Many people are interested in learning more about heart disease and dietary supplements in order to educate themselves on preventive strategies against heart disease. However, before we delve into some of the best heart health supplements, let's highlight some important facts about this disease.
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease is the general term for diseases or conditions that affects the heart (cardio) or the blood vessels (vascular). As such, there are many different types of heart diseases. However, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease.
Coronary artery disease means narrowing of the coronary arteries. It is caused by a process called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is the gradual buildup of plague -- deposits made up of cholesterol, other fats, and calcium. Eventually, diminished blood flow can "starve" the heart muscle and lead to angina (chest pain). A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. In fact, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. each year.
Moreover, many studies indicate that individuals with high cholesterol levels are much more likely to develop atherosclerosis than people that maintain low cholesterol levels. As such, many high cholesterol level sufferers seek information about heart disease and dietary supplements. In addition, it has been found that high levels of the amino acid homocysteine may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Indeed, hearing words like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke is scary and, as such, many people search for information in regards to heart disease and dietary supplements to promote heart health. However, we believe before you can make an informed decision about health disease and dietary supplements, it's important to understand the risk factors associated with this condition, which is vital to your overall preventive strategies against heart disease. They include:
- High LDL "bad" cholesterol
- Low HDL "good" cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco
- Lack of exercise
- Unhealthy nutrition
- Overweight/Obesity
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Stress
- Family history
- Age
- Men
Needless to say, the first step in preventing or reducing your chances for heart disease is committing to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, aside from age, gender, and heredity, you have a great deal of power in controlling each of the aforementioned risk factors of heart disease.
With that being said, let's move on to heart disease and dietary supplements.
While it's important to understand that no dietary or herbal supplement will counteract a poor diet or the lack of exercise, it can be powerful components when used along with a heart healthy diet and a health enhancing lifestyle. Now, in regards to your heart health strategy and/or strategies against heart disease, you may want to address it having three main goals in mind and then use a combination of diet, exercise, and dietary and/or herbal supplements that works best for you. We believe that heart disease prevention must be addressed from several different perspectives since the disease results from a number of related "risk factors" and not from a single cause.
The three main goals for heart health are:
- Opening Blood Vessels
- Strengthening the Heart Muscle
- Controlling Free Radical Damage -- Antioxidants
Supplements that Open Blood Vessels
Our research indicates that when it comes to heart disease and dietary supplements used for opening blood vessels, the following are some of the best and, as such, may be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.
Ginkgo biloba is well renowned for improving blood flow throughout the body, including the heart muscle. Ginkgo is also a powerhouse antioxidant and it appears to reduce blood stickiness, which lowers the risk of blood clots.
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that benefits heart health. Fish oil helps prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together, reducing the risk that blood clots will form. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower triglycerides (blood fats) levels, and improve blood flow. Indeed, fish oil omega 3's are praised by many experts as being one of the best heart disease and dietary supplements, meaning it should be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.
Policosanol -- Some studies have shown that policosanol can lower one's bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 20% and raise beneficial cholesterol (HDL) by 10%.
Guggulipid is prized for its ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels as well as high blood triglyceride levels. It has also shown to boost the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
Vitamin B Complex, particularly vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid reduce levels of homocysteine.
Chromium is a mineral that plays a role in helping to manage cholesterol levels. In addition, it can help improve blood sugar control for diabetes sufferers.
Garlic is noted to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as slightly lower blood pressure. In addition, studies indicate that garlic can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots.
Other nutrients that help open blood vessels include: Niacin and Soy protein
Supplements that Strengthen the Heart Muscle
Our research indicates that when it comes to heart disease and dietary supplements to strengthen the heart muscle, the following are some of the best and, as such, may be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.
Magnesium -- This mineral plays a vital role in controlling muscle contraction and relaxation. It is also involved in regulating blood pressure (by relaxing blood vessels) and can help reduce the tendency of blood clotting.
Coenzyme Q10 is prized for its ability to strengthen the heart muscle and help prevent heart attacks and heart disease.
Hawthorn is a powerful heart tonic. It also strengthens the hearts pumping ability (muscle), helping the heart to beat more forcefully and efficiently.
Other possible heart muscle strengtheners include: L- Carnitine and Potassium
About Heart Disease and Dietary Supplements: Antioxidants
Antioxidants are believed to help prevent heart disease by fighting free radicals, substances that harm the body when left unchecked. These nutrients are on a constant search and destroy mission, fighting the continuous onslaught of free radicals. The following dietary supplements help fight free radicals and, as such, should be a part of your preventive strategies against heart disease.
Grape Seed Extract is a rich source of flavonoid compounds (oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs) that perform as potent antioxidants and powerful blood vessel strengtheners.
Green tea contains a particular group of potent antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea also protects LDL cholesterol and blood vessel linings from oxidative damage.
Some other antioxidants noted to help with cardiovascular heart health include: Vitamins C and E, and Resveratrol
Precautions
Indeed, educating yourself about heart disease and dietary supplements is important. However, before you start any dietary supplement program for heart disease prevention or treatment, please make sure you discuss it with your physician.
Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's Opinion
We believe that you should consider, if possible, taking a comprehensive health heart product formulated by someone that is qualified to create such a supplement. Here are a few reasons why...
It could be very dangerous to your health to mix and match supplements and nutrients on your own.
A formulated heart health product using carefully selected ingredients can enhance their therapeutic benefits, often much better than taking a single herb or nutrient on its own.
Ratios of nutrients have to be balanced perfectly in order for it to be optimally effective.
Bottom Line:
Although we have provided you with some of the best heart health supplements, there are highly sophisticated Nutraceutical companies that have designed comprehensive heart health products from lowering cholesterol levels to promoting artery and heart health. Therefore, it's important to understand the how and why of what makes these comprehensive products useful -- an important factor in making an informed choice about heart disease and dietary supplements.
Each year, more than 16 million people all over the world die from cardiovascular disease, and this disease is also the cause of more than 30% of all deaths world wide. Just in the U.S. alone, heart disease and strokes are the cause of more than 40% of all adult deaths. In 2006, more than 450,000 coronary bypass surgeries were performed in US hospitals, followed by more than 2,000 heart transplant surgeries in 2007. There are a number of risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Smoking
- Diet and weight
- Level of activity
- Gender
- Family history
- Other
Family history of heart disease is a risk for many people developing it, and it can also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, even if you do not fall into any of the other risk categories. Those who are overweight are at a great risk for heart disease, especially heart disease that is caused by clogged arteries. Those who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 27 or higher are at the greatest risk for heart disease, even if they do not have any of the other risk factors. And, you are at a greater risk for heart disease if most of your weight is above the hips.
In order to decrease the risk of heart disease, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet, and make sure that you get enough exercise every day. It is actually recommended that people get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and this can be as easy as going for a walk through the neighborhood. Before beginning any sort of exercise program, you really should speak to your physician, to make sure that the exercises you are doing are going to help, and not harm you, especially if you have any physical limitations. Some exercises your physician may suggest include swimming and yoga.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is also necessary to lessen the risk of heart disease. Again, it is essential that you discuss dietary changes with your physician before going out and doing something that may not be healthy for you. It is important that you get all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you are looking for a healthy diet to follow, visit the American Heart Association website to learn more about the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
If you are a smoker, it is also a good idea to try to quit, because smoking plays a huge role in heart disease and can lead to heart attacks and strokes, not to mention a host of other health problems. And, if you are a smoker and have some of the other risk factors, your chances of developing heart disease increase even more. As an example, women who smoke are five times more likely to develop heart disease than women who do not smoke.
In the past, many people believed that men were more likely to develop heart disease than women, but we now know that it is also prevalent in women, although usually when they are older, such as over the age of 65. Heart disease claims more female lives than breast cancer.
Another health issue that can greatly increase the risk of heart disease is diabetes. It damages the arteries, raises blood pressure, and can even worsen cholesterol levels. It is also important that women who are menopausal are at a higher risk for heart disease, and it may be necessary to take estrogen to lessen the risk.
A Healthy Diet Can Help You Stop Heart Disease Before It Starts
Women who eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, such as the DASH diet, have a lower risk of developing heart disease or having strokes. This diet plan is based on eating healthy proteins (plant instead of animal-based), such as vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products. It is essential that protein be included in any diet, as it is a macronutrient that is necessary for our survival. There are a number of dietary sources that provide plenty of protein, including milk and milk products, soy, rice and eggs, and it is important to try and include these foods into your diet. If this is not possible, there are many protein supplements that can be used, which can add protein to any meal, or, even be a meal replacement when necessary.
Some of the protein supplements that are available on the market today include whey, soy and rice.
Whey Protein - This is a milk derivative, and a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It is a complete protein, but may not be ideal for those who are lactose intolerant, or are allergic to milk and milk products.
Soy Protein - This is also a complete protein and ideal for vegetarians.
Rice Protein - This protein is excellent for everyone. It is hypoallergenic as well as being vegetable-based, so it is excellent for vegetarians.
Types of Protein Supplements
There are many different types of protein supplements available, and the one you choose really depends on your needs. If you like shakes and smoothies, you may want to try one of the many protein powders. You can get these made with whey, casein, soy, rice and egg proteins, and they are available in flavored and unflavored versions. Use the unflavored ones to add protein to any of your favorite recipes, and the flavored ones are ideal for making protein shakes and smoothies.
For years doctors have been warning their patients that heart disease and dietary intake go hand in hand. People who have poor eating habits and consume diets that are high in fats, sodium, and processed foods are simply a heart attack waiting to happen. Studies that have been done on the heart and dietary intake have shown there is a direct link between eating fatty fools and increased LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. When your cholesterol gets out of control hardening of the arteries to the heart can occur resulting in damage to the heart and even death.
Finally people have begun listening and have also learned that preventing heart disease and dietary intake also go hand in hand. Today more and more people are learning to eat healthier and eliminate foods from their diets that are high in fats which raise cholesterol levels. They are also consuming less sodium which can lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart disease.
Eating Heart Smart
A heart smart diet doesn't have to be restrictive it simply means choosing foods that are lower in fat, sodium, and simple carbohydrates like sugar. Choosing lean meats, vegetables and fruits as your main food sources with milk products and grains added will help you protect your heart from many of the forms of coronary heart damage.
Studies Show Fish Can Help
Several studies on heart disease show that eating fish two to five times a week can actually help reduce your chances of suffering from heart disease. Fish such as Mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines can help to raise HDL levels by slowing the rate of triglycerides that are produced by the liver. Fish oil hdl supplements can help those who do not consume enough fish.
Fish oil hdl is often recommended by doctors both for patients who are at risk for heart disease and those who already have it. Fatty fish and fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acid which can help reduce your risk of heart attack and help every major organ in your body as well. Fish oil hdl has been shown to help those who already suffer from heart disease to survive a heart attack should it occur.
Exercise Helps
Along with avoiding those foods that are bad for your heart while eating those that promote a healthy heart, exercise can help to keep your heart strong. Even light exercise such as walking keeps your blood circulating which means that you are bringing more oxygen to your heart and the rest of your body as well.
By understanding how heart disease and dietary intake go hand in hand, as well as including omega 3 fatty acids supplements and exercise in your daily routine you have a good chance of living a long and healthy life free of heart disease.