Heart Health – Risks and Management
Heart problems are of different nature and are termed as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) because these not only include the issues related to heart but also the issues related to the vessels carrying blood from and towards the heart.
CVDs is a group of different heart-related diseases, which includes;
• Coronary Heart Disease.
• Arrhythmia.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Congenital Heart Disease.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• And, some heart infections.
Who are at risk?
No chronic disease is a one-day phenomenon and is the result of engaging in unhealthy habits for a longer time period which leads us to a particular stage. All the following issues are termed as major risk factors which result in the onset of heart-related issues, and should be managed as soon as possible:
• High Blood Pressure.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking (enhances the risk up to 2 times).
• Unhealthy lifestyle (excessive intake of fatty foods and sedentary lifestyle).
• Family History.
• Age.
How can the risk be countered?
As we know, precaution is always better, and timely actions can lower the risk of these untimely diseases. The below-mentioned modifications can be quite effective in minimizing the risk of heart diseases:
1. Eating Heart Friendly Diet.
“The food we eat can either hinder the progress of a disease or can make it worse.” Therefore, we must opt for high fiber, less in sodium and saturated fats, low glycemic and good fat-enriched diet, which is beneficial for the heart. A diet with this composition will include, fresh fruit and vegetables, the appropriate concentration of nut's intake, fish meat & oil, lentils and pulses. A diet with balanced amounts of all these food groups will be efficient in alleviating heart disease symptoms.
2. Fulfilling the nutrient requirements through dietary supplements.
Supplements always come in the scene when the diet is not enough to quench the thirst of the body for essential nutrients. Dietary supplements containing the following ingredients can be supportive of those who suffer from heart diseases.
• Garlic
Garlic contains “allicin” which is a phytochemical that is helpful in improving heart health and maintaining blood circulation. Allicin present in the garlic is also involved in enhancing the immunity to fight against different germs.
Coenzyme Q10 is abundantly present in the structure of heart muscles and is responsible for protecting the cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, it also promotes the cardiovascular system's overall health by improving the strength of heart muscles.
Omega 3 fatty acids; EPA and DHA, are crucial for healthy heart functioning. Moreover, these fats are also important for better cognitive functions. Cod liver oil contains these healthy fats which are involved in improving the health of heart, brain and blood vessels.
In the end, it is not about the food or supplements; it is about the will to be healthy in both ways; physically and mentally. The more health-conscious a person is, the more protective he/she will remain from the attack of chronic diseases.
References:
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-for-blood-pressure
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-coenzymeq10-coq10#1
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids#1
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-fights-colds-and-flu
• https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/garlic-immunity-boosting-superstar