Since heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease are such prominent causes of chronic ill health and death in our society, prevention is the key.
The keys to prevention are calorie restriction (don't over eat) and regular physical exercise involving a combination of aerobic conditioning, muscle building and stretching. Also important, are the regular consumption of a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, and the intake of additional calcium and magnesium.
The diet should be rich in green and other colorful vegetables, which are high in fiber. Also, include the regular intake of high quality proteins from lean meats with restricted intake of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and processed foods. The daily intake of a small amount of alcohol also reduces risk, e.g. a glass of wine at dinner.
As well, annual physicals with the family doctor to have blood pressure monitored and blood tests done to check cholesterol profile and blood glucose are very important. Early management for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes is vital in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in the future.
With established disease, nutritional intervention and a proper exercise program are still very important. Presently, the use of modern pharmaceutical drugs such as statins (to reduce cholesterol) and ACE inhibitors (to help improve heart contraction and produce vascular remodeling) have reduced mortality in patients with established cardiovascular problems.
However, the use of these drugs may prolong life but not improve the quality of life and do have side effects. Therefore, the appropriate intake of nutritional supplements can really help improve one's energy and well-being. For instance, the regular use of Coenzyme Q 10 improves energy production in cells and cardiac function. It reduces the side effects of statins, which lower Coenzyme Q 10 levels in the blood. The intake of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C and selenium protects the vascular wall lining. The use of chromium improves the regulation of blood sugar, and an adequate intake of magnesium regulates blood pressure and reduces spasm of the arteries.
A high intake of vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 lowers the level of homocysteine in the blood. Hemocysteine is a substance, which damages the vascular wall over time. Therefore, the use of these vitamins in a multivitamin and mineral supplement, as a preventive measure, is important.
Besides the use of low dose aspirin to reduce the aggregability of the blood, the intake of bromelain and turmeric (found in curry and as supplements) is helpful. Ginger is another spice useful for reducing platelet aggregation.
The employment of a treatment called EDTA chelation therapy is very beneficial in improving perfusion of the heart with oxygen, reducing calcium build up in the vascular wall and reducing free radical stress. Its use in the cardiovascular patient is a powerful adjunct to the information above.
Smoking cigarettes is one lifestyle factor that must be addressed. Cigarettes are a major risk factor to cardiovascular disease, and its cessation is vital in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular problems.
