Therapeutics 2 - Cardiovascular Therapeutics:

Question 1

Q1: What are the main functions of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

A1: The cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, ensures that cells are supplied with oxygen and nutrients, while also removing waste products.

Question 2

Q2: What are key factors to consider for maintaining cardiovascular health?

Answer 2

A2: Key factors include maintaining blood vessel integrity, promoting circulation, ensuring healthy blood viscosity, and regulating blood pressure.

Question 3

Q3: How does vitamin C contribute to blood vessel integrity?

Answer 3

A3: Vitamin C supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels. Food sources include broccoli, kale, and peppers.

Question 4

Q4: What role does vitamin E play in cardiovascular health?

Answer 4

A4: Vitamin E reduces lipid peroxidation, which helps protect against atherosclerosis. Food sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, and olive oil.

Question 5

Q5: Which natural compounds help support blood vessel health and how?

Answer 5

A5: Polyphenols such as pycnogenol and grape seed extract have antioxidant and collagen-stabilizing properties, which help maintain blood vessel health. Anthocyanins in dark red/purple fruits also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Question 6

Q6: How can you support healthy blood circulation?

Answer 6

A6: Regular exercise, consuming foods that increase nitric oxide (e.g., beetroots, watermelon, pomegranate), warming spices (ginger, cinnamon, cayenne), and using Ginkgo biloba as a circulatory stimulant can support healthy blood circulation.

Question 7

Q7: What is the benefit of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health?

Answer 7

A7: Nitric oxide induces vasodilation, which helps widen blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Question 8

Q8: What dietary recommendations help maintain healthy blood viscosity?

Answer 8

A8: To maintain healthy blood viscosity, reduce refined vegetable oils and saturated fats, increase omega-3 fatty acids from sources like oily fish, chia seeds, and walnuts, and include fresh garlic, onions, and turmeric in the diet.

Question 9

Q9: Why is healthy blood viscosity important?

Answer 9

A9: Healthy blood viscosity is important because increased viscosity (thicker blood) is associated with reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Question 10

Q10: What additional therapies can help improve blood circulation?

Answer 10

A10: Therapies such as contrast hydrotherapy (ending on warm) and dry skin brushing can improve blood circulation by stimulating blood flow and enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues.