Cardiovascular Health by Debora Young

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of illness and death in New Zealand and yet simple strategies can reduce its incidence and severity. Diet, lifestyle, environment, family history and nutritional status are important considerations in acute and chronic (long-term) blood vessel diseases.

Cardiovascular disease is a general term used to describe degeneration or disease of the vascular and heart tissue. There are many causes and a few are discussed below:

Homocysteine levels

Elevated levels of homocysteine (an amino acid component of muscles) has a corrosive-like activity on the structure and lining of blood vessels. The potentially toxic varieties of cholesterol - LDL cholesterol and its fractions - are subject to oxidation. This creates a rancid fatty acid material that penetrates and damages the walls of blood vessels. Free radical and oxidative reactions - everyday factors such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, too much alcohol, environmental poisons and many chemicals produce free radicals that damage cells.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency 

Processed foods, poor soil conditions and malabsorption combine to deny our bodies many of the essential ingredients available from natural sources. Nutrient replacement is essential for people with cardiovascular disease. Most conventional medicines for high blood pressure, blood thinning and arrhythmias will most certainly deplete essential nutrients from the body.

CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10 ), also known as a ubiquinone, is an essential component of the mitochondria - the energy producing unit of the cells in our body. CoQ10 is involved in the production of ATP, the energy currency of all body processes. CoQ10 exists in every plant and animal cell, however the amount from dietary sources is insufficient to produce beneficial effects seen when CoQ10 is supplemented. Beneficial effects of CoQ10 revolve around its ability to improve energy production and act as an antioxidant. Some situations in which CoQ10 may be deficient include the presence of cardiovascular diseases such as angina, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure; coronary artery bypass surgery; stroke; diabetes; periodontal disease; immune deficiency; cancer; muscular dystrophy; and the use of statin (cholesterol lowering) medication. CoQ10 is heavily involved in oxygen transport at the mitochondrial level. The antioxidant activity of CoQ10 is limited to protection against lipid peroxidation. It works with vitamin E in preventing damage to lipid (fat) membranes and plasma (blood) lipids. CoQ10 supplementation, like other antioxidants, may offer significant protection against atherosclerosis by preventing lipid peroxide formation and oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A recent review suggests that CoQ10 as nutrient support may become part of standard therapy for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle and your green prescription.

Diet

A diet comprised largely of whole unprocessed foods, including raw and fresh fruit and vegetables (especially highly-coloured varieties), cooked vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, cold-pressed seed and vegetable oils (especially olive oil), seafood (especially salmon, 

sardines and tuna), unprocessed grain foods and cereals, legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils), chicken and lean fresh meat is recommended. Minimise non-preferred fats in the diet. Preferred fats include fish and seafood oils, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, eggs, and small amounts of butter. Non-preferred fats include homogenised milk fats, processed oils (including safflower oil which becomes unstable in heat), margarine and excess animal fat. At least 2 litres of water per day is recommended.

Exercise

Moderate exercise for 30 to 60 minutes each day is recommended.

Stress management

To help to control cortisol levels, perform a relaxation exercise (deep breathing, meditation, visualisation etc) for 10-15 minutes each day.

 

How old is your heart? Visit www.knowyournumbers.co.nz and after a few simple questions you will get a glimpse of how old your heart really is, compared to your actual age.

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Sources:

[1] Hay, D. 2004. cardiovascular Disease in New Zealand. 2004.
A Summary of Recent Statistical Information. National Heart Foundation of New Zealand.
[2] Ministry of Health. 2008. Portrait of Health. Key Results of the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
[3] Ministry of Health. 2009. Implementing the ABC approch for Smoking Cessation. Framework and Work Programme. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/cardiovasculardisease