Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is essential for vitality, wellbeing, and the proper functioning of the body as it ages. The health of the cardiovascular system is continually threatened by formidable foes in the form of cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension (high blood pressure) and an unhealthy lifestyle. All of these factors contribute to coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD, which can lead to a heart attack, is the leading cause of death in the United States and can be a major cause of disability. CHD occurs when the arteries that supply the heart with blood become hardened by calcification and narrowed by an accumulation of excess cholesterol and fat deposits called plaque. When a clot forms due to unstable plaque, blood flow through the artery becomes blocked, and this causes a heart attack. Almost 700,000 people die of CHD in the United States each year, and that accounts for about 29% of all deaths in this country.

Fortunately, the threat of CHD can be reduced or prevented by addressing various risk factors. Lifestyle modification can reverse many of these factors. For instance, eliminate obesity by adopting a sensible diet and a reasonable exercise program. Also, stop smoking cigarettes and/or using other forms of tobacco. Syndrome X or metabolic syndrome leading to diabetes may have a genetic component, but many of the symptoms can and should be reversed immediately. Diabetes has a major negative impact on the cardiovasculature, and this disease must be avoided at all cost.

High blood cholesterol and triglycerides are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Genetic predisposition accounts for the risk of high cholesterol levels in some individuals. But for the majority, unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits are the key risk factors. Reducing LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and elevating HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels are big steps in the direction of cardiovascular health.

A diet high in plant-based foods has long been associated with cardiovascular benefits. These benefits may be partly related to plant sterols or phytosterols. Phytosterols are essential components of plant cell membranes and are naturally found in abundance in food sources such as wheat germ, wheat bran, corn oil, peanuts, macadamia nuts, canola oil and olive oil. Phytosterols resemble the chemical structure of cholesterol. Because phytosterols are chemically similar to cholesterol, once ingested they compete with cholesterol during the absorption process. This results in an inhibition of cholesterol absorption and eventually decreases LDL levels in the body. Numerous research studies have documented the safety and efficacy of phytosterols in lowering cholesterol levels (1,2).

Red yeast rice, a product of rice fermented with the yeast Monascus purpureus, has long been used in China as both a food and a medicine. Research has shown that red yeast rice contains compounds that are similar to prescription medications that lower cholesterol levels. Red yeast rice has cardiovascular benefit because of an inhibition of the liver enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, a key component involved with hepatic cholesterol synthesis (3). Red yeast rice may lower the risk of CHD by helping to manage blood cholesterol levels.

Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between cardiovascular disease and vitamin K intake (4). Two forms of vitamin K occur in nature, and both are important in the diet and it dietary supplements. Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is present in plant foods and is essential to blood-clotting mechanisms. Vitamin K2 is a collective term for a group of vitamin K analogs called menaquinones. Vitamin K2 can be obtained from the die, but it is also produced by the bacteria that line our intestinal tract. Recently, research has demonstrated that vitamin K2 can reduce the incidence of CHD. It has been found that vitamin K2 consumption is linked to fewer cases of CHD, less aortic calcification and lower mortality (4).

Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) is a vitamin-like compound present in all cells but is most concentrated in the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas (5). Co-Q10 cellular levels decrease with age and have been observed to be low in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Co-Q10 supplementation is beneficial in addressing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure and has been shown to reduce heart attack risk (6).

Fish oils are high in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Daily consumption of one gram of fish oils from fish or fish oil supplements may decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the progression of CHD. Consuming fish oil supplements is associated with a 23% reduction in overall mortality and a 32% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes in people with or without CHD. However, most Americans do not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Therefore, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement is an important and convenient way to meet the daily needs for this important nutrient.

Approximately one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure or hypertension. Unfortunately, hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because most people don’t know they have it until significant disease symptoms appear. Untreated, hypertension increases the risk of CHD and stroke. Extracts of grape seed and arginine-based products may lower elevated blood pressure and may be useful to those who want to achieve and maintain cardiovascular health.

Created by Dr. William J. Keller

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References:

1. Becker M, Staab D, Von Bergmann K. Treatment of severe familial hypercholesterolemia in childhood with sitosterol and sitostanol. J Pediatr 1993 Feb;122(2):292-6.
2. Pelletier X, Belbraouet S, Mirabel D, Mordret F, Perrin JL, Pages X, Debry G. A diet moderately enriched in phytosterols lowers plasma cholesterol concentrations in normocholesterolemic humans. Ann Nutr Metab 1995;39(5):291-5.
3. Heber D, Yip I, Ashley JM, Elashoff DA, Elashoff RM, Go VL . Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Feb;69(2):231-6.
4. Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, Schurgers LJ, Knapen MH, van der Meer IM, Hofman A, Witteman JC. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004 Nov;134(11):3100-5.
5. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 351.
6. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006:pg 350.