More women fear breast cancer than any other disease. Yet cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims over ten times as many women’s lives as breast cancer. In fact, CVD is the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that CVD is almost entirely preventable.
What influences cardiovascular health?
One way to support cardiovascular health is to play by the numbers. All five of the following measurements tell you something about the state of your heart.
Cholesterol: excess cholesterol gets deposited in, and narrows, the artery walls
Triglycerides: elevated triglycerides are associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease
Blood pressure: high blood pressure puts stress on the artery walls and increases the heart’s workload
Homocysteine: too much homocysteine degrades the structural integrity of the arteries
C-reactive protein: elevated C-reactive protein is associated with a higher risk for hypertension and CVD
Supplement secrets for heart health:
Everyone knows that eating a healthy, whole foods diet and getting regular exercise are important for cardiovascular wellness. But did you know that select nutritional supplements can also make a big difference? Here are three to consider.
Omega-3 Essentials
Chances are you’ve heard about Omega 3 fatty acids, because they’re good for so many things. Supplementing with Omega 3 fish oil is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Here are just some Omega 3 benefits:
- Helps maintain healthy levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein
- Promotes a desirable blood pressure
- Supports a regular heart rhythm
You can buy these essential fats as liquid Omega 3 oil, but most people prefer the convenience of Omega 3 pills. Whichever Omega 3 supplement you choose, just keep in mind that quality differs tremendously among different brands.
By Dana Pop-Georgescu
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
