Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Here are some steps that may be taken to help reduce risks and promote cardiovascular health.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

There are many risk factors that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Two major risk factors are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other factors to consider include being overweight or obese, prediabetes or diabetes, and lack of regular physical activity. Unhealthy eating behaviors, lack of quality of sleep and stress factors can also contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Each risk factor increases the chance for an individual to develop heart disease. One crucial step in determining risk factors and pathways to reducing them is to have regular screenings with a healthcare provider.

Heart Healthy Living

Several lifestyle changes can be made to help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular issues. Living a healthy lifestyle can help keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels normal, thereby reducing risks for heart disease and heart attacks.

Some risk factors cannot be changed. These include age, sex and family history of early heart disease. However, many others can be modified. For example, being more physically active and eating healthy are important steps for heart health. Making these changes gradually, or even one at a time, can have a large impact in reducing risk.

Preventive Lifestyle Measures

A healthy lifestyle includes getting good sleep, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, keeping mind and body fit, and connecting socially.

• Choose heart-healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, while limiting saturated fats and added sugars.
• Aim for a healthy weight. The more body fat and the more you weigh, the more likely you are to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and certain cancers.*
• Get regular physical activity (move more and sit less).
• Seek ways to manage stress. Emotional upset can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors.
• Get enough quality sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout a lifetime. Not getting enough sleep or good-quality sleep over time can raise the risk for chronic health problems.
• Schedule regular checkups for blood pressure and cholesterol.

Nutrients That Are Good for the Heart

Addressing heart health with the addition of nutritional supplements may also be helpful.

Berberine Support (10281) supplies high-potency berberine combined with alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract for blood sugar and cardiovascular support. It promotes normal homocysteine levels, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Omega Max (10118) provides healthy oils (“good fats”) scientifically proven to be nutritious to our body as opposed to harmful fats so common in our diet. It is a core nutritional supplement for all patients, especially those concerned about cardiovascular, immune and anti-inflammatory function.

Nitric Oxide Formula (10365), with L-arginine and L-citrulline, is designed to support healthy nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body. Nitric oxide is responsible for keeping the blood vessels open and blood flowing throughout the body.

Heart health can be worked on every day. Keeping the mind and body fit, managing stress, practicing mindfulness and connecting socially are practical tips for living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

*https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.