Larry suffers from high blood pressure, with contributing factors of family history/genetics, poor quality diet, low essential fatty acid intake, high sodium intake (from processed food and table salt), frequent alcohol consumption, and high stress. Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. If Larry continues with his current dietary habits and not managing high levels of stress, he is at a significantly increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, renal failure, thoracic and abdominal aneurysms, myocardial infarction or stroke, as well as cognitive dysfunction (Plotnikoff, G., pg 208). A consequence of hypertension is arterial damage as it contributes to wear and tear on the vascular
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Cortisol, a stress hormone, raises blood pressure as well as blood sugar, eventually depleting magnesium and potassium which both contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure (Hawthorn, 2008). It is imperative Larry begins managing the many sources of stress in his life, from emotional stress, dietary habits, to possible food allergies. Finding a support system will be crucial. Introducing an antioxidant formula will be valuable as those with hypertension have an impaired oxidative stress defense mechanisms and are likely to be deficient in antioxidants as well as increased free radical production (Houston, M. & Kohlstadt, I., pg …show more content…
The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment measures standard blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) and biochemical markers linked to increased risk for vascular disorders. These markers include Lp (a), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, Apo-A1, and Apo-B (Hawthorn, 2008). C-reactive protein is and acute phase reactant and is present with systemic inflammation, tissue damage or cytokine activation with an infection in the blood stream. If elevated, there is greater potential for future coronary events (Hawthorn, 2008). An Oxidative Stress Test provides the body’s oxidative stress status, antioxidant reserves as well as information about the liver’s detoxification capacity. Glutathione, a free radical scavenger and a Phase Two liver detoxification agent, is measured as well as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and levels of lipid peroxides. All of which can assess the ability to resist oxidative pathologies (Hawthorn, 2008). A fatty acid profile can show the red blood cells level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as shows the ability to metabolize essential fatty acids into fatty acids metabolites. Trans fat and omega-9 fatty acids are also monitored, determining if it’s the pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory prostaglandin pathway are favored (Hawthorn,
Cortisol, a stress hormone, raises blood pressure as well as blood sugar, eventually depleting magnesium and potassium which both contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure (Hawthorn, 2008). It is imperative Larry begins managing the many sources of stress in his life, from emotional stress, dietary habits, to possible food allergies. Finding a support system will be crucial. Introducing an antioxidant formula will be valuable as those with hypertension have an impaired oxidative stress defense mechanisms and are likely to be deficient in antioxidants as well as increased free radical production (Houston, M. & Kohlstadt, I., pg …show more content…
The Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment measures standard blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) and biochemical markers linked to increased risk for vascular disorders. These markers include Lp (a), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, Apo-A1, and Apo-B (Hawthorn, 2008). C-reactive protein is and acute phase reactant and is present with systemic inflammation, tissue damage or cytokine activation with an infection in the blood stream. If elevated, there is greater potential for future coronary events (Hawthorn, 2008). An Oxidative Stress Test provides the body’s oxidative stress status, antioxidant reserves as well as information about the liver’s detoxification capacity. Glutathione, a free radical scavenger and a Phase Two liver detoxification agent, is measured as well as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and levels of lipid peroxides. All of which can assess the ability to resist oxidative pathologies (Hawthorn, 2008). A fatty acid profile can show the red blood cells level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as shows the ability to metabolize essential fatty acids into fatty acids metabolites. Trans fat and omega-9 fatty acids are also monitored, determining if it’s the pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory prostaglandin pathway are favored (Hawthorn,