Therapeutics 2 - Hypertension and Atherosclerosis:

Question 1

Q1: What is hypertension, and what blood pressure levels define it?

Answer 1

A1: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, which can damage the endothelium of arteries and lead to atherosclerosis.

Question 2

Q2: What are some major causes and risk factors for hypertension?

Answer 2

A2: Major causes include obesity, high salt intake, low potassium, nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, potassium, vitamin C), excessive alcohol, smoking, stress, and inactivity.

Question 3

Q3: How does obesity, particularly abdominal adiposity, contribute to hypertension?

Answer 3

A3: Abdominal adiposity activates the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS), leading to vasoconstriction and water retention, which raises blood pressure.

Question 4

Q4: What is atherosclerosis, and how does it relate to cardiovascular disease?

Answer 4

A4: Atherosclerosis is the formation of plaques in the walls of arteries, which can disrupt blood flow to target organs and contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Question 5

Q5: What factors increase the risk of atherosclerosis?

Answer 5

A5: Risk factors include a diet high in refined sugars and trans fats, dyslipidaemia, high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, nutritional deficiencies (B6, folate, B12), hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress.

Question 6

Q6: How can magnesium help reduce hypertension?

Answer 6

A6: Magnesium acts as a vasodilator, helping to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. It also improves endothelial function and supports energy production in the heart.

Question 7

Q7: What foods are rich in vitamin E, and how does this nutrient support cardiovascular health?

Answer 7

A7: Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, and olive oil. Vitamin E protects the endothelium, reduces LDL oxidation, and decreases clotting factors, improving blood viscosity.

Question 8

Q8: How do B-vitamins (B6, B9, B12) help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis?

Answer 8

A8: B-vitamins are essential for metabolizing homocysteine, a non-protein amino acid that, in high levels, can damage the endothelium and increase the risk of blood clots.

Question 9

Q9: What dietary guidelines should be followed to manage hypertension and reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

Answer 9

A9: The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables rich in potassium and vitamin C, avoid processed and refined foods, limit red meat and dairy, and increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods like garlic, onions, and turmeric.

Question 10

Q10: How do omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health?

Answer 10

A10: Omega-3 fatty acids have mild hypotensive effects, reduce triglycerides, decrease inflammation, and improve endothelial function, helping to prevent hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Question 11

Q11: How does Co-enzyme Q10 benefit cardiovascular health?

Answer 11

A11: Co-enzyme Q10 supports cardiac muscle function, protects against endothelial dysfunction, reduces LDL oxidation, and increases nitric oxide activity, promoting vasodilation and lowering blood pressure.

Question 12

Q12: What herbs can help manage hypertension?

Answer 12

A12: Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) strengthens vascular elasticity and lowers blood pressure, while garlic (Allium sativum) increases nitric oxide levels, reduces arterial stiffness, and has anti-coagulant properties.

Question 13

Q13: How can stress management help lower blood pressure?

Answer 13

A13: Managing stress through parasympathetic stimulation (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing), regular exercise, relaxing herbal teas (e.g., chamomile, lime flower), and potassium-rich herbs like dandelion can help lower blood pressure.