The focus of cardiovascular medicine is shifting from the contents of the lumen of the blood vessels to the condition of the arterial wall.
The condition of the arterial wall is directly dependent on the glycocalyx, a microscopic anti-adhesive lining of the arterial wall, recently discovered by scientists.
The endothelial glycocalyx is a micro-thin protective gel lining on interior of our blood vessels. It’s “non-stick” surface helps maintain endothelial function including arterial elasticity and healthy blood pressure. Many researchers consider the endothelial glycocalyx as a first line of defense against vascular diseases including atherosclerosis.
The glycocalyx inhibits platelets and other harmful particles like leukocytes from adhering to or penetrating the endothelial wall. When the glycocalyx lining is breached, it can leave the endothelium vulnerable to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This initiates the inflammatory response that leads to plaque formation and thrombotic events.
The endothelial glycocalyx of blood vessels is delicate and is easily damaged by many common conditions, such as high blood glucose, oxidative stress and inflammation.
Poor diet, disease, stress and aging can also compromise the glycocalyx lining.
You cannot have healthy arterial walls without a healthy endothelial glycocalyx (EGX).
How Do You Support this Lining of the Blood Vessels?
You can support and maintain the endothelial glycocalyx by having a healthy lifestyle, eating an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean type diet, reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
Conversely, factors that degrade the endothelial glycocalyx include smoking, a high sugar diet, physical inactivity, stress, air pollution, aging, and systemic inflammation.
In addition, the nutrition supplement Arterosil HP provides building blocks and antioxidants to support a strong and vital glycolayx.
Arterosil HP is a patented formulation that contains a glycocalyx-supporting compound — rhamnan sulfate — derived from a rare green seaweed (Monostroma nitidum) plus extracts of 22 antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and green tea.
Glycocalyx Role in Vascular and Micro-vascular Health
Functions of the glycocalyx include:
- Regulating vascular permeability and fluid balance
- Providing a physical barrier against inadvertent adhesion of platelets, leukocytes and cholesterol to the vascular wall
- Regulating coagulation
- Regulating synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in response to the blood flow
Cardiovascular Health is Total Body Health
Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is largely determined by the condition of the vascular system. In addition, vascular health impacts many other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction.
The glycocalyx plays a critical role in cardiovascular health. As illustrated below, your vascular system has 60,000 miles of blood vessels — including arteries, veins and tiny capillaries. Every blood vessel in your body is protected by this smooth inner glycocalyx lining.
Read more about Arterosil HPand why it will likely be the next major breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine.
