Nutraceuticals and Drugs in Cardiovascular Prevention
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide adequate knowledge for understanding the differences and similarities between nutraceuticals and drugs to be used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the course provides tools for the use of nutraceuticals and drugs in the treatment of dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be able to assess the potential of nutraceuticals available on the market for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1. Cardiovascular Diseases and Prevention
Fundamental concepts of atherosclerosis pathophysiology. Definition and classification of major cardiovascular risk factors. Primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases through the control of modifiable risk factors.
2. Nutraceuticals and Drugs: Similarities and Differences
Definitions and classifications of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods, and drugs. Regulatory differences between the two categories: legal requirements, clinical development process, experimental protocols, and levels of scientific evidence required for commercialization.
3. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypercholesterolemia
Basic concepts of lipid metabolism and classification of dyslipidemias. Overview of main pharmacological (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, etc.) and nutraceutical (monacolin K, phytosterols, soluble fiber, berberine, soy, etc.) strategies for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
4. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypertriglyceridemia
Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hypertriglyceridemia and related clinical implications. Nutraceutical (omega-3, etc.) and pharmacological (fibrates, omega-3) strategies for the management of hypertriglyceridemia.
5. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Metabolic Syndrome
Definition and diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome. Pathophysiological basis of the condition. Combined therapeutic approaches with nutraceutical and pharmacological interventions targeting individual components of the syndrome (visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension).
6. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypertension
Pathophysiology of arterial hypertension and mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Nutraceutical strategies (resveratrol, epigallocatechins, etc.) and pharmacological approaches (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.) for blood pressure control.
Fundamental concepts of atherosclerosis pathophysiology. Definition and classification of major cardiovascular risk factors. Primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases through the control of modifiable risk factors.
2. Nutraceuticals and Drugs: Similarities and Differences
Definitions and classifications of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, functional foods, and drugs. Regulatory differences between the two categories: legal requirements, clinical development process, experimental protocols, and levels of scientific evidence required for commercialization.
3. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypercholesterolemia
Basic concepts of lipid metabolism and classification of dyslipidemias. Overview of main pharmacological (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, etc.) and nutraceutical (monacolin K, phytosterols, soluble fiber, berberine, soy, etc.) strategies for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
4. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypertriglyceridemia
Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hypertriglyceridemia and related clinical implications. Nutraceutical (omega-3, etc.) and pharmacological (fibrates, omega-3) strategies for the management of hypertriglyceridemia.
5. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Metabolic Syndrome
Definition and diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome. Pathophysiological basis of the condition. Combined therapeutic approaches with nutraceutical and pharmacological interventions targeting individual components of the syndrome (visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension).
6. Nutraceuticals and Drugs for Hypertension
Pathophysiology of arterial hypertension and mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Nutraceutical strategies (resveratrol, epigallocatechins, etc.) and pharmacological approaches (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.) for blood pressure control.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of pathophysiology and biochemistry. The course can be taken in the second year of the program.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical tutorials, which include work in small groups.
Teaching Resources
Provided by the professor; slides and scientific reviews on topics discussed during the course (available on the teacher's MyAriel site).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final evaluation consists in a oral examination, lasting around 20 minutes. The student must answer to questions on the topic discussed during the course, with appropriate language and ability to connect different topics.
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 4
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Pavanello Chiara
Professor(s)