Prophylaxis of atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome: A phytotherapeutic approach

In westernized societies, the epidemic atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae heart disease and stroke are the underlying cause of about 50% of all deaths. Thus, the prevention or deceleration of atherogenesis is one of the most significant clinical objectives since this is a matter of avoidance of myocardial and cerebral infarction. Epidemiological studies have revealed several important environmental and genetic risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. For example, oxidized LDL particles are highly atherogenic. To approach the aim of cardiovascular protection, phytochemical medication counteracting per…