Antioxidant Supplementation in Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension

Abstract

This chapter is organized in three topics. First, relevant aspects of oxidative stress and oxidative intermediaries that are essential for comprehension of the pathophysiological consequences of oxidative stress are briefly commented. Second, we share our experience concerning with antioxidant supplementation in elderly cardiovascular hypertensive patients. Supplementation with antioxidants and its benefit-risk relationship have been largely discussed in the elderly population. Numerous studies have focused on the utility of antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether antioxidant supplementation has any preventive and/or therapeutic value in cardiovascular pathology is still a matter of debate because the evidence is inconclusive. Our results on the benefits of antioxidants supplementation in elderly cardiovascular hypertensive patients undertaking periodical cardiovascular checking, are discussed focusing on potential improvement of the biochemical profile associated with oxidative metabolism. Third, our findings on biochemical indicators and histological analysis in the oxidative stress and myocardial injury, following cardioplegic arrest/reperfusion in human cardiac surgery, along with the role of the antioxidant therapy in cardiac surgery, are discussed. Our above mentioned findings are discussed in the light of updated information.