Cardiovascular disease is the largest killer in western countries, and is largely diet and lifestyle driven. Interventions with natural medicines, dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference to a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

BSL (Blood Sugar)
Haemoglobin 
hsCRP Indicator of inflammatory processes

Plasma Homocysteine 
Serum uric acid 

 

Male gender Lowered oestrogen levels: e.g., postmenopausal women Increasing age (>55 years male, >65 female) Hypertension Hypercholesterolaemia, particularly elevated LDL, as well as increased triglycerides and high levels of apolipoprotein (a) Low levels of HDL cholesterol Family history of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in first degree relative <60 years Cigarette smoking and regular exposure to second-hand smoke Diabetes mellitus Insulin resistance

 

Obesity, particularly abdominal Sedentary lifestyle High intake of saturated fat and trans fatty acids Hyperhomocysteinaemia Hyperfibrinogenaemia Stress—for example, psychosocial, which may be related to work, attitude (e.g., hostility and cynical distrust), social isolation, sleep deficiency, or suppressed anger Depression High ratio of free radical markers to antioxidants Excessive alcohol intake.

 

Usually asymptomatic until significant impairment has occurred Chest pain, classically described as heavy, squeezing, or crushing, but may also be described as burning or stabbing. In the case of stable angina, but not MI, pain generally subsides with rest Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. A TIA is distinguished from a complete stroke by the fact that the neurologic deficits last less than 24 hours. Peripheral artery disease causes intermittent claudication. It is experienced as pain, aching, cramps, numbness, or a sense of fatigue in the muscles of the lower extremities (LE) and is aggravated by exertion, but relieved by rest.

 

Diminished or absent distal pulses Audible bruits Muscle atrophy Hair loss, thickened nails Smooth, shiny skin, cold to touch Pallor, cyanosis Ulcers or gangrene Hypertension Xanthelasma, tendon xanthomata Abdominal aortic aneurysm—pulsatile abdominal mCardiovascular disease is the largest killer in western countries, and is largely diet and lifestyle driven. Interventions with natural medicines, dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference to a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease.