Table 1: Adverse pathophysiological effects of a wrong lifestyle.

Heavy alcohol intake Liver, pancreas and cardiovascular damage
High salt intake

Increased circulating volume

Increased left ventricular mass

Raised intima-media thickness

Elevated plasma endothelin-1

Reduced flow-mediated dilation

Cigarette smoke

Impaired vasodilatory function

Reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation

Reduced nitric oxide availability

Excessive sympathetic stimulation

Increased platelet aggregation

Reduced physical activity

Altered cardiovascular reactivity

Increased arterial stiffness

Impaired vasoconstrictor-vasodilator balance

Wrong diet

Overweight and obesity

Reduced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Reduced nitric oxide synthesis

Inadequate vitamin and mineral intake