Introduction
A healthy vascular system is essential for maintaining overall health. The cardiovascular network—comprising the heart, blood vessels, and circulating blood—delivers oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body while removing metabolic waste and carbon dioxide.
When vascular health deteriorates, circulation becomes impaired, leading to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and renal failure. Among these, coronary atherosclerosis (冠状动脉粥样硬化) stands as one of the primary causes of coronary heart disease and remains a major threat to public health worldwide.
What Is Coronary Atherosclerosis?
Coronary atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid, cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous deposits forming plaques on arterial walls. Over time, these plaques thicken and stiffen arteries, leading to narrowing or blockage of coronary vessels.
This process reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing ischemia and hypoxia. In advanced stages, it can result in angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or even sudden cardiac death.
The disease develops gradually and is driven by multiple interacting mechanisms—oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune responses.
Major Risk Factors
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Hypertension – Damages endothelial cells and increases vascular pressure.
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Hyperlipidemia – High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides promote plaque formation.
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Diabetes Mellitus – Chronic high blood sugar damages endothelial function and accelerates inflammation.
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Smoking – Introduces toxins that inflame and constrict arteries, reducing oxygen supply.
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Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle – Increase insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, and systemic inflammation.
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Excess Alcohol – While moderate intake may elevate HDL (“good”) cholesterol, long-term heavy drinking increases heart and liver burden.
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Chronic Stress – Elevates cortisol and adrenaline, leading to vasoconstriction, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid metabolism.
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Unhealthy Oils and Trans Fats – Promote oxidative damage and raise LDL cholesterol.
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Excessive Calcium Supplementation – May cause calcium deposition in arterial walls if not balanced with vitamin K2 and magnesium.
Pathophysiology: The Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Atherosclerosis often begins with injury to the vascular endothelium, the delicate lining of blood vessels.
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Inflammatory cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) infiltrate damaged sites, releasing cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
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LDL cholesterol enters the vessel wall and oxidizes into ox-LDL, further amplifying inflammation.
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Smooth muscle cells proliferate and migrate, forming fibrotic plaques that narrow arteries.
As plaques enlarge, they may rupture, triggering blood clots (thrombosis) that block blood flow—causing stroke or myocardial infarction.
Functional Nutrition in Vascular Health
Functional nutrition focuses on cellular repair, antioxidant protection, and metabolic balance—key strategies in preventing and reversing vascular damage.
Below are nutrients and compounds shown to support vascular integrity and reduce atherosclerosis progression:
1. Selenium (硒)
A powerful antioxidant that protects endothelial cells from oxidative stress and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Selenium also supports glutathione production, enhancing detoxification and reducing plaque formation.
2. Vitamin C
Essential for collagen synthesis and capillary integrity. It neutralizes free radicals, supports nitric oxide (NO) production for vasodilation, and reduces inflammation within vessel walls.
3. Vitamin E
Lipid-soluble antioxidant that prevents LDL oxidation and stabilizes cell membranes. It helps reduce inflammatory cytokines, protecting arteries from fibrosis and hardening.
4. Vitamin K2
Regulates calcium metabolism by directing calcium into bones and away from arteries. Studies show K2 supplementation can reduce vascular calcification and improve arterial elasticity.
5. Coenzyme Q10 (辅酶Q10)
Crucial for mitochondrial energy production and endothelial function. CoQ10 improves nitric oxide synthesis, reduces oxidative stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves cardiac performance.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and algae. Omega-3s lower triglycerides, prevent platelet aggregation, reduce inflammation, and promote vascular flexibility.
7. Black Sesame Extract (黑芝麻提取物)
Rich in sesamin and sesamol, known to lower blood pressure, inhibit inflammation, and protect vascular endothelium. It also enhances nitric oxide synthesis and supports smooth blood flow.
8. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA, 卡玛亚麻酸)
A plant-derived omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. GLA lowers LDL, reduces platelet aggregation, and improves circulation. Found in flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and sesame oils.
9. Astaxanthin (虾青素)
A potent natural antioxidant extracted from microalgae. It protects against lipid oxidation, reduces inflammation, and supports heart function. Research suggests it may outperform vitamins C and E in oxidative protection.
Functional Strategies for Prevention
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Adopt a Whole-Food, Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Emphasize vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and omega-rich oils. -
Maintain Stable Blood Sugar
Limit refined carbohydrates and sugars to prevent glycation and endothelial damage. -
Optimize Stress Management
Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, or gentle yoga to reduce vascular tension. -
Ensure Adequate Hydration
Proper hydration maintains blood viscosity and reduces strain on the cardiovascular system. -
Avoid Overuse of Processed Oils and Supplements
Use cold-pressed, unrefined oils and balanced nutrient formulations guided by health professionals.
Conclusion
Coronary atherosclerosis is not merely a vascular disease—it’s a metabolic and inflammatory disorder deeply influenced by lifestyle and nutrition.
By integrating functional nutrition principles—targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial health—we can move beyond symptom management toward true vascular regeneration.
Maintaining balanced mineral status, antioxidant protection, and mindful living represents a modern, evidence-based approach to preventing heart disease, stroke, and vascular aging.
About CCPH
The Canadian College of Public Health (CCPH) is dedicated to advancing public health education, nutritional science, and preventive medicine.
Through research, professional training, and community initiatives, CCPH promotes a holistic approach to human health—bridging traditional knowledge and modern science.