Latest article: Arterial health, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation: Integrative approaches to building vascular resilience

Article description 

Arterial health, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation: Integrative approaches to building vascular resilience.

The article examines the multifactorial role of arterial health in cardiovascular wellness, emphasising inflammatory, metabolic, mechanical, and lifestyle influences. It highlights arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction as key predictors, explores gender-specific differences, and reviews nutrients and herbs for vascular resilience. Advocating integrative, preventative strategies, it stresses early detection and complementary medicine for improved outcomes.

Author: Mick Alexander - B.Pharm, BHSc (Naturopathy)

Mick Alexander is an integrative pharmacist, naturopath, author, pharmacy educator, and industry presenter who embraces the benefits of combining natural supplements with conventional medicines. He is an Independent Brand Ambassador for fx Medicine, BioCeuticals^® education platform. 

Reviewer: Brett Friedman - MSc (Med), ADNM

Brett Friedman is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and scientist with a master’s degree in medicine. He is a Senior Practitioner Learning Designer at BioCeuticals® and fx Medicine. He was involved in reviewing this article. 

Learning objectives 

• Describe the aetiological factors and risk factors that contribute to arterial disease and dysfunction.
• Explain the importance of arterial stiffness in predicting cardiovascular events.
• Identify gender-specific differences in the presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of arterial disease.
• Summarise the roles and mechanisms of key nutrients and herbal ingredients in supporting arterial health.
• Apply integrative and preventative approaches to the early detection and management of arterial dysfunction.

Competency standards 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.6, 5.3 

To complete your Pharmacy CPD credits, please see the link at the end of the article.

The immediate life-threatening nature of arterial disease cannot be overstated. End-organ damage, as in the case of uncontrolled arterial hypertension, may affect the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, and central and peripheral arteries.¹

Arterial walls contain smooth muscle, collagen and elastin. Over time, reduced elastin and increased collagen result in arterial stiffness, which can be aggravated further by calcification of the vascular wall.²

Arterial stiffness has emerged as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. It reflects the functional state of the arteries and is the result of multiple pathophysiological processes which are commonly involved in the development of cardiovascular disease.³

Current estimates indicate that fifteen percent of the Australian population are living with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common presentation.⁴ This statistic emphasises the critical need for comprehensive, preventative approaches that address arterial health before clinical manifestations occur.

AETIOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING ARTERIAL HEALTH

There is a complex interplay between inflammatory, metabolic, and mechanical factors that contribute to arterial vascular pathology. Table 1 highlights the key aetiological factors and risk factors affecting arterial health.