Category: Cardiovascular health

Elevated Cholesterol and Heart Health

Good cardiovascular health is critical for not only living a long life, but also living as many high-quality and healthy years as possible. Elevated cholesterol is frequently the cause of heart disease, but it is treatable if diagnosed early.

Essential Active Ingredients for Improved Cardiovascular Health

• Monacolin K, derived from fermented red yeast rice powder and found, for example, in the AteroLip complex, is one of the most effective natural cholesterol-lowering agents. Policosanol derived from sugarcane is also beneficial in the normalisation of cholesterol levels. These components work on the same mechanism as chemical statins.
• Hydroxytyrosol, derived from the dry extract of olive leaves, is another beneficial component for heart health. It is a potent antioxidant that helps to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and reduces inflammation in the blood vessel endothelium.
• Among the minerals, magnesium is essential for heart health and helps the muscles and nervous systems function normally. The significance of chromium and heart health should not be overlooked as well.
• If heart health is important to you, look out for nutritional supplements, containing vitamins B6, B12, and D3, which are essential for heart function.
• Glucose levels are important when it comes to cardiovascular health as well. Cinnamon and chromium are natural substances that help with high glucose or sugar levels in the body.
  

  Important to remember when taking care of cardiovascular health

• The main risk factors for heart failure are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and weight, diabetes, bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. This is cause for concern if cholesterol levels exceed 5.00 mmol/L. When taking care of your health, it is important to know all cholesterol indicators, not only the total level (TC), but also the level of low-density cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol (LDL), high-density cholesterol or “good” cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides (TG).
• If you do not think about how to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, various diseases can develop. For example, atherosclerosis, a vascular disease where cholesterol deposits in the lining of blood vessels. Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) is the main risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Furthermore, elevated glucose levels can also become dangerous to health, therefore it is necessary to take care of them in time. High glucose levels typically present without any symptoms, making them simple to overlook. Thus, a fasting glucose test should be performed to determine your blood sugar level.
• Blood pressure indicators should also be monitored. Blood pressure indicators clearly display the state of the blood vessels as well as the level of blood supply to the organs. Blood pressure levels might vary depending on age. Normal resting blood pressure for children ranges from 100/70 mmHg to 115/80 mmHg, while for adults ranges from 120/75 mmHg to 135/85 mmHg.
• It is recommended to include products that contain vitamins and minerals important for heart health in everyday diet. Marine fish, legumes, lean meat, olive oil, nuts, cereals, fruits, and vegetables are examples of such products. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water; this is important not only for heart health, but also for overall health. It is critical to make time for movement every day because inactivity weakens the heart and makes blood vessels more fragile, increasing the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
• In case of any concerns or symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, please, consult your family doctor, who, if necessary, will refer you to a cardiologist!