Question

a. List three other organ systems that could be optimized to support cardiovascular function, and describe specifically how this would be beneficial.

b. Discuss a behavioral change one could make to decrease the risk of developing each of the following (think broadly to many dimensions of behaviors- mental, physical, etc) atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries, myocardial ischemia/infarction, heart failure, deep vein thromboses.

c. Given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, what are your specific risk factors and what modifications, if any, can you make?

d. Provide one kind suggestion of a modification that a fellow student could consider, given their risk factors. (You can use outside resources of which you may be aware, such as a food, an herb, an exercise, etc)

Answer 1

A ) a ) Musculoskeletal system : cardiac muscles allowing pump to blood through out the body .

b ) Respiratory system : Helps in gas exchange. Carbon dioxide from the right side of the heart through pulmonary artery to the lungs.

c )Nervous system : Sympathetic nervous system catecholamines ( epinephrine & norepinephrine) to accelerate the heart.

B ). atherosclerosis: Exercise regularly , Yoga for reducing stress

. Myocardial infarction: Stop smoking , music therapy for stress.

. Heart Failure : to control BP & cholesterol consume food low in salt & cholesterol.

. DVT : Avoid prolonged sitting.

C ) risk factors : Smoking , lack of physical activities, high fat food , hereditary.

We can modify our food habits ( avoid fast foods)

Quit smoking

Regular exercises

D ) Food : cut short your daily calorie intake . Eat healthy diet . Eat fish high in omega 3 fatty acid eg; salmon. , berries , nuts .

Avoid high fatty & salty diet .