Ensuring you have a healthy cardiovascular system will go a long way in establishing your overall health – particularly as you age.  Outside of heart disease, the most commonly known health conditions relating to cardiovascular health are blood pressure and cholesterol.

When we talk about cardiovascular health, it means more than just a healthy heart. Cardiovascular health includes the health of the arteries, veins, capillaries, and blood. Hormones and essential minerals (such as salt – sodium chloride) have an impact on the cardiovascular system. Damage or disease in any of these aspects can lead to conditions that harm our overall health as well as our cardiovascular health.

The cardiovascular system is designed to function in a state of homeostasis – which is simply a perfect balance or equilibrium between the elements of that system. When homeostasis is disrupted, there is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, inflammation, blood clotting, and hypertension.

Health risks of high blood pressure and high cholesterol?

Effectively, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the vein and artery walls. High blood pressure is thus too high of a force being placed consistently on the walls of the circulatory system.  High blood pressure will over time stretch the arterial and venous walls, which can result in many health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. It is important to note that often, high blood pressure shows few warning signs, making the risk of these health problems a higher probability. These problems include heart disease & failure, stroke, weakened blood vessels, cognitive & memory impairments, visual impairment, kidney problems, and metabolic syndrome.

Cholesterol is a separate issue in the cardiovascular system, where deposits of plaque develop on the artery walls. There are various types of cholesterol, which can cause different problems for the body. High cholesterol causes deposits to clog the artery, leaving a smaller space for blood to push through, causing the heart to pump harder, resulting in higher blood pressure. There is another link between high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels. Over time, the pressure and force of high blood pressure damage the tissues on the veins and arteries walls. This damage leads to tears/cracks in the walls, where plaque deposits get stuck and form easily.

High blood pressure is often referred to as ‘silent’ and many people do not know they have it. Knowing the risk factors and if you fall into any of the risk categories can be an important step in managing your health. Typically, the risk factors for high blood pressure and cholesterol are very similar:

• Age
  • An older person is at a higher risk
• Ethnicity
  • Higher blood pressure is more common amongst adults that are African American
  • High cholesterol is more common among African Americans, Asians, or Native American people.
• Genetics
  • Family history has a strong correlation
• Weight
  • Obesity is a notable risk factor for both
• Gender
  • Interestingly, men under 55 are more likely than women to have high blood pressure, and women older than 55 are more likely than men to experience high blood pressure
  • Typically, men have a higher risk of developing high cholesterol earlier than women
• Lifestyle
  • Poor lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise/activity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor diet.
  • Consuming high levels of salt in the diet can also increase the risk for high blood pressure.
• Medical conditions
  • Diabetes is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
  • High blood pressure can be a risk factor for high cholesterol.

High blood pressure and cholesterol prevention

Being aware of your risk level and being checked by your provider regularly are the important first steps in cardiovascular health.

Next, a focus on healthy lifestyle changes will assist in cardiovascular health:

1. Weight loss
   1. At Natural Bio Health, we offer a customized medical weight loss plan which takes your medical needs as well as your individual needs into account.
   2. Lowering obesity levels is the most important lifestyle step in reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. Exercise
   1. Movement is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system!
3. Healthy diet
   1. Have a particular focus on heart-healthy foods
      1. Healthy fats: avocados, nuts, fish, and healthy oils (MCT is a great choice!)
         1. 1. You can try our MCT oil in your cooking and recipes
            2. https://naturalbiohealth.com/product/mct-oil/
         2. Fruits and vegetables
         3. Make sure you are eating enough plants and that your diet is not too heavier on animal products plants
         4. Lots of water
         5. Whole grains

4. Regular checkups with your provider
5. Lifestyle changes:
   1. Reducing your intake of alcohol
   2. Reducing or eliminating smoking
   3. Reducing your intake of caffeine
6. Manage stress
7. Balance nutrients
   1. Speak to your health care professional to ensure your diet is balanced regarding minerals, especially when it comes to salt.
8. Probiotics
   1. Probiotics have been linked to lowered blood pressure. They also ensure you have a healthy gut, which contributes to a healthy immune system.
   2. Try our probiotic supplement: https://naturalbiohealth.com/product/max-pro-42-5/
9. Other Supplements and support:
   1. Nitric oxide has been shown to be a great support for a healthy cardiovascular system.
   2. Nitric oxide is known to support the cells that line the heart, arteries, and veins. This implies that good levels of nitric oxide would support a healthier cardiovascular system.
   3. https://naturalbiohealth.com/product/nitric-oxide-support/

At Natural Bio Health, we are passionate about making sure that you are healthy overall. We take a natural approach to identifying the root causes of your health issues and provide you with the solutions you need to get your health back!

Contact Natural Bio Health Today

Learn more about taking control of your well-being with Natural Bio Health. Join the wellness journey to achieve optimal health, fight disease and boost immune health to combat viruses.

Our team of specialists offers in-person and telemedicine consultations. To schedule your appointment, contact us here. We serve patients in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, and College Station.

References:

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/natural-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure
3. https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventhighbloodpressure.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/high-cholesterol-and-high-blood-pressure#:~:text=The%20link%20between%20high%20blood,to%20pump%20blood%20through%20them.
5. https://naturalbiohealth.com/product/nitric-oxide-support/