Prevention Is The Only Real Defense Against Heart Disease

For me, like so many others, heart disease takes on a very personal meaning. With 5 out of 7 of my uncles dying of heart attack, and the other two having cardiovascular disease it became very real to me at a fairly early age that cardiovascular disease is a killer that should be taken seriously. What might surprise you about my family history is that everyone who has fallen victim to death by heart attack was very active, drank very little, and didn’t have any weight issues whatsoever. On the other hand, most were A type personalities who enjoyed high saturated fat and high cholesterol foods and enjoyed tobacco products a great deal.

Another interesting observation was that as their cardiovascular disease advanced their activity levels slowed thus leaving the door wide open for a fatal heart attack. In their defense it wasn’t the will to stay active that was slowing them down rather the physiological events happening internally. Heart disease revolves around one basic premise and that is the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen rich blood. This normally occurs due to a partial blockage somewhere in one, or more, of the coronary arteries. As blood flow is reduced the heart must work pump faster and harder in a failed attempt to effectively distribute blood. As blood flow becomes less and less the workload increases accordingly. Additionally, the area of blockage may rupture resulting in a blood clot forming. The clot can break loose and lodge in an area where it blocks blood flow altogether. This is a heart attack. What you may, or may not, know is that once a heart attack has happened it takes only about 4 minutes for permanent heart or brain damage to occur, and even if a person is lucky enough to make it through alive they likely will never be quite the same. Prevention is the only real defense against heart disease Prevention can come in many different forms including artery stent placement or other types of cardiovascular surgery, lifestyle modification, diet, and staying active. We all must accept the fact that there is approximately a 8 out 10 chance that our arteries are lined with varying amounts of waxy cholesterol. The number could actually be higher due to the new finding that arterial plaque starts to accumulate around the age of 8, possibly earlier. With this fact in mind it becomes obvious that for many prevention means reversing cholesterol accumulation rather than just holding it at bay. A few studies have been done in this area that seem to suggest that for a reversal to occur saturated fat intake must be held to less than 8 percent of calories or 16 grams. This basically means eating more of a plant based diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red meat, full fat dairy products, baked goods, and fried foods. There are a few other steps which could help as well. These would include considering a natural cholesterol reduction supplement, a daily B complex vitamin, staying a far away from cigarettes and cigarette smoke as possible, reducing stress levels, and moderate daily doctor approved exercise. Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. To learn more about cholesterol along with information about the benefits of cholesterol reduction natural supplements Click Here

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