Risk Factors For Heart Disease

Heredity, certain conditions, and some behavioral factors can all put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Each person can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. However, control of risk factors is especially critical for those who already have heart disease.

Heredity:
Heart disease often runs in families with genetic factors likely to play key roles in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other vascular conditions.

Conditions:
* Blood Cholesterol -- Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver or consumed in certain foods. It is needed by the body, and the liver makes enough for the body's needs. When there is too much cholesterol in the body because of diet and the rate at which the cholesterol is processed, it is deposited in arteries, including those of the heart. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries, heart disease, and other complications. In general, there are two types of cholesterol: LDL or "bad" cholesterol and HDL or "good" cholesterol. LDL is readily oxidized in the body and is likely to contribute to heart disease, while HDL acts as a beneficial scavenger to rid the body of excess LDL cholesterol. Triglycerides are another kind of fat in the blood and are also thought to be a risk factor for heart disease.

* High Blood Pressure -- High blood pressure is another major risk factor for heart disease. It is a condition where the pressure of the blood in the arteries is too high. Often, there are no symptoms. Lowering blood pressure by changes in lifestyle or by medication can lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

* Diabetes -- Diabetes increases a person's risk for heart disease. With diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin, can't use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugar (glucose) to build up in the blood. About 75% of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

Behavioral Factors:
* Tobacco Use -- Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Cigarette smoking promotes atherosclerosis and increases the levels of blood clotting factors, such as fibrinogen. Also, nicotine raises blood pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen that blood can carry. Exposure to other people's smoke can increase the risk of heart disease even for nonsmokers.

* Diet -- Several aspects of peoples' dietary patterns have been linked to heart disease and related conditions. These include diets high in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholesterol, and sugar, which raise blood cholesterol levels and promote atherosclerosis. High levels of sodium (salt) in the diet causes high blood pressure.

* Physical Inactivity -- Physical inactivity is related to the development of heart disease. It also can impact other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, a low level of HDL (good) cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular physical activity can improve risk-factor levels.

* Obesity -- Obesity is excess body fat. It is linked to higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as to lower HDL (good) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

* Alcohol -- Excessive alcohol use leads to an increase in blood pressure and increases the risk for heart disease. It also increases blood levels of triglycerides, which contributes to atherosclerosis.

Prevention:
Research has shown that there are multiple natural herbal supplements that promote a healthy heart. These include:

* Vitamin B6, which gives you more energy and helps reduce the risk of heart attack by decreasing inflammation.

* Folate, which is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells and works with B6 to decrease the chance of heart disease.

* Vitamin B12, which allows more red blood cells to grow so that your body will distribute oxygen appropriately.

* Plant sterols, which help actively remove cholesterol from the body by helping to block cholesterol absorption from the digestive tract.

* Policosanol, which lowers LDL and may increase HDL cholesterol or "good cholesterol."

* Resveratrol, which is a natural antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from oxidizing, which is the catalyst for arterial and heart problems.

There are many herbal supplements that contain some of these ingredients, but look for one that contains all of these ingredients in order to achieve maximum heart health.