Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart diseases. Many lifestyle factors contribute such as cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and obesity. In addition, menopausal women are at a higher risk for developing heart disease because their bodies produce less estrogen. Serum cholesterol and hypertension also play a major role the formation of heart disease. Physical inactivity also significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The risk for heart disease can be reduced by: following a good diet, exercising, lowering stress, getting good medical care, and recognizing symptoms that need attention. In addition, today there are natural supplements and compounds that can support heart health, improve heart function and even speed up recovery from heart attacks as well as help reduce blood pressure, lower risk of arterial blockages. Always check with your doctor before using supplements because some can interact with other drugs you take.

Are you at risk?

The pace of today’s world is fast. There is no doubt that life is stressful and stress increases cortisol which deposits more fat in the midsection which increases heart risks. Stress also produces inflammation that leads to increased plaque in blood vessels which can increase blood pressure. It is possible to have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Arteriosclerosis (atherosclerosis) is a general term for the thickening and hardening of arteries. General narrowing of the arteries occur with age. Plaque may partially or totally block the blood's flow through an artery ultimately resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

When shopping for heart health supplements, look for formulations that contain some or all of the following ingredients. They can be extremely effective in supporting cardiac health and wellness. Important supplements and compounds for heart health include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes that Omega-3’s benefit the heart of healthy people and those at high risk of or who have cardiovascular disease.

CoQ10 - Supports healthy blood pressure.

Vitamin K2 - Regulates calcium metabolism keeping it out of arteries and possibly reducing blockages.

Acetyl L-Carnitine - Improves heart function and may speed up recovery from heart attacks.

Pregnenalone - Inhibits factors circulating in the blood that can cause inflammation in the blood vessels and heart attacks.

L-Arginine – Can increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Vitamin E and Tocotrienols – Can help to reduce cholesterol.

At MHL, we have products specifically formulated for cardiovascular health. These formulas emphasize proper nutrient intake to optimize the metabolic health of your heart.

Key Formulas for Cardiovascular Health: