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Heart Health: Going Beyond Cholesterol

A strong and healthy heart is vital for longevity. According to the latest estimates by the American Heart Association, over 64 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are many forms of heart disease. One of the most common diseases is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart which may lead to a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Surprisingly over half of the deaths due to heart disease are women. More women die from heart disease than from breast cancer. Vascular injury starts accumulating during adolescence, which means preventive efforts should start during childhood.

Ways to Lower or Eliminate Heart Disease Risks

You cannot change your hereditary risk factors, but you can eliminate or reduce your risks for heart disease by controlling other diet and lifestyle factors that may put your heart health at an increased risk. Ways to significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease and reverse the effects of a current heart condition include:

Decrease stress in your life

Advanced Cholesterol Testing:

At the NaturoMedica clinic, risk factors for heart disease are determined through regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing as well as physical exam and review of each patient’s family history of heart disease. It is estimated that 50% of the population who have suffered heart attacks have shown “normal” cholesterol levels according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Standard cholesterol testing which has been historically used to measure HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterols has taken a backseat to advanced cholesterol technology known as lipoprotein particle testing. Lipoprotein particles make up the LDL levels that carry cholesterol throughout the body which are responsible for plaque production and the resulting development of cardiovascular disease. There is more to the cardiovascular health “story” and the measurements of lipoprotein particle subgroups along with other factors are paramount for accurate risk assessment of heart disease.

Advanced Imaging Studies

Recent advances in technology make it possible to capture well-focused, detailed pictures of the inside of your heart. These heart scans are called coronary calcium scoring or electron beam technology (EBT) studies. Heart scans are non-invasive and may reveal that a person has a higher risk for a heart attack or heart issues prior to any obvious symptoms of heart disease. In addition, vascular imaging can be used to help identify plaque buildup, emboli or deep blood clots (DVT – deep vein thrombosis). Vascular imaging provides a picture of the inside of your veins and arteries with the use of ultrasound (sound waves) to listen to and evaluate the blood flow, blood pressure, circulation and level of oxygen in the blood in your veins and arteries.

Natural Supplements for a Healthy Heart

While it is well-known fact that exercise, weight management and diet are key factors to a healthy heart, there is research showing that people who choose to take vitamin supplements are less likely to develop heart disease.

  • Multiple Vitamin: A multi-vitamin and mineral formula can be a good option if you are not getting adequate nutrition from your diet. Multi-vitamins contain a broad spectrum of essential nutrients including B, C, E, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium and other heart supporting nutrients.
  • Fiber: Soluble fiber has a positive impact in supporting the metabolism of cholesterol and maintaining already healthy blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet featuring plenty of beneficial fats proved better at controlling that damaging inflammation than the standard low-fat diet, according to a recent two-year clinical trial.
  • Co-Q10: Co-Q10 is one of the best nutrients for promoting heart health. Natural Co-Q10 levels diminish over time due to poor diet, aging and certain cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs. Co-Q10 is essential for fueling the heart's production of energy, improves the circulatory system and acts as an excellent antioxidant which promotes healthy aging.
  • L-Carnitine: Acts as a specific carrier for fatty acids required for energy metabolism which preserves heart health and assists in the maintenance of a healthy weight.
  • Calcium-Magnesium: Most people in the United States do not get as much magnesium as they should. Both magnesium and calcium are essential to heart health as they maintain normal heart rhythm and blood pressure.
  • D-Ribose: Solid scientific and clinical research shows that d-ribose helps to synthesize or restore the loss of energy during stress and accelerates energy and tissue recovery which improves function in coronary heart diseases.
  • Fish Oil (EPA/DHA): One of the best sources of healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to benefit the hearts of healthy people as well as those at high risk or who have heart disease. The American Heart Association has recommended that persons with elevated triglycerides take around 2-4 grams of EPA & DHA daily.
  • Niacin (Nicotinic acid): Of all the agents to promote healthy cholesterol, niacin has the longest clinically documented record of safety and efficacy. Niacin, in the form of nicotinic acid, has an impressive track record of positive effects upon cholesterol levels. It is recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Heart Association when diet alone is insufficient to maintain cholesterol within normal limits.
  • Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus): Red rice yeast contains naturally occurring substances called monacolins that are believed to inhibit an enzyme that triggers cholesterol production in the liver. Numerous studies have demonstrated that red yeast rice preparations are helpful in maintaining blood cholesterol levels.
  • Bergamot: Bergamot is a citrus plant that grows along the coastal areas of southern Italy. Bergamot has several unique compounds that promote cardiovascular health. Some of the phenolic compounds have been shown to reduce the free radicals that cause damage to the delicate blood vessels in the body while other compounds in the plant dampen the production of excess cholesterol made by the liver. With this combination it is no wonder that Bergamot is used worldwide for its cardiovascular health benefits.

Natural management of elevated or normal cholesterol levels should involve dietary and lifestyle modifications and aerobic exercise. In addition, our physicians at the NaturoMedica clinic often prescribe natural supplementation that has been well-researched or clinically proven to support cardiovascular health. In addition, with the advancements in genetic testing, the NaturoMedica physicians can design treatment recommendations based on your unique individual needs. Be sure to consult with your physician prior to starting any natural supplement to prevent or treat heart disease.