The heart is one of the most important organs in our bodies, known as vital organs. Beating around 100,000 times daily, our hearts pump blood, oxygen, nutrients and hormones around our bodies.
Unfortunately, heart problems, known as cardiovascular issues, are one of the most common health concerns. Things like lack of exercise, poor diet and nutrition, certain genetic factors and age can all contribute to our likelihood of developing a heart condition.
The good news is things like cardiovascular exercise and balanced heart-healthy nutrition, including certain supplements, can all help to keep our hearts healthy.
In this blog, we’ll cover a few of the most common cardiovascular issues, their symptoms, why they occur and how supplements like Omega-3, Vitamin D and Sea Moss are great preventative supplements.
Common cardiovascular issues
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
CVD is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart, coronary arteries and blood vessels. CVD is caused by reduced oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle, usually caused by a build-up of plaque or fatty deposits in the main coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Swelling of the legs
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
A type of CVD, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), CHD is caused by a build-up of plaque in the main arteries which supply blood to the heart. Plaque causes blockages, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow. Eventually, this can lead to chest pain, heart attack or heart failure.
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or faintness
- Nausea
- Pain in the neck, shoulders or arms
- Fatigue
- Heart attack
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High blood pressure is extremely common, especially in older or elderly adults. High blood pressure causes increased pressure against the artery walls, which over time can damage the heart and lead to life-threatening conditions like strokes or heart attacks.
Usually, high blood pressure does not cause any noticeable symptoms. This means lots of people can have it without realising it. This is why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
Arrhythmia is another common heart condition. It's usually caused by problems with the heart's electrical rhythm, from things like heart damage, genetic factors, imbalances in electrolytes or certain unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and faintness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
How Omega-3, Vitamin D and Sea Moss can help
Omega-3
Omega-3’s benefits for heart health have been long established in scientific research. Known for their incredible anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s help to reduce triglycerides, or fat, in the blood. Triglycerides can cause plaque and fatty deposit build-up in your arteries, contributing to CVD, CHD, hypertension and other common heart issues.
Omega-3s may also help to stabilise heart electrical rhythms, which can help prevent arrhythmias and palpitations.
Vitamin D
Better known for its promotion of healthy bones and immunity, Vitamin D can also benefit heart health. Vitamin D helps to regulate blood pressure, with people low in Vitamin D being more likely to suffer from hypertension and associated heart issues.
Vitamin D can also help to reduce inflammation and promote the healthy functioning of all muscles, including the heart.
Sea Moss
Sea Moss’s benefits for heart health may not be as well known, but it’s been found to be very effective in improving cholesterol levels and acting as a blood thinner. High cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure and a build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. Reducing blood cholesterol levels can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing heart problems.