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Clin Cardiol J Volume 1 | Issue 1
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Notes:
December 04-05, 2017 Dallas, USA
International Conference on
Heart Congress, Vascular Biology and Surgeon’s Meeting
Gerald M Lemole
Temple University, USA
The role of lymphatics on vascular health
T
he lymphatic system plays an essential role in vascular homeostasis. Well-known is its essential place
in balancing fluids and electrolytes, clearing large molecules and toxins from the interstitial space and
involvement in immune system functions. However, emerging evidence is mounting regarding the lymphatic role
in reverse cholesterol transport. Since first proposed 35 years ago, there has been increased scientific interest and
documentation of the importance of lymphatic clearance in preventing arteriosclerosis. Lymphatic stasis plays a
significant role in the formation of atheroma and increases the inflammatory process by preventing rapid removal
of toxins and metabolic debris from the intima. The entire process is discussed, from the vulnerability of the
endothelium, monocyte diapedesis, macrophage conversion to foam cell and HDL passage through the internal
elastic membrane to the perivascular and intravascular lymphatics. Most importantly the beneficial effects
that diet, exercise, stress modification and some herbs and lymphogogic supplements have on the clearance of
oxidized cholesterol away from the intima, positively affecting vascular health.
Biography
GeraldMLemole was formerly Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Temple University School of Medicine (1969-1979), Deborah Heart and Lung Center (1972-1984) and Chris-
tiana Care Health System of Delaware (1986-2006). He has trained with Drs. Cooley and De Bakey in Houston and was on the team that performed the first successful
cardiac transplant in America in 1968. He is presently a Professor of Surgery at Temple University and Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He is also Board-Certified
in Integrative Medicine, he was appointed as the Medical Director of Christiana Care Health System’s Preventive Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute and Center for
Integrative Health from 2007 to 2010. He has written over 150 scientific articles, book chapters and editorials for professional publication. He has been a Visiting Pro-
fessor at many universities and cities including Dublin, London, Ankara, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and other cities around the world. He has written several books on
Integrative Medicine, including most recently
After Cancer Care
, published by Rodale press,
Facing Facial Pain
for the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association,
The Healing
Diet
published by William Morrow and
An Integrative Approach to Cardiac Care
for Medtronic and a second edition for St. Jude Medical.
lemole@lemole.com