Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States for men and for women. Heart disease includes all factors that weaken or prevent the heart from functioning optimally. The following are possible heart health risks and measures you can take to lessen them.

The "Highs" and "Lows" of Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are two markers for heart disease. However, high cholesterol readings are not necessarily negative. It depends on the type of cholesterol that is high. Low density lipoproteins (LDL's, remembered by thinking of "L" standing for "lousy"), carry fat from the liver into the blood stream. High levels of LDL's are damaging to the arterial walls. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL's or "hea lthy" cholesterol) take fat from the bloodstream to the liver. The ratio between these two types of cholesterol is important. Coronary artery disease is associated with elevated low-density lipoproteins and low counts of high-density lipoproteins.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a good indicator of heart disease. Over 60 million Americans have problems with elevated blood pressure, with Afro-Americans at a higher risk.

One cause of high blood pressure is clogged arteries. It is harder to force the blood through blood vessels when they are filled with plaque and cholesterol. High blood pressure weakens the heart by forcing it to pump harder than normal and may eventually cause the vessels to rupture. If this occurs in the head and the brain is denied oxygen, it is called a stroke.

Blood pressure is affected negatively by coffee and alcohol consumption, smoking, and a lack of exercise. Other unfavorable factors include high sodium and sugar consumption, low fiber diets, too many saturated fats, and nutritional deficiencies.

Risks That May Lead to Heart Disease

Stress

Stress can increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease. Stress, triggered by outside stimulation, encourages the adrenal glands to release the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Under normal conditions, they prepare the body for what is known as the "fight or flight" syndrome. Cortisol in excess, however, is harmful. It suppresses the immune system and accelerates the aging process of your organs.

When you experience fear, anger, depression, or anxiety, you produce hormones that have the potential to destroy you. Diffusing Lavender (#3575), Peace and Calming (#3393), Valor (#3429), Harmony (#3351), or Joy (#3372) is one way to take the edge off a particularly trying day.

Women and Heart Disease

Women have added heart disease risks. Oral contraceptives increase the risk for a number of problems including blood clots, gallbladder disease, myocardial infarction, high thyroid, and high blood pressure. Contraceptives also decrease nutrient levels that lead to adverse affects on health. Any woman on oral contraceptives should be aware of the loss of vital nutrients and supplement her diet. Master Hers (#3216), Helichrysum (#3563), JuvaFlex (#3214), and CardiaCare (#3197) are supplements that women taking oral contraceptives may want to investigate.

It should also be mentioned that women do not necessarily need hormone replacement therapy to prevent heart disease. A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), called the "Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS)," showed that postmenopausal women who use estrogen-progesterone therapy are not at lower risk for cardiovascular disease related deaths than the control subjects.

Measures to Prevent Heart Disease

Flossing the Teeth

An interesting but little known way to prevent heart disease is to floss your teeth. Several studies show that the same bacteria that causes peridontal disease also adversely affect the immune system, which in turn causes inflammation in the vascular walls of the body. According to the study, the plaque that causes tooth decay may also affect your arteries. Gum infections seem to put you at additional risk for heart disease. Using products such as Dentarome (#3737) or Dentarome Plus (#3738) and Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash (#3681) are steps to improve dental hygiene.

Sugar

The excessive consumption of simple sugars increases triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats that tend to make blood platelets clump together. High levels of triglycerides are indicative of heart and vascular problems. Sugar is an empty calorie "food," and an excess can lead to obesity. Anyone with high triglyceride levels should cut their sugar consumption.

Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains dangerous chemicals that damage the cardiovascular system, particularly when a person has a high count of LDL cholesterol. Smoking increases the chances of blood clots and raises blood pressure. People wishing to stop smoking will find Cinnamon Bark (#3515), Clove (#3524), and Nutmeg (#3599) essential oils appealing. They may also enjoy the benefits of the Cleansing Trio (#3115).

Supplements

It is well documented that a shortage of almost any B vitamin is damaging to the heart. Of particular interest are studies involving the B vitamin folate and its effect on homocysteine levels. This amino acid increases in the blood as people age, and it increases arterial disease and atherosclerosis. Folate, or folic acid, is found in a few foods, but only in small amounts. A good B supplement such as Super B (#3240) will supply a supplemental amount of folic acid.

Many heart patients have low levels of the mineral magnesium, which enables the heart muscle to manufacture energy in order to beat properly. Magnesium is particularly important for those who use conventional drugs for heart problems, since these often deplete the body of essential minerals. CardiaCare (#3197) and Mineral Essence (#3222) are sources of the mineral magnesium.

Coenzyme Q 10 is extremely beneficial for improving energy production in the heart. Since the heart must beat continually, a high source of energy is important. Co Q1O supplementation supports normal healthy heart function. CardiaCare (#3197) also provides Coenzyme Q1O.

Herbs and Essential Oils

Research indicates that there are several herbs and essential oils particularly valuable to promoting healthy heart function. The Ningxia Wolfberry exhibits positive benefits. Hawthorn berry, flowers, and leaves have also proven valuable and can be found in CardiaCare (#3197). Essential oils such as Helichrysum (Code 3563), Goldenrod (#3562), Lavender (#3575), Ylang Ylang (#3659) and Marjoram (#3584) offer constituents that are shown to benefit normal heart function.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Three major studies have concluded that changes in diet and lifestyle can not only reduce, but may even reverse heart disease. The most famous of these studies was conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish. He fed his patients a low-fat vegetarian diet for one year. In addition to a strict diet, the participants also practiced stress reduction exercises for three hours per week. The subjects showed significant regression of atherosclerosis.

The other two studies highlight the importance of omega 3 fatty acids from either fish or vegetable sources in supporting heart health. Essential Omegas (#3238) provide a full spectrum of essential fatty acids that support normal cardiovascular function.

Exercise offers a number of health benefits in the prevention of heart disease. It lowers cholesterol, increases the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, reduces blood pressure, and increases weight loss. Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes three times per week, is beneficial to heart health.

Hidden Diseases

When thinking of heart health, you need to make sure that you are free from other diseases that may be causing a problem. It's well known that diabetes and obesity lead to heart disease. A lesser-known culprit is thyroid malfunction. Both an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can increase your chances of cardiovascular disease. If you are doing all the right things for heart health and still can't get the desired results, check for hidden diseases.

Don't ever think it is too late to improve heart health. Even small efforts are better than doing nothing at all.

If you already have heart problems, make necessary changes to improve your condition. If there is a family history of poor heart health, be vigilant in prevention. It's your heart, and you only have one. The care you show today can make a vast difference in your happiness and health tomorrow.