Cardiovascular supplements – meaning heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular) – help to keep the heart and all its connecting parts functioning at a healthy level. Many diseases of the heart, such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases and congestive heart failure, are growing in regularity due to our modern diets and stressful or inactive lifestyles.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries thicken and harden, and is the root cause of all cardiovascular diseases. Generally, high blood levels of cholesterol are the main cause of atherosclerosis, leading to deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol and other compounds building up on the inner lining of the arteries, slowing the flow of blood and forming blood clots. Atherosclerosis has the most dangerous impact on the coronary arteries. These arteries are attached directly to the heart, and squeeze and release as the heart contracts and relaxes. When problems occur it can lead to angina pectoris – chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen to the heart – and myocardial infarction – heart attack due to a complete stop of blood of the heart.
Heart problems are brought about by many factors. As mentioned above, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can cause clustering of atherosclerosis plaques in the artery walls. A high level of triglycerides in the blood has also been associated with risk of heart disease due to calories not used by the body being converted into triglycerides and transported to fat cells. Platelet aggregation is caused when blood platelets clump together around atherosclerotic plaques, making the plaques grow and eventually block the artery. Another heart concern comes from high homocysteine levels. Homocysteines, a by-product of protein metabolism, are converted by enzymes into the amino acid methionine, or are broken down to be discharged. High levels of homocysteine are deadly to cells in the blood vessel walls and increase the adhesive nature of platelets.
With our on the go lifestyles we tend not to acknowledge the necessity of stress relief. For many years there has been a recognized relationship between heart disease and stress, anger, hostility and depression. In order to effectively care for your cardiovascular health it is important to take the correlated factors of diet and lifestyle seriously. In addition, supplements that meet your specific cardiovascular needs can help you live a longer and more fulfilling life.