Coronary Heart Disease

From 1991 cardiovascular disease was the number one cause of death in Australia and New Zealand.  Understanding matters of healthy nutrition, exercise and emotional stress are crucial in combating this killer disease. 

It requires simple changes to the diet such as avoiding margarine, fried foods, simple sugars and fatty meats.   Should this be ignored, atherosclerosis may occur.  Atherosclerosis occurs in the arterial walls when plaque (fat deposits) hardens, and eventually block blood flow which may lead to a stroke or heart attack.  The wall of the artery will be damaged, and in turn lead to a further mass build up. 

Antioxidants are vital in fighting cardiovascular disease.  Vegetables such as chives, onions, ginger, garlic and leeks provide an antioxidant effect as they can lower viscosity of blood.  To further lower the thickness of the blood, drinking quantities of water will assist.

Antioxidant vitamins such as E and C are beneficial as they prevent oxidation of cholesterol which, when oxidised, cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis.  Vitamin E is more effective when all four various forms are present (alpha, beta, gamma and delta).

Coenzyme Q10 has also been discovered to be an affective tool in maintaining the health of the heart.  It helps prevent oxidative damage to the arterial wall and prevents cellular injury, thereby acting as a free radical scavenger. 

Aiding the enemy, inflammation encourages heart disease by commencing formation of plaque.  To decrease this, a combination of three herbs, hops, olive leaf and rosemary, act as an anti-inflammatory as well as providing antioxidant support.

the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the formation of plaque and act as an anti-inflammatory, also lowering total cholesterol levels, but increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Regular exercise and an active lifestyle act against the onset of cardiovascular disease.  Exercise should include both cardiovascular and resistance training.  Minimising stress would also be of huge

significance.  

Hostility can cause Heart Disease

Researchers have found that hostility held by males can lead to heart disease, although this was not the case for females.  It was found that the risk of heart problems for men was doubled in those suffering from hostility issues.  Characteristics of hostility are counted by cynicism, suspicion of motives of others and resentment or impatience towards others.  Also, those suffering from a hostile personality do not tend to follow their doctors orders.  Emotional factors affect physical health.  It is believed that having a positive attitude mentally plays a major role in sustaining a heart that is healthy.

Predicting an Oncoming Heart Attack

Doctors have recommended those people experiencing symptoms such as nausea, discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw or arm, cold sweats, light headedness or shortness of breath to get to a hospital as soon as possible.  The presence of perspiration is often the key symptom in deciding to see a doctor.                    

Check your Risk of Heart Attack

It is known that 20% of heart attacks go unnoticed.  Although this number is high, it has in fact decreased over the past few years, as more people are becoming aware the signs of a heart attack and are also taking preventative measures fighting the battle against heart attack.  Risk factors include smoking, having diabetes or a high cholesterol level, as well as mental stress.  Researchers have stated that blood pressure rose during periods of mental stress being present and those suffering this high blood pressure were six times more likely to endure a coronary heart disease within six years as opposed to those who do not suffer stress.  Stress or emotions that have not been resolved are seen as the biggest cause of heart attacks.                    

Lifestyle changes to Protect Against Heart Disease

The process of heart disease can be reversed with simple lifestyle changes such as replacing bad habits (eating fast food) with good habits (eating nutritious food).  Those people that are overweight, stressed, sedentary, have unhealthy eating patterns, have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol and smoke are at the end of the scale that is the most at risk to suffer dire consequences to their actions.  Essentially, diet can be changed, exercise can be taken up, smoking can be stopped, stress can be dealt with.  However, many do not realise that high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can also be handled.  Many believe that it is the saturated fats in foods that cause these medical conditions.  However, it is the diet consisting of excessive amounts of carbohydrates from the sugary and starchy diet that is the cause of these conditions reach near epidemic levels.  These foods increase the blood glucose rapidly, then, to compensate for this, insulin is released.  This insulin supports fat thereby making it difficult to lose weight, creating a society that is continually growing a population of overweight people. 

It is important to keep in mind that the body needs oils. It is the saturated and Trans fats that must be avoided.  Some oils can actually lower cholesterol, help you lose weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve diabetic conditions.  Regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is beneficial and is found in fish oils and oily fish.  As for the purpose of preventing hardening of the arteries which is a common cause of heart disease, vitamin K, found in fermented soy products and green leafy vegetables, has been shown to decrease this.  

and duration of the exercise.  To lose weight, 60 minutes of cardiovascular work every second day is advisable.  For weight maintenance, exercise three to four times a week to the point where a  person can hold a conversation, but is slightly out of breath is advisable.  Resistance exercise should also be incorporated twice a week.