Cardiovascular health involves not only the heart, but also the heart’s blood vessels, and the veins, arteries and capillaries throughout the body and within the brain. According to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, cardiovascular disease, including stroke, accounts for the death of more Canadians than any other disease.
 
Nearly 32% of all male deaths in Canada in 2002 were due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and, perhaps surprisingly, the CVD toll was even higher for women – 34% of all female deaths in 2002.¹
 
Natural Heart Support
 
Most heart and circulatory diseases are directly attributable to lifestyle. Poor nutrition, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and stress are factors in high blood pressure, high triglycerides levels and unhealthy cholesterol. Changing your lifestyle is key, but what else can you do while you’re learning to make healthy changes?
 
For a long and healthy life, the heart must be strong and the veins and arteries must be capable of transporting optimal amounts of blood. While diet and exercise are key, many supplements can help support heart health.
 
Proven Products
 
During an ABC TV News interview, cardiologist Dr. Peter Langsjoen explained that Coenzyme Q10, “... doesn’t even compare to anything else. Its effects are so clear. They are not subtle. They are dramatic... The most obvious thing a person would notice would be improved stamina and vigour.” People at every age can feel the benefits of CoQ10 products.
 
With its ability to improve heart muscle strength and regularity of heart beat, hawthorn has earned a reputation as a top ranking herb for the heart. Hawthorn is most potent and bioavailable when in a standardized hawthorn extract. Many experts consider hawthorn the number one herb for the cardiovascular system.
 
Studies confirm the traditional use of hawthorn berries to strengthen and normalize heart beat, prevent or reduce heart arrhythmias, and improve oxygen use. Hawthorn has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of angina. It increases the ability of the heart muscle to contract, making a more efficient ‘pump’. By increasing blood flow and reducing peripheral vascular resistance, hawthorn improves circulation to the extremities. Hawthorn’s flavonoids, particularly procyanidins, give it antioxidant capacity to quench free radicals. Some herbalists recommend hawthorn for restlessness and insomnia.
 
The bioflavonoids in grape seed extract, especially the leucoanthocyanins or proanthocyanidins, protect the heart and promote healthy veins, arteries and capillaries. Grape seed extract, especially when standardized, improves vein, artery and capillary tone and elasticity while helping vitamin C fight free radicals.
 
Public awareness is driving demand for quality omega-3 fatty acid. These products to help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve circulation, and immune system function. You can find a comprehensive range of EFAs for all ages and all health conditions.
 
Vitamin E is a heart and circulatory health standard. Long known as the “heart vitamin”, vitamin E helps to support healthy heart function and blood circulation.  

Reference:

1. Statistics Canada, Causes of Death 2002. Released 2004