In spite of encouragement to lead a healthier life, heart disease and strokes remain the leading cause of death for both men and women in the UK, many between ages 45 and 65.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is severely reduced or cut off. The underlying problem is usually hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. This is caused by chronic inflammation from the consumption of processed, high sugar foods and cortisol, the stress hormone.

So how can we diminish the risk? Lifestyle changes are crucial and effective. Studies confirm that smoking commercially produced cigarettes (containing chemicals) increases the risk of a first heart attack by more than 100% in some people. Women smokers are at greater risk than men. You’ll be doing yourself a huge health favour if you give it up.

It’s also wise to stop eating all processed grains and cereals and sugar. Exchange the highly saturated fats contained in grain fed meat and dairy for grass fed meat and chicken, which has 6 times less saturated fats. Include foods high in monounsaturated fat (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fat (nuts and most vegetables). Nuts contain many nutrients that could be responsible for protection against heart disease, including fibre, Vitamin E, Alpha-linolenic acid (found primarily in walnuts), Oleic acid, Magnesium and Arginine.

Another ally in a prevention program is oily fish consumption (sardines, salmon, mackerel, etc). Research confirms that fish oil supplements help reverse atherosclerosis.

Regular moderate exercise, such as walking and swimming, and the practice of yoga or meditation are also beneficial in reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

Protect and support your body with specific food supplements and your chances of developing this life threatening disease will be much reduced. The most effective are anti- inflammatory enzymes.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition caused by obstruction of large arteries in the arms and legs. The result is various symptoms, particularly leg pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication.

This condition could be a sign of a wider spread accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). It may reduce blood flow to the heart and brain, as well as the legs.

As with the risk of heart attack, peripheral artery disease can be successfully treated by making the same sensible changes to lifestyle and taking anti-inflammatory supplements.

3 KEY HEART NUTRIENTS

We can’t survive without Co-Enzyme Q10. A naturally occurring fat-soluble antioxidant, it’s necessary to the functioning of every body cell. It’s especially needed in the heart and critically so for people taking statins as these dangerously deplete CoQ10 in the body. Existing heart studies show 300mg of ordinary Q10 or 100mg of high absorbency Q10 can help protect the heart.

The amino acid L Carnitine protects the heart from damage when a heart attack or a spasm cuts off the oxygen supply. It’s been suggested that taking 2 grams of Carnitine per day for
4 weeks can cut complications by 50% from heart attack, chest pains (angina), heart rhythm disturbances and heart failure.

Omega 3 Fatty acids have been proven to work wonders for the heart and the miles of arteries and veins that make up our cardiovascular system. They help to lower cholesterol triglycerides, LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol. When plaque builds up on arterial walls and then breaks loose, it causes what’s known as a thrombosis, a fancy way of saying clot. If a clot gets stuck in the brain, it causes a stroke and when it plugs an artery, a heart attack. Research shows Omega 3 Fatty Acids can break up clots before they can cause any damage.