract
diastole - relax
What are the three kinds of vessels that the vascular system contains?
Veins - carry deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Arteries - carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Capillaries - participate in oxygen and nutrient exchange.
Generally, veins carry deoxygenated blood and arteries carry oxygenated blood. What are the exceptions to this rule?
Veins carry deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart. The one exception is the pulmonary veins, which carry freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart’s left atrium.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Rare exceptions are the pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, and the umbilical artery, which carries deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
Which vessels connect capillaries to veins and arteries?
Arterioles and venules are smaller-sized vessels that connect capillaries to arteries and veins.
What is the role of endothelial cells in the vascular system?
Endothelial cells make up the inner lining of blood vessels, and play an important role in creating new vessels and in stopping blood loss by forming clots. They are also responsible for promoting or inhibiting inflammation inside the vessels.
What is endothelial dysfunction?
A condition that arises when the endothelial cells are not able to normally form clots and balance. inflammation
Name the 5 major vesels of the vascular system
Aorta - The largest artery in the body, it carries oxygenated blood directly from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
Inferior vena cava - The largest vein in the body, it (along with the superior vena cava) carries blood from the rest of the body back to the right atrium.
Superior vena cava - The large vein responsible for carrying blood from the brain and neck back to the heart.
Carotid and vertebral arteries - The carotid arteries and vertebral arteries carry blood to the brain. Certain obstructions of these vessels may lead to strokes.
Coronary arteries - The coronary arteries oxygenate the heart. Obstructions of these vessels can lead to a heart attack.
describe the pattern of blood flow through the body?
rest of the body → veins → inferior and superior vena cava → right atrium → (tricuspid valve) → right ventricle → (pulmonary valve) → pulmonary arteries → lung membrane exchange → pulmonary veins → left atrium → (mitral valve) → left ventricle → (aortic valve) → aorta → arteries → rest of the body
What is the function of blood in the body?
Blood is truly the “river of life” that carries oxygen and other vital nutrients, such as glucose, to the cells and tissues of the body. It is also a key part of immune function and wound healing, carrying the immune cells that help fight infection and cause scabs
How much blood does the human body have
Blood makes up approximately 8% of the total body weight and has a volume of about 4 to 6 liters in adults
What are the 4 major components of blood
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Plasma
Where in the body are red blood cells produced?
Bone marrow
What is another name for red blood cells?
erythrocytes
Why do red blood cells not contain a nucleus?
allows them to carry a larger amount of hemoglobin, an oxygen-transporting protein that makes up 95% of a RBC.
How much of a red blood cell is made up of hemoglobin?
95%
What is the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
It allows the cell to carry oxygen.
How many times does a red blood cell circulate through the body before it is recycled?
RBCs circulate for about three to four months before they are recycled back into the body
What is the color of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood?
Oxygenated blood is a brighter red color and deoxygenated blood is a dark maroon color
What is the relationship between blood type and antigens?
The surface of red blood cells is covered with specific proteins and sugars called antigens. These correspond to the four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Another antigen called Rh is either present or absent on the surface of an individual’s red blood cells. When a blood transfusion is required, blood type and Rh factor must be appropriately matched to prevent a dangerous cross-reaction.
What are the “formed” elements of blood?
red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
What is the role of white blood cells ?
White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are part of the immune system and actively defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
What is another name for white blood cells?
leukocytes
Where are white blood cells produced?
Produced in the bone marrow as well as the thymus gland of children
Except for the blood, where else are white blood cells found?
Liver, spleen and lymph nodes
How long do white blood cells live for?
On average, most WBCs live for about three days
When does the number of white blood cells increase?
Their numbers increase during infection, pain, and other stressful events.
What is the role of Granulocytes?
Granulocytes, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, are the WBCs that actively defend the body against bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
What is the role of Lypnocytes?
Lymphocytes are WBCs that bind to proteins on invading viruses and also destroy cancerous cells.
What is the role of Monocytes?
Monocytes are the cells that remove debris from dying cells and infections.
What is another name for platelets?
thrombocytes
What is the role of platelets in the cardiovascular system?
repair and stop any damage to the cardiovascular system by adhering to blood vessel walls
What is the lifespan of platelets?
10 days
What problems can arise when platelet counts are either too high or too low?
A high platelet count can lead to blood clots, which may cause problems such as stroke; a low platelet count can lead to excessive bleeding.
How does aspirin prevent blood clotting?
By inhibiting platelet count?
How much of our blood is made up of plasma by volume?
55%
What makes up 90% of blood plasma?
Water
What nutrients are carried by plasma?
glucose and electrolytes
What does blood plasma consist out of?
Plasma also contains a variety of substances including water, nutrients, proteins, hormones, enzymes, and waste products.
How does the electrical system of the heart work?
The heart is unique because it is a mechanical “pump” that generates its own electrical impulse and by doing so, sets its own heart rate. These electrical impulses are generated in the top chamber of the heart in a region called the sinoatrial node, which resides in the right atrium. Impulses travel down an electrical tract to the atrioventricular node, and then to the ventricles by the His-Purkinje fibers. This electrical signal initiates the contractions of the heart chambers. The electrical activity of the heart causes the rhythmic contractions of the beating heart and precedes any mechanical activity.
Explain Cardiac Potential
The heart’s electrical activity is dependent on an intact membrane potential also known as the cardiac potential. Basically, the membrane potential is the electrical charge at the cellular membrane. It depends on the difference in charge between the inside and outside of a cell, and on the specific location and concentration of intracellular ions (potassium and magnesium) and extracellular ions (sodium and calcium). This electrical gradient is found not only in cardiac cells, but also in cells throughout the body. Balance of the intracellular and the extracellular ions is key for a normal cardiac action potential.
Trough wich mechanism is the Cardiac potential maintained?
Cardiac potential is maintained by an active transport (energy requiring) sodium-potassium ATPase pump, essential for maintenance of sodium and potassium concentrations, as well as other passive pumps such as the sodium-calcium exchange.
What is the name for a heart rate less than 50 beats per minute?
bradycardia (brady means slow).
What is the name for a heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute?
tachycardia (tachy means fast).
What are some things that can affect the electrical system of the heart by causing an increase or decrease in heart rate?
medications, foods, caffeine, scar tissue, toxins, ischemia (lack of adequate blood supply), exercise, and emotions,
What is considered normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure: Systolic <120, diastolic <80
What is considered elevated blood pressure?
Elevated blood pressure: Systolic 120-129, diastolic 80-89
What is considered stage 1 hypertension?
Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic 130-139 OR diastolic 80-89
What is considered stage 2 hypertension?
Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic 140+ OR diastolic 90+
When is Low blood pressure a concern?
it is typically only a concern if it causes symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, or fatigue. In some cases, hypotension can be linked to more serious medical conditions including heart disease, endocrine disorders, internal bleeding, or shock (National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, n.d.a).
Why is high blood pressure a concern?
Sustained and untreated high blood pressure, known as hypertension, causes the heart to work harder than usual, eventually enlarging the heart and leading to other serious complications like hardened arteries, myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney damage. Hypertension also affects other organs including the brain and the eyes (National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, n.d.b).
What is the function of cholesterol in the body?
important structural component in many cell walls, regulates function of brain and nerve tissue, and is required for synthesis of sex hormones, cortisol, bile, and vitamin D.
Where does the cholesterol in our body come from?
Cholesterol can come from the diet, but most of it is made in our own cells, and while most cholesterol is made in the liver, all human cells have the ability to produce cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol cells produce is regulated by enzymatic feedback, and consumption of dietary cholesterol will slow endogenous cholesterol synthesis
Why do we need lipoproteins to transport cholesterol through the body?
Lipids are not very water soluble, so they will not mix easily with blood plasma—think of what happens when you try to mix oil and water. Instead, cholesterol molecules combine with these lipoproteins so they can be moved around the body and into cells.
Why is elevated levels of triglycerides a concern?
Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other diseases (Bittner, 2008).
What do lipoproteins transport?
cholesterol and triglycerides
What is the major structural difference between High and Low density lipoproteins?
The raitio of fat to protein
the higher the density the more protein and the smaller the molecule.
What is the primary cause of atherosclerosis?
Inflammation of the endothelium—the inner lining of all blood vessels—is one of the primary factors in the development of atherosclerosis
How does inflamation cause atherosclerosis?
In response to an injury or inflammation, immune cells migrate to the endothelium, resulting in oxidative damage to cells and accumulation of cholesterol. Over time, this cholesterol builds up further to form atherosclerotic plaques and contributes to coronary artery disease (Frink, 2002).
Which herbs have anti-inflamatory propperties and is also good for the heart?
Anti-inflammatory herbs that also have other heart-healthy actions include:
hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry and aerial parts,
ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaf,
garlic (Allium sativum) bulb,
turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome,
green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf,
reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom,
ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root,
tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) aerial parts,
triphala (a combination of bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) fruit, haritaki (Terminalia chebula) fruit, and amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit).
What kind of foods promotes inflamation in the body?
sugar, alcohol, and processed foods
What kinds of food decreases inflamation in the body?
Eating whole, unprocessed foods high in phytonutrients and antioxidants, as well as monounsaturated fats found in avocados and nuts,
How does stress reduction help prevent heart disease?
Stress stimulates the release of cortisol. chronically elevated, cortisol can increase blood glucose levels, raise blood pressure, increase insulin resistance, and lower immune response (Tsigos et al., 2016).
How do stress reduction techiques help prevent heart disease?
Stress stimulates the release of cortisol. chronically elevated, cortisol can increase blood glucose levels, raise blood pressure, increase insulin resistance, and lower immune response (Tsigos et al., 2016).
What are some stress reduction techniques that have a possitive influence on heart health?
Yoga, Tai chi, qi gong, guided meditation, breathing, biofeedback, exercise, time in nature, and journaling
Why is sleep, excercise and hydration so important for cardiovascular health?
Sleep. Inadequate and poor quality sleep are associated with an increase in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This is probably due in part to the fact that chronic sleep deficit leaves us in sympathetic (fight-or-flight) mode, which causes increases in stress hormones that promote vascular inflammation (Nagai et al., 2010).
Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for the entire body, not just the cardiovascular system. These benefits include improvement of blood pressure, lung function, blood sugar regulation, overall metabolic function, reduction of anxiety and depression, improvement of cognitive ability, and reduced risk of developing some types of cancer (Centers for Disease Control, 2018).
Hydration. It is crucial to drink enough water daily. Our bodies consist of 70% water and adequate hydration ensures that it works efficiently. When we don’t drink enough water, the body responds by retaining sodium and water, and by minimizing capillary circulation—both of which elevate blood pressure (Nelson, 2018). How much is enough? There are no established guidelines for recommended water intake, but a general rule is to drink approximately 1.5-2 L per day. However, the amount of water needed will vary widely depending on activity level, climate, and diet.
How does antioxidants protect against heart disease?
protect against endothelial damage.
Why is the low fat diet a myth?
The mediteranian diet has shown a 30% reduction in heart disease compared to the low fat diet and the mediteranian diet contains a lot of fat.
What are the best foods for a healthy heart
Brassicas: The Brassicaceae (brassica) family of plants includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage, all of which contain a large amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and other nutrients. Brassicas may help lower cholesterol levels, prevent thickening of the artery walls, and protect cells against oxidative damage (Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, 2018). While consumption of all fruits and veggies generally promotes heart health, consumption of brassicas, also known as cruciferous vegetables or crucifers, is specifically linked to a decrease in death from cardiovascular disease (Zhang et al., 2011).
Tomatoes, watermelon, and red cabbage: These three foods are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that is cardioprotective. Lycopene regulates cholesterol synthesis in the liver and can decrease LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help protect the lining of the vasculature against buildup of atherosclerotic plaques (Mozos et al., 2018).
Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids help to decrease inflammation throughout the body, and may have an overall protective effect on the cardiovascular system by reducing elevated triglycerides and blood pressure and maintaining vascular integrity. The evidence regarding fish oil supplements is mixed (Abdelhamid et al, 2018); however, dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet (Bowen et al., 2016).
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil, ground flax seeds, algae, chia seeds, wild rice, leafy greens, and black beans. Oily fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel also contain high levels of omega-3s; however, marine pollution can lead to high levels of toxins like mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in some fish, so it’s important to be aware of potential contaminants and choose fish sources carefully (Bowen et al., 2016).
Whole grains and other sources of fiber: Both types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, are linked to positive heart health by lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels (Erkkilä & Lichtenstein, 2006). Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, barley, legumes, flax and psyllium seeds, apples, pears, and citrus fruits; insoluble fiber is found in most vegetables and whole grains.
Berries: Berries of all kinds are chock full of protective phytonutrients. Dark blue, red, and purple berries like blueberries and cranberries are especially helpful for heart health because they’re rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including anthocyanidins and other flavonoids. These compounds promote circulation, protect cells from oxidative damage, and keep the vascular lining healthy (Paredes-Lopez et al., 2010).
Avocados: The fruit of the avocado tree is technically a single seeded berry and is high in heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, folate, potassium, and other key nutrients. Avocados contain a wide range of anti-inflammatory carotenoids, and consuming avocado with other carotenoid-containing plants enhances the body’s absorption of these powerful antioxidants by up to 400% (Unlu et al., 2005)! Yes, the avocado is high in fat, but almost exclusively monounsaturated fats, which are widely considered to be heart-healthy. The unique phytosterols in avocado are well-researched with demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits; the oleic acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B, C, and K in avocado may also support cardiovascular health.
What are Cardiotonics?
Cardiovascular tonics, sometimes shortened to cardiotonics, strengthen and improve the function of the cardiovascular system. These should not be confused with pharmaceutical cardiotonics that increase cardiac tone.
What are some Cardiotonic herbs?
hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry and aerial parts, motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) aerial parts,
schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) berry,
cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) bark,
cacao (Theobroma cacao) bean,
tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) aerial parts.
