Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths. Heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years.  The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years and almost half of men who have a heart attack under age 65 die within 8 years. (1) Half of men and almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. (2)

Atherosclerosis is also the most common cause of cardiovascular disease, which occurs when the arteries become clogged and narrowed, restricting blood flow. Without adequate blood flow from the coronary arteries, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly. A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a plaque ruptures, allowing a blood clot to form. This completely obstructs the artery, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle, and that portion of muscle dies.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress, and secondhand smoke are risk factors associated with heart disease. Other conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, family history, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

The good news is that many cases of heart disease can be prevented and even reversed by the application of a strict diet, exercise, and stress management practices. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. Healthy aging populations have dramatically reduced the incidence of heart disease when following their traditional lifestyle, while younger generations adopting the modern Western diet and lifestyle are developing heart disease at the same rate as those in the West.

Know Your Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack.  Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Call 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms. These are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Signs in women may be different than for men.  Read our blog: Women and Heart Attacks: Identify the Signs, Save a Life

Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness  

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations:

• Follow a healthy diet abundant in vegetables and fruit
• Choose good quality (hormone and antibiotic free) lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
• Legumes are an excellent source of protein and fiber.
• Eliminate, or select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
• Choose healthy fats like olive oil and avocado and cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
• Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you're a woman and two drinks per day if you're a man.
• Keep an eye on your portion sizes. 

For an even more in depth program for healthy eating, we highly recommend Kirk’s book, Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane.

Providing your body with the extra support it needs can go a long way in keeping your heart happy. These excellent supplements are available at Energetic Nutrition.

	Omega-3 fats like the ones found in ArcticPure Omega-3 are a critical component of any heart health plan. Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation, raise HDL, support healthy circulation and promote heart health by thinning the blood, dilating blood vessels, and supporting healthy blood pressure. It also has components that inhibit inflammatory mediators.
	VitalzymSEB is a unique enzyme formula designed specifically to support heart health by supplying enzymes that may cleanse the blood of excess fibrin and arterial plaque.  It also lowers C-Reactive Protein levels, which is the cause of vascular inflammation.
	Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant which has been shown to safeguard LDL cholesterol from oxidation.  CoQ10 is a critical component in the primary energy cycle, and is most abundant in the heart. Deficiencies in CoQ10 strongly correlate with heart disease.
	Antioxidants like Vitamin E have been shown to help neutralize destructive free radicals and support cardiovascular health by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol and inhibiting plaque formation. Oxidized cholesterol is an unstable molecule that damages the integrity of arteries.
	A good quality multi-vitamin like Life Essence Multiple provides essential vitamins and minerals along with anti-oxidants, amino acids, and countless other co-nutrients necessary to keep your body strong and your heart whistling a happy tune.
	Estrogens play a complex role in non-reproductive tissues including the cardiovascular system. The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a person is estrogen dominant.  DIM is an excellent hormone balancer, particularly in an estrogen dominant body.
	Antioxidants like those included in Systemic Vitamin C can help boost immune function, while protecting our cells and DNA from free radical damage. These antioxidants can also serve as a preventative measure against many different health issues from colds and flu to more serious disorders like cardiovascular disease.

Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. Moderate exercise 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes is essential to support circulation, vitality, and heart health. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life.

Stress is a major concern when it comes to hypertension and heart health. Keep those stress hormones in check and that blood pressure down by taking time to relax, meditate, walk, take a bath, or do whatever it is you do that relaxes you.  Even if it is only for 5-10 minutes per day, it makes a difference.

You can live a heart-healthy lifestyle that contributes to your longevity. Don’t be a statistic.  For extra support, get your friends and family involved in living a healthy and energetic lifestyle.

References

1. Roger V, Go, A, Lloyd-Jones, D, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2011 update. A report from the American  Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee . Circulation 2011;123:e1-e192.
    
2. Lloyd-Jones D, Adams RJ, Brown TM, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2010 Update. A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2010;121:e1-e170. 

According to the American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association, “1 in 3 adults in the United States have HBP. HBP itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, it can damage the: 

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Other parts of your body.” ¹

There are many factors that can have an impact on one’s blood pressure.  For example:                          

• Age
• Genetics
• Being overweight
• General Health
• Emotional State
• Activity Level 

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since more often than not, there are no associated symptoms.  Therefore, it is essential that you have yours checked periodically before symptoms do arise.  Fortunately, this condition is easy to detect if you are having regular check ups.  If you do not go to the doctor regularly, then you can find blood pressure machines at most pharmacies and drug stores.  

Blood Pressure Readings

It is important to be aware of your blood pressure numbers.  If they are too high for a prolonged period of time you may be headed for further complications, such as a stroke or a variety of other health problems. Low blood pressure may indicate other medical conditions and should be evaluated.  As you may know, there are two sets of numbers that represent your blood pressure.  The systolic pressure is always mentioned first, then the diastolic.  The reading is then expressed as 120 over 80, for example.²

In general, more attention is given to the top number (the systolic blood pressure) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In the majority of people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term build-up of plaque, and along with cardiac and vascular disease.

• Systolic –  The higher (top) number that represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• Diastolic – The lower (bottom) number representing the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.  

After your blood pressure has been taken, be sure to get the numbers and if you are not sure what they represent, write them down and have your doctor explain them to you.  You can also ask your doctor what level your blood pressure should be at for you personally.   

Reducing High Blood Pressure Naturally

Depending on the cause, high blood pressure can be reduced in a number of ways.  For example, if it is due to high salt intake, then reducing salt in the diet can be helpful.  Those who are sedentary may benefit from some form of activity.  If being overweight is the cause, then losing some pounds would most likely help to reduce high blood pressure.  Reducing stress can also be beneficial. 

Furthermore, if this condition is caused by excess fibrin (protein buildup) in the kidneys, hardening of the arteries (due to plaque), or vascular inflammation, then systemic enzyme therapy can be used to help remove the excess fibrin, arterial plaque, and inflammation. 

VitalzymSEB is a natural dietary supplement that contains proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes, such as along with the nattokinase enzyme and other “heart healthy” nutrients to create an enzyme formulation specifically for cardiovascular wellness. 

Further Reading

Inflammation in high blood pressure: a clinician perspective

Related American Heart Association (AHA) publications:

What Is High Blood Pressure?

How Can I Reduce High Blood Pressure?

 Why Should I Limit Sodium?

Heart and Stroke Facts 

References

 1.  The American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association

2.  The American Heart Association