Heart Disease Risk Not Just for Seniors

WebJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Those who typically believe that heart conditions are diseases of the aging population, may be surprised to learn that younger people aged 35-64 are putting themselves at risk of developing heart disease earlier in life. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating, contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all known risks for heart disease and stroke. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a smoking habit. As the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Heart disease is a broad term used for a wide variety of symptoms and diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. These can include coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease; heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias; congenital heart defects; cardiomyopathy or weakened heart muscle; silent ischemia caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle; angina resulting in pain and discomfort caused by arterial spasms, insufficient flow of oxygen and nutrients or narrowing of the arteries; and atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances within artery walls, which can block or restrict blood flow.

High blood pressure: Currently, millions of Americans of all ages, including individuals in midlife have high blood pressure. Over time uncontrolled hypertension causes the coronary arteries to narrow and harden due to plaque buildup. This can increase the risk of clots that can block the flow of oxygen and nutrients and cause damage or death to the heart muscle, resulting in heart attack. Lifestyle changes that can help to lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels include weight loss when needed, regular exercise, stress reduction and improved diet that limits sodium, restricts processed foods and increases whole food consumption, especially foods that contain potassium.

High cholesterol: Per the CDC, more than 100 million adults aged 20 and over have high cholesterol. Young adults with a family history of high cholesterol are mostly likely to develop this condition during their 20’s and 30’s. Startling statistics from 2014 show that more than seven percent, or one in five, U.S. children and teens have unhealthy cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels in children and teens, linked to heredity, diet, obesity and sedentary behavior, generally follows into adulthood, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The initial approach to reducing high cholesterol in children involves lifestyle changes, including weight loss, improved diet and increased exercise.

Smoking: While most children and adolescents have yet to try smoking, the overwhelming majority of adult smokers in the U.S. began smoking before age 18. Per the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking causes detrimental harm and significant health problems among young people. Statistics show that most new smokers are children and teens. Each day approximately 2,500 children under 18 try their first cigarette and more than 400 will become regular daily smokers. Sadly, about half will ultimately die prematurely from a smoking-related disease. Smoking causes an instant and long-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate, reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, damages blood vessels and doubles the risk of stroke. As smoking is the single most preventable cause of early death, stopping smoking is key to the management of dangerous risks to heart heath. Quitting smoking will reduce the threat of heart disease and the risk for repeat heart attacks and cuts the risk of death by heart disease by half. Stopping is never easy. However, a balanced healthy diet, regular exercise to relieve stress , proper amounts of sleep, encouragement from friends and family, and participation in a support group can all help one break the habit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle at every stage of life.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of a healthy lifestyle:

Berberine BlendBerberine Blend by Professional Supplement Center®: Berberine Blend is formulated to provide support for overall cardiovascular wellness. Specific ingredients support healthy homocysteine levels, normal blood lipid regulation, free radical neutralization and the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels already within the normal range. Non-GMO formulation.

Homocysteine FactorsHomocysteine Factors by Pure Encapsulations®: Homocysteine Factors is formulated with active B vitamins in support of the maintenance of healthy homocysteine metabolism. High homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular problems, is associated with low levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Gluten free, Non-GMO hypoallergenic formulation.

Smokers CleanseSmokers Cleanse by Renew Life®: This targeted, 3-part cleansing program is specifically  formulated with select herbs and natural ingredients to support lung and respiratory health. It may also help reduce the desire to smoke, soothe bronchial passages, and support a healthy stress response to improve overall wellbeing. Gluten and soy free formulation.

Ubiquinol-QH 200 mgUbiquinol QH 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This active form of CoQ10 provides strong antioxidant protection and supports cellular energy metabolism and cardiovascular health. Ubiquinol supports healthy ejection fraction and mitral valve function, supporting overall physical activity and quality of life. Gluten free, Non-GMO hypoallergenic formulation.

Hawthorne Max-VHawthorne Max-V by Douglas Laboratories®: Used traditionally for centuries, hawthorne extract is now recognized for its cardioprotective benefits, which include support for healthy heart and circulatory function. Free of gluten, yeast, soy, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegan formulation.

ProOmega LDLPro Omega LDL by Nordic Naturals®: This product is formulated with bioavailable CoQ10, EPA, DHA and red yeast rice in support of nutritional maintenance for total cardiovascular health. Third party tested to be free of heavy metals and environmental toxins. Gluten, dairy and artificial color and flavor free. Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age. https://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/index.html
How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-a-heart-attack
10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
High Cholesterol in Children? It’s All Too Common. https://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/symptoms/high-cholesterol-in-young-people/
Tobacco Use among Children and Teens. https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/tobacco-use-among-children.html
Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/smoking-and-cardiovascular-disease