Bad for the heart and blood vessels: support for the cardiovascular system

Bad for the heart and blood vessels: support for the cardiovascular system

I. Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system: the basis for understanding nutritional support

A. The structure of the heart:

1. Atrium (atria): the upper heart chambers taking blood from the veins. a. Right atrium: takes dexygenic blood from the upper and lower hollow veins and coronary sinus. B. Left atrium: takes oxygenic blood from pulmonary veins.
2. Ventricles (Ventricles): lower heart chambers that emit blood into arteries. a. Right ventricle: pumps dexygenic blood into the pulmonary artery, directing it to the lungs for oxygenation. B. Left ventricle: pumps oxygenic blood in aorta, distributing it throughout the body. The left ventricle has a thicker wall than the right, due to higher pressure necessary for systemic circulation.
3. Heart valves: provide a single -controlled blood flow. a. Trickpidal valve: located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. B. Mitral (double) valve: located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. C. The pulmonary artery valve (pulmonal valve): located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. D. Aortic valve: located between the left ventricle and aorta.
4. Heart muscle (myocardial): muscle tissue of the heart, providing its contractions. The myocardium consists of cardiomyocytes, which are interconnected with interculated discs that allow you to quickly spread electrical impulses throughout the heart.
5. Conducting a heart system: generates and conducts electrical impulses that control the heart rhythm. a. Sinoatrial (SA) knot: “Rhythm driver” of the heart, located in the right at the atrium. It generates electrical impulses that spread by atrium, causing their reduction. B. Atrioventricular (AV) node: located between atriums and ventricles. He delays the pulse of the SA of the knot, allowing the atriums to be completely reduced before the impulse reaches the ventricles. C. Gis beam: holds an impulse from the AV node to the ventricles. D. Purkinya fibers: distribute an impulse on the myocardial of ventricles, causing their reduction.

B. Vascular system:

1. Arteries: carry oxygenic blood from the heart to organs and tissues (with the exception of the pulmonary artery). a. Aorta: The largest artery emerging from the left ventricle. B. Arterioles: small arteries that regulate the bloodstream in capillaries. They play an important role in the control of blood pressure.
2. Vienna: carry deoxygenic blood from organs and tissues to the heart (with the exception of pulmonary veins). a. The upper and lower hollow veins: the largest veins flowing into the right atrium. B. Venules: Small veins collecting blood from capillaries.
3. Capillaries: small blood vessels where oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste between blood and tissues occur.
4. Lymphatic system: part of the vascular system, which plays an important role in the immunity and drainage of fluid.

C. Functions of the cardiovascular system:

1. Transport of oxygen and nutrients: delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body.
2. Removal of carbon dioxide and waste: removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste from cells.
3. Transport hormones: delivery of hormones to target bodies.
4. Body temperature regulation: redistribution of blood to maintain optimum body temperature.
5. Immune protection: transport of immune cells and molecules for protection against infections.
6. Regulation of blood pressure: maintaining adequate blood pressure to ensure blood supply to organs and tissues.
7. Blood coagulation: ensuring hemostasis and prevention of blood loss.

D. The mechanisms of regulation of the cardiovascular system:

1. Nervous regulation: Autonomous nervous system controls the frequency of heart contractions, the strength of contractions and vascular tone. a. Simpatic nervous system: increases the frequency of heart contractions, the strength of contractions and narrows blood vessels (increases blood pressure). B. Parasimpathic nervous system (vagus nerve): slows down the heart rate and expands blood vessels (reduces blood pressure).
2. Hormonal regulation: hormones affect the heart rhythm, the power of contractions and vascular tone. a. Adrenaline and norepinephrine: increase the frequency of heart contractions, the strength of contractions and narrow the vessels. B. Angiotensin II: narrows blood vessels and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. C. Atriotic sodium peptide (ANP): expands the vessels and helps to remove sodium and water, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
3. Local regulation: local factors, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH and other metabolites, affect vascular tone in specific tissues.

II. Common diseases of the cardiovascular system: risk factors and pathophysiology

A. Atherosclerosis:

1. Definition: the process of formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of arteries that narrow the lumen of blood vessels and limit blood flow.
2. Pathophysiology: a. Damage to the endothelium (internal lining of arteries): factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and inflammation, can damage endothelium. B. The accumulation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in the artery wall: LDL (poor cholesterol) penetrate the wall of the arteries and oxidize. C. Inflammatory reaction: oxidized LDLs cause an inflammatory reaction that attracts immune cells (macrophages). D. The formation of foamy cells: macrophages absorb oxidized LDL, turning into foamy cells. E. The formation of atherosclerotic plaques: foamy cells, fat and other cells accumulate in the artery wall, forming an atherosclerotic plaque. f. The narrowing of the lumen of the artery: the plaque increases, narrowing the lumen of the artery and limiting blood flow. G. Plaster rupture: plaques can burst, which leads to the formation of a blood clot and acute blockage of the artery (for example, myocardial infarction or stroke).
3. Risk factors: a. Unmodified: age, gender, genetic predisposition. B. Modified: I. High level of LDL cholesterol. II. Low level of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). III. High blood pressure. IV. Smoking. v. Diabetes. VI. Obesity. VII. Unhealthy nutrition. VIII. Low physical activity. IX. Chronic stress.

B. Corny and heart disease (coronary artery disease):

1. Determination: a state in which the blood supply to the heart muscle (myocardium) is not enough due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (arteries supplying the heart with blood). The most common cause is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
2. Types: a. Angina pectoris: breast pain that occurs with a lack of oxygen in the myocardium. I. Stable angina pectoris: predictable pain that occurs during physical activity or stress and passing at rest or after taking nitroglycerin. II. Unstable angina pectoris: unpredictable pain, which occurs even at rest and tending to deteriorate. This is a sign of high risk of myocardial infarction. III. Vasospastic angina pectoris (angina pectoris): the pain that occurs due to spasm of the coronary artery is often at rest. B. Myocardial infarction (heart attack): damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to the sudden blockage of the coronary artery, leading to the cessation of the blood supply to this area. C. Sudden heart death: a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest, often caused by heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). D. Heart failure: a state in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body. IBS is a common cause of heart failure.
3. Symptoms: chest pain (angina pectoris), shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, nausea, sweating, pain in the arm, shoulder, jaw or back.
4. Diagnostics: electrocardiogram (ECG), blood test for heart enzymes (troponin), echocardiography, coronary angiography.

C. Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure):

1. Determination: a state in which blood pressure is constantly increased above normal values ​​(usually 140/90 mm Hg and higher).
2. Types: a. Primary (essential) hypertension: the most common type, the cause is unknown, but associated with genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors. B. Secondary hypertension: caused by another disease, such as kidney diseases, hormonal disorders or taking certain drugs.
3. Risk factors: age, family history, obesity, unhealthy nutrition (high sodium content, low potassium content), insufficient physical activity, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic stress.
4. Consequences: heart damage (left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure), kidney damage (renal failure), stroke, peripheral arterial disease, eye damage (retinopathy).
5. Symptoms: It often proceeds asymptomatic (asymptomatic killer). In severe cases, headaches, dizziness, nosebleed, shortness of breath may occur.

D. Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances):

1. Determination: violations in the frequency, regularity or sequence of heart contractions.
2. Types: a. Bradycardia: too slow heart rhythm (less than 60 beats per minute). B. Tachycardia: too fast heart rhythm (more than 100 beats per minute). C. Atrial fibrillation: fast and irregular rhythm of the atrial. D. Gorgeal fibrillation: quick and irregular rhythm of ventricles, leading to cardiac arrest. Requires immediate defibrillation. E. Extrasystole: premature heart abbreviations.
3. Causes: coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, thyroid disease, electrolyte disorders, taking certain drugs, drinking alcohol or caffeine.
4. Symptoms: rapid heartbeat, missed heart strokes, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain.

E. heart failure:

1. Determination: a state in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body.
2. Causes: coronary heart disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), heart defects, arrhythmias.
3. Types: a. Heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF): the heart shakes normally, but cannot adequately fill up. B. Heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFREF): the heart cannot effectively pump blood.
4. Symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, cough, weight gain.

F. Other diseases:

1. Heart defect: defects in the structure of the heart present at birth.
2. Cardiomyopathy: the disease of the heart muscle, leading to its thickening, increase or weakness.
3. Pericarditis: pneumonia of the pericardium (a bag surrounding the heart).
4. Endocarditis: inflammation of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart).
5. Pulmonary artery thromboembolism (fella): clogging of the pulmonary artery with a thrombus, usually formed in the veins of the legs.
6. Disease of peripheral arteries (ZPA): narrowing of arteries that supply the limbs, most often legs.

III. The role of dietary supplements in maintaining health of the cardiovascular system: scientific data and mechanisms of action

A. Omega-3 fatty acids:

1. Sources: fish oil, linseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts.
2. Active components: eicopascentaenoic acid (EPK) and daily oxaenoic acid (DHG).
3. Action Mechanisms: a. Reducing the level of triglycerides: omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of triglycerides in the liver and increase their splitting. B. Reduced blood pressure: omega-3 fatty acids expand the blood vessels and improve the function of the endothelium, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. C. Antiarrhythmic effect: omega-3 fatty acids stabilize the electrical activity of the heart and reduce the risk of arrhythmias. D. Anti-inflammatory effect: omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and increase the production of anti-inflammatory mediators. E. Antitrombotic effect: omega-3 fatty acids reduce platelet aggregation and the risk of blood clots.
4. Scientific data: a. Numerous clinical studies have shown that the use of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden heart death. B. The meta-analyzes showed that the supplements of omega-3 fatty acids reduce the level of triglycerides, blood pressure and risk of arrhythmias. C. Studies also showed that omega-3 fatty acids can improve the endothelial function and reduce inflammation.
5. Dosage recommendations: usually 1-4 grams per day is recommended, divided into several tricks. The dosage depends on a specific product and health status.
6. Precautions: fish oil can cause belching, stomach disorder and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. High doses can increase the risk of bleeding. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take anticoagulants. It is important to choose high -quality products that have undergone cleaning of heavy metals and other pollutants.

B. Coenzim Q10 (COQ10):

1. Definition: a fat -soluble antioxidant, which plays an important role in the production of energy in cells (especially in the heart) and protects the cells from damage by free radicals.
2. Sources: meat, fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and is also produced by the body. With age and when taking some drugs (for example, statins), the level of COQ10 in the body decreases.
3. Action Mechanisms: a. Improving energy metabolism: COQ10 is involved in the production process of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for cells. It helps mitochondria (energy stations) effectively produce energy. B. Antioxidant effect: COQ10 neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. C. Improving the endothelium function: COQ10 helps to expand blood vessels and improves blood flow. D. Reduced blood pressure: COQ10 can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
4. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that COQ10 additives can improve heart function in people with heart failure, reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension and reduce the side effects of statins (muscle pain, fatigue). B. The meta-analyzes have shown that COQ10 can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. C. Studies also showed that COQ10 can improve the function of the endothelium and reduce oxidative stress.
5. Dosage recommendations: It is usually recommended 100-300 mg per day, divided into several tricks. The dosage depends on a specific product and health status.
6. Precautions: COQ10 is usually well tolerated, but sometimes it can cause nausea, stomach disorder or insomnia. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take anticoagulants or other drugs. COQ10 can interact with warfarin, reducing its effectiveness. You should choose high -quality products containing Kilikhinol (active form COQ10).

C. L-Arginin:

1. Determination: Amino acid, which plays an important role in the production of nitrogen oxide (NO) in the body.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Increase in nitrogen oxide (NO): L-Arginine is the predecessor of NO, which is a powerful vasodilator (expands blood vessels). B. Improving blood flow: No helps to relax the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which leads to vascular expansion and improving blood flow. C. Reduced blood pressure: L-arginine can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. D. Improving the function of the endothelium: L-arginine helps to restore and maintain the health of the endothelium. E. Decreased platelet aggregation: L-arginine can reduce platelet aggregation and risk of blood clots.
3. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that L-Arginine supplements can improve the function of the heart in people with angina pectoris, reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension and improve blood flow in people with peripheral arterial disease. B. Met-analyzes showed that L-arginine can improve the function of the endothelium and reduce blood pressure. C. Studies also showed that L-arginine can improve sports results and reduce erectile dysfunction.
4. Recommendations for dosage: It is usually recommended 3-6 grams per day, divided into several tricks. The dosage depends on a specific product and health status.
5. Precautions: L-arginine can cause nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take medications to reduce blood pressure or have herpes. L-Arginine can provoke an exacerbation of herpes. You should start with a low dose and gradually increase it in order to avoid side effects.

D. Magnesium:

1. Definition: An important mineral that plays an important role in numerous functions of the body, including the health of the heart and blood vessels.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Cardiac regulation: magnesium helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm and prevents arrhythmias. B. Reduced blood pressure: magnesium helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. C. Improving the function of the endothelium: Magnesium helps to restore and maintain the health of the endothelium. D. Reducing inflammation: magnesium has anti -inflammatory properties and can reduce the level of inflammatory markers. E. Improving insulin sensitivity: magnesium plays an important role in regulating blood sugar and can improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Sources: green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain products, legumes.
4. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that people with a higher level of magnesium in the blood have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden heart death. B. Met-analyzes showed that magnesium additives can reduce blood pressure and improve the function of endothelium. C. Studies also showed that magnesium can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar level control.
5. Dosage recommendations: It is usually recommended 200-400 mg per day. The dosage depends on a specific product and health status. It is recommended to choose well -absorbed forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate.
6. Precautions: Magnesium can cause diarrhea, especially with high doses. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you have kidney diseases or you take other medicines. Magnesium can interact with some drugs, including antibiotics and diuretics.

E. Kali:

1. Definition: An important mineral that plays an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Reduced blood pressure: potassium helps to balance the level of sodium in the body and reduces blood pressure. B. Cardiac regulation: potassium helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm and prevents arrhythmias. C. Improving muscle function: potassium plays an important role in muscle function, including the heart muscle.
3. Sources: bananas, avocados, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, citrus fruits.
4. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that people with higher potassium consumption have a lower risk of developing hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease. B. Met-analyzes have shown that potassium supplements can reduce blood pressure. C. Studies also showed that potassium can reduce the risk of kidney and osteoporosis stones.
5. Dosage recommendations: It is recommended to receive potassium mainly from food. In some cases, you may take additives, but you need to consult a doctor. The recommended daily potassium dose is about 4700 mg.
6. Precautions: high doses of potassium can be dangerous, especially for people with kidney diseases. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking potassium additives. An excess of potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause arrhythmias and other serious health problems.

F. Garlic (Allium sativum):

1. Active components: allicine and other sulfur -containing compounds.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Reduced blood pressure: garlic expands blood vessels and improves blood flow, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. B. Reduced cholesterol: garlic can reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. C. Anti -aggregate action: garlic reduces platelet aggregation and risk of blood clots. D. Antioxidant effect: garlic contains antioxidants that protect the cells from damage by free radicals. E. Anti -inflammatory effect: garlic reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines.
3. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that garlic can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, reduce cholesterol and improve blood flow. B. The meta-analyzes have shown that garlic can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. C. Studies also showed that garlic can have anti -cancer and antimicrobial properties.
4. Dosage recommendations: usually 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic per day or an equivalent amount of garlic extract is recommended.
5. Precautions: garlic can cause stomach disorder, heartburn and unpleasant odor from the mouth. High doses can increase the risk of bleeding. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take anticoagulants.

G. Hawthorn (Crataegus):

1. Active components: flavonoids and proshenidines.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Improving the function of the heart: Hawthorn improves the contractility of the heart muscle and increases coronary blood flow. B. Reduced blood pressure: Hawthorn expands blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. C. Antioxidant effect: Hawthorn contains antioxidants that protect the cells from damage to free radicals. D. Improving symptoms of heart failure: hawthorn can improve heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
3. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that hawthorn can improve heart function in people with heart failure, reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow. B. The meta-analyzes have shown that hawthorn can improve symptoms of heart failure. C. Studies also showed that hawthorn can have antiarrhythmic properties.
4. Dosage recommendations: It is usually recommended 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract per day, divided into several receptions.
5. Precautions: Hawthorn can cause dizziness, nausea and stomach disorder. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take medications for the heart or to reduce blood pressure.

H. Curcumin:

1. Is active component is a fearful (CURCUMA LONGA).
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Anti -inflammatory effect: Kurkumin reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. B. Antioxidant effect: Kurkumin neutralizes free radicals and protects the cells from damage. C. Improving the endothelium function: Kurkumin helps to expand blood vessels and improves blood flow. D. Reduced cholesterol: turmeric can reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
3. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that curcumin can reduce inflammation, improve endothelium function and reduce cholesterol. B. The meta-analyzes showed that Kurkumin can improve the function of blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. C. Studies also have shown that Kurkumin can have anti -cancer and neuroprotective properties.
4. Dosage recommendations: It is usually recommended 500-2000 mg of curcumin per day, divided into several tricks. It is important to use turmeric with piperin (black pepper extract) to improve its digestibility.
5. Precautions: curcumin is usually well tolerated, but sometimes it can cause stomach disorder or diarrhea. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you take anticoagulants.

I. Vitamin D:

1. Definition: fat-soluble vitamin, which plays an important role in the health of bones, the immune system and the cardiovascular system.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Regulation of blood pressure: Vitamin D helps regulate the level of renin, hormone, which affects blood pressure. B. Improving the endothelium function: Vitamin D helps to expand blood vessels and improves blood flow. C. Decrease in inflammation: vitamin D has anti -inflammatory properties and can reduce the level of inflammatory markers. D. Calcium regulation: vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the level of calcium in the blood, which affects the function of the heart and blood vessels.
3. Sources: sunlight, oily fish, egg yolks, enriched products.
4. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. B. Met-analyzes showed that vitamin D additives can reduce blood pressure and improve the function of the endothelium. C. Studies also showed that vitamin D can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve immune function.
5. Dosage recommendations: usually 600-2000 IU (international units) per day is recommended. The dosage depends on the level of vitamin D in the blood and health status. It is recommended to check the level of vitamin D in the blood and consult a doctor to determine the optimal dose.
6. Precautions: high doses of vitamin D can be dangerous and caused by hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium), which can lead to heart and kidneys. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking high doses of vitamin D.

J. Vitamin K2:

1. Definition: fat -soluble vitamin, which plays an important role in coagulation of blood and health of bones and blood vessels.
2. Action Mechanisms: a. Prevention of calcification of arteries: Vitamin K2 activates a matrix GLA-beam (MGP) protein, which prevents calcium in the walls of arteries. B. Improving the health of bones: Vitamin K2 activates osteokalcin protein, which is involved in the formation of bone tissue. C. Blood coagulation regulation: vitamin K2 is necessary for the synthesis of blood coagulation factors.
3. Sources: NATTO (fermented soybeans), cheese, egg yolks, meat.
4. Scientific data: a. Studies have shown that people with higher consumption of vitamin K2 have a lower risk of calcification of arteries and cardiovascular diseases. B. Studies also showed that vitamin K2 can improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
5. Dosage recommendations: It is usually recommended 90-120 mcg per day. The dosage depends on a specific product and health status.
6. Precautions: v