Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2014

Medicinal plants in prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases together with cerebrovascular diseases belong to the dominant diseases of the cardiovascular system. Due to their severe clinical course and their mass occurrence in population they maintain the first place among death causes in long term. Dyslipidemia (particularly hypercholesterolemia) ranks among the most important risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. It is possible to effect dyslipidemia in patients; however, this process has to be carried out comprehensively. Changes in regimen have a significant impact on reducing cardiovascular risk factors. This includes in particular the change in eating habits, regular exercise, avoiding addictive substances, minimizing stress. Prevention should be comprehensive, so the use of medicinal plants has just an adjuvant role in this fight.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease prevention, ω–3 and ω–6 fatty acids, Allii sativi bulbus, Cynarae folium.