Cardiovascular supplements – meaning heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular) – help the heart and all its connecting parts function at a healthy level. Diseases of the heart, such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases and congestive heart failure, are becoming more common due to our modern diets and stressful or inactive lifestyles.
Atherosclerosis is when the arteries thicken and harden, and cardiovascular diseases all share atherosclerosis as their root cause. By and large, high blood levels of cholesterol are the central 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. Coronary arteries are at the highest risk of being affected by atherosclerosis. 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.
There are many reasons for serious heart problems. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to grouping of atherosclerosis plaques in the artery walls. Calories, if unused by the body, are converted into triglycerides and transported to fat cells. A high level of triglycerides in the blood has also been associated with risk of heart disease. Platelet aggregation is caused when blood platelets clump together around atherosclerotic plaques, making the plaques grow and eventually block the artery. 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.
A large concern in terms of heart problems is our lifestyles. Recognition of the relationship between heart disease and stress, anger, hostility and depression is growing daily. But still, many people don’t take this issue to heart, as it were. To care for your cardiovascular health it is essential 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.
