C.

DIET AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

 CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE is a general term for  SYMPTOMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

conditions affecting the heart or the blood
vessels. It is usually associated with a build-up 1.Chest tightness/pressure
of fatty deposits inside the arteries 2.Difficulty catching your breath
(atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood
clots. 3.Dizziness or fainting
 WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSE OF 4. Fluid build up
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
5. Heart palpitations (heart pounding or racing)
1. High Blood pressure
6. Pain or numbness in the leg or arm
2. High Blood Cholesterol
7. Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
3. Smoking
4. Inactivity
5. Overweight or Obese
6. Ethnic Background
 HOW DOES DIET AFFECT CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE?
 - Diet is an important risk factor in coronary
heart disease. Food-related risk factors. Diet
high in saturated fats. A low saturated fats,
high fibre, high plant food diet can
substantially reduce the risk of developing
heart disease.
 HOW CAN VITAMINS,MINERALS AND HERBS
CAN HELP FOR THE PREVENTION OF HEART
DISEASE
 - Lifestyle and dietary strategies can help
you avoid host of diseases, but they are
probably most effective in preventing heart
disease.
 The first four antioxidants, substances that
inactivate free radicals (unstable oxygen
molecules that damage cells). Each one has a
different function.
 Vitamin E- prevents the first step in the
development of plaque- the oxidation of LDL
cholesterol.
 Vitamin C – helps recycle vitamin E and also
keeps arteries flexible.
 Beta-Carotene and Lycopene are carotenoids
thought to protect against heart disease
 Grape Seed Extract contains procyanidolic
Oligomers (PCOs), flavonoids thought to have
many times the antioxidant power of
vitamins C and E.
 Folic Acid is a key supplement for reducing
homocysteine, an amino acid by-product linked to an
increased heart disease.
 Vitamins B12 and B6 help lower homocysteine levels as
well, and vitamin B6 may also be of value in ensuring
that the arteries stay pliable.
 Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil and fish oils help
triglyceride levels ( a blood fat related to cholesterol)
in check.
 Magnesium aids in stabilizing heart rhythm.
 WHAT ELSE TO DO TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE
 1. Maintain a diet low in fat,especially saturated fat.
 2. Include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables
in your diet
 3. Eat lots of soluble fiber )oats, beans, citrus fruits) to
control cholesterol.
 4. Have salmon, tuna, sardines, or other fatty fish twice a
week.
 5. exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday. Activity
strengthens the heart, raises the levels of protective HDL
cholesterol, and eases weight loss.
 6. Don’t smoke. Nothing makes up for damage smoking does
the heart.
 LATEST FINDINGS:
 Excess iron may contribute to heart disease in older people.
In a recent study, for each 50mg monthly increase in iron
above 250mg( from food and supplements), the risk of heart
disease rose one and half times in men and women over age
60. Older people should not take supplements with iron
without the advice of their doctors
 Some of the heart protective benefits of vitamins C and E
maybe immediate, according to recent study. High fat
meals seems to inhibit the ability of the arteries to expand
on demand. But when 20 study participants took 1000mg of
vitamin C and 800 IU of vitamin E before eating a fatty
meal, the arteries worked normally.
 FACTS TIPS:
 - Heart attacks are relatively rare in
populations that liberally consume olive- oil
even when the overall fat content of their
diet is on the high side. Use olive oil in place
of other fats whenever possible.
 If there are smokers in your household, here
is some bad news: your risk of heart disease
has increased about 20%, even if you’ve
never smoked yourself.