Cardiovascular disease CVD is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. CVDs are the number one cause of death and disability globally. CVD includes many diseases, including peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

Many CVDs are related to atherosclerosis , which occurs when arteries narrow due to plaque buildup within them, and blood flow is restricted as a result. Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk for CVD and making conscious, healthy choices to limit your risk of disease.

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for CVD, and according to the CDC , it is responsible for causing 10 million deaths worldwide annually. Other risk factors for CVD include high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, a Western diet, aging, and obesity.

Learning to advocate for and actively participate in your own health is a critical first step in creating a heart-healthy lifestyle. Asking your doctor to order risk assessment labwork discussed below and working with a trained functional medicine doctor to establish the foundations of cardiovascular health will help optimize lab results outside the functional reference ranges before a pathological disease can develop.

The DASH and Mediterranean diets are commonly recommended as heart-healthy dietary plans because they have been shown to lower inflammation, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol. Each of these emphasizes consuming a variety of multi-colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high-quality dairy, lean protein, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Additionally, these whole-food dietary approaches reduce the consumption of processed and refined foods, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, salt, and alcohol. Making changes to diet can be challenging and overwhelming. Working with a registered dietician or functional nutritionist can be helpful in the early stages of forming new dietary habits to ensure you meet caloric, nutritional, and health goals.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend the following exercise goals for adults 6 :. Research has linked being inactive and sitting with a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and lung cancers, and early death.

Conversely, less time spent sitting and more time being active is associated with a lower risk of disease, improved cognition, bone health, mental health, and weight management.

Emotional stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Learning and utilizing heart-healthy mindfulness-based practices, such as counseling, meditation, exercise, and biofeedback, can improve mental and physical health.

If you smoke, find support to quit. Avoidance of secondhand smoke is also important. Smoking and exposure to smoke damage the endothelial lining of the blood vessels, contributing to CVD and heart attack risk. Poor sleep is associated with a higher risk of increased body weight, a suppressed immune system, feelings of stress , high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke It is recommended that adults get hours of sleep nightly, and more than one-third report not meeting this goal.

Establishing a consistent nighttime routine and sleep schedule can help you get enough good quality sleep. Small steps and changes can help, like spending time outside during the day, avoiding caffeine, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and avoiding screens the hour before bedtime.

Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall health and well-being. In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, some supplements and herbs may benefit heart health. Here are a few options to consider:. Hawthorn Crataegus spp.

is a plant used for centuries as a natural remedy for treating CVD. Research reveals that hawthorn berry extracts possess lipid-lowering, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and endothelium-protecting effects. These mechanisms make hawthorn a popular natural agent in treating atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arrhythmias.

Omega-3s are essential unsaturated fatty acids associated with reduced systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that replacing omega-6 fatty acids with omega-3 fatty acids to establish a ratio or less of omegaomega-3 benefits cardiovascular health.

Fatty fish, sea algae, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are naturally rich in ALA, EPA, and DHA omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 supplementation, typically through fish oil, reduces cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal heart attack, coronary heart disease, and major cardiovascular events and improves blood flow Low magnesium levels are associated with heart failure, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure 2.

Research shows that high magnesium intake is associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and total cardiovascular disease Garlic is rich in allicin , an antioxidant responsible for its many positive cardiovascular effects.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant required in high amounts by cardiac muscles for energy production. Low CoQ10 levels are associated with greater tissue damage to the heart and brain during heart attack and stroke, respectively.

CoQ10 supplements improve lipid profiles and heart function. Supplementation is also associated with reduced cardiovascular inflammation, statin-induced muscle pain, deaths due to heart failure, and blood pressure. RYR is the natural alternative to low-intensity statins for reducing serum cholesterol levels.

Fermentation of RYR produces monacolin K, which inhibits the endogenous production of cholesterol. B vitamins are essential for energy production and red blood cell formation. Published studies have reported vitamin B1, B2, and B6 deficiencies in people with heart failure.

Additionally, homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis because it can induce negative changes to the vascular endothelium and arterial function. High levels of homocysteine can result from nutritional deficiencies in folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B Some research has concluded that high dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B6 are associated with reduced mortality risk from stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure.

Epigallocatechin gallate EGCG is the antioxidant compound present in green tea associated with numerous cardiovascular benefits. EGCG is exceptionally anti-inflammatory and has been found to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attack, and diabetes. Meta-analyses have also concluded that green tea consumption significantly reduces blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides 22 , Cardiovascular disease is preventable and treatable.

The first step to disease prevention is clearly understanding your CVD risk. Functional medicine doctors can order advanced biomarkers to identify an individual's cardiovascular risk factors and recommend targeted therapies to correct underlying imbalances predisposing to CVD.

Although the basic lipid panel total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides is important in diagnosing high cholesterol, recent research shows that other lipid markers are more sensitive in estimating cardiovascular risk.

Lipid particle fractionation, apolipoprotein B ApoB , and lipoprotein a Lp a qualify and quantify the subpopulations of cholesterol-carrying particles that increase the risk for CVD. Cardiovascular inflammation is associated with higher CVD risk, measured by markers like hs-CRP , Lp-PLA2 , and homocysteine , which can be added to an advanced lipid profile.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. A complete thyroid panel screens for and diagnoses subclinical and overt thyroid dysfunction. A CMP is a valuable metabolic screening for blood sugar, electrolyte, kidney, and liver dysfunction.

A comprehensive diabetes panel measures various markers important for diagnosing and managing insulin resistance and diabetes.

A comprehensive nutritional assessment, such as the NutrEval , provides an in-depth analysis of important electrolytes, antioxidants, micronutrients, and omega-fatty acids required for optimal cardiovascular and metabolic function.

The prevention, early detection, and treatment of cardiovascular disease are critical for health outcomes and quality of life. While there are non-modifiable factors that contribute to CVD risk, like age, gender, and genetics, the majority of CVD risk stems from behavioral and lifestyle factors.

Functional medicine plays an integral role in the prevention and management of CVD. Specialty labs measuring functional biomarkers of cardiometabolic health reflect how lifestyle habits directly impact the heart and blood vessels. A heart-healthy lifestyle, emphasizing good nutrition, plenty of exercise, quality sleep, and healthy stress reduction techniques, is foundational for everyone to support cardiovascular health.

Many evidence-based natural agents are effective independently or in conjunction with pharmaceutical therapies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease for those seeking an integrative approach to health management. Heart Disease Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DePorto, T. Worried About Heart Disease? Ask Your Provider for These 6 Specialty Labs at Your Next Appointment. Rupa Health. Khakham, C. Understanding Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease With Functional Medicine Labs. Understand Your Risk for Heart Disease.

NHLBI, NIH. Choose Heart-Healthy Foods. Get Regular Physical Activity. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. Manage Stress. Quit Smoking. Get Enough Good-Quality Sleep. Tassell, M. in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4 7 , Wu, M. Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, Szczepańska, E. Dietary Therapy in Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease CVD —Tradition or Modernity? A Review of the Latest Approaches to Nutrition in CVD.

Nutrients, 14 13 , Khan, S. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

eClinicalMedicine, 38, Rosique-Esteban, N. Dietary Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review with Emphasis in Epidemiological Studies. Nutrients, 10 2 , CoQ What are the Heart Health Benefits? Cleveland HeartLab, Inc. Li, Y. A Meta-Analysis of Red Yeast Rice: An Effective and Relatively Safe Alternative Approach for Dyslipidemia.

Bioflavonoids are at the foundation of what makes fruits and vegetables so healthy for us and for our hearts. It should come as no surprise that the heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet recommends an abundance of bioflavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables of all shapes and colors.

Our bioflavonoids come exclusively from certified organic Mandarin oranges, which are descended from wild oranges that trace back over 2, years. We use the sun-dried peel — called Chen pi — that is rich in a variety of important bioflavonoids like quercetin.

Oxidizing free radicals can damage the lining of our blood vessels, but protective antioxidants like those in mandarin orange peels promote both healthy vessel structure and function. Our certified organic mandarin orange extract is made through our SuperPure extract process to ensure you get the purest form of these heart-nourishing compounds.

Studies also show that these types of bioflavonoids can enhance the absorption and use of resveratrol by our bodies — oh, the wonder of nature! Nattokinase is considered a 1,year-old Japanese secret that promotes optimal circulation, heart health, and longevity.

Nattokinase is derived from a traditional Japanese fermented superfood called natto, which is a key component of the Okinawan diet. Nattokinase demonstrates both proteolytic and fibrinolytic properties that foster healthy blood flow and vessel health.

Olive fruit and its tasty culinary oil are at the core of the highly respected Mediterranean diet. Science journals abound with discussions of the overall wellness properties of this tangy fruit and its powerful nutrients. The use of olive oil — especially a high quality, extra-virgin variety — is known as one of the best ways to support healthy antioxidant function and a healthy cardiovascular system for a long, healthy life.

This extraordinary phytonutrient is called hydroxytyrosol, and research has shown it to be one of the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidants. Olives are the only known source of this rare bioactive compound which shows the unique ability to cross the blood brain barrier, suggesting that hydroxytyrosol is exceptionally bioavailable to not just our heart, but also to our brain.

Using our SuperPure® processing, we concentrate our olive fruits to optimize their hydroxytyrosol content. In Europe, which is a hotbed of research on olive's health benefits, the European Food Safety Authority their equivalent to our FDA has formally approved heart health claims for an olive product only if it contains 5 mg or more of hydroxytyrosol per serving.

Our certified organic SuperPure® Olive extract fully meets this standard with abundance of this health-enhancing compound. Prized since ancient times, pomegranate contains hundreds of seeds nestled in a sparkling juicy pulp called aril which can require some tricky maneuvering to extricate from the rind.

Mounting evidence indicates that pomegranates are heart-loving foods with support for maintaining healthy blood balance and cellular defense. Our pomegranates are cultivated in the USA in certified organic, nutrient-rich soils for optimal phytonutrient content.

Once plucked fresh from the trees, our pomegranates are opened to reveal their juicy pulp and seed, which is juiced and freeze-dried into a powder of extraordinary health potential. Also known as Dan Shen, red sage root is a popular herb for promoting a healthy heart and vascular system. The wonderful phytochemicals in red sage are found in its special essential oils, and include tanshinones, rosmaric and salvianolic acids.

Tanshinone, specifically, may support healthy heart rhythms and circulation, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Utilizing only certified organic red sage and our SuperPure process, we extract these important heart-fortifying compounds so that you and your heart get the best support possible. Resveratrol is the subject of hundreds of studies, many of which corroborate this compound's ability to nourish a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

It's called Japanese Knotweed, also known as Hu Zhang in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Why might this novel herb be better? Japanese knotweed is particularly rich in trans-resveratrol, the most bioavailable form of this healthy aging nutrient instead cis-resveratrol, which is not well utilized by our bodies.

The cardiovascular health benefits of trans-resveratrol are attributed to its potent antioxidant capacity to oppose oxidative stress, fostering healthy blood vessel function and circulation.

Our natively grown SuperPure Japanese knotweed extract with trans-resveratrol is certified organic and standardized to guarantee an abundance of trans-resveratrol in an optimum amount backed by research to provide greater benefits than red wine — without any of the downsides.

No alcohol, no sulfites, no solvents, no additives, no chemicals, no calories. One of the most powerful, protective enzymes within our bodies is known as superoxide dismutase SOD. SOD works at lightning speeds to defend all our cells from free radicals, neutralizing thousands of them at a time.

Our hard-working hearts and eyes are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and rely heavily on this super-enzyme. While your body makes SOD, it can be depleted by ongoing stress, making supplementation of this powerful enzyme so very valuable.

Our superoxide dismutase is derived from a rare type of melon fruit bursting with this unique enzyme. In a patented process, we gently extract the enzyme, using dozens of melons to get the highly concentrated amount needed in a single daily serving.

This way, you can benefit from one of the most powerful, cell-defending compounds in nature! Turmeric is one of the most remarkable and bestselling herbs in the world.

From supporting a healthy immune system, to aiding digestion, upholding cognitive function, and maintaining cardiovascular health, there's nothing that turmeric can't seem to do. It's also been shown to promote healthy glutathione levels, your body's master antioxidant, and to support the genes that control healthy cell function.

Our SuperPure Turmeric is the only certified organic whole-spectrum turmeric extract in the world. With the healing power of curcuminoids as well as the lesser-known but highly valuable essential oils, turmerones, and polysaccharides, there is truly not another turmeric extract that comes even close.

There is almost no end to what the research keeps discovering about the incredible nourishing and fortifying support of turmeric. And we've unlocked its fullest potential so that you can truly benefit. General FDA Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not valid with previous or pending orders. Free shipping offers apply to shipments to contiguous U.

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