Bad for the health of the heart and blood vessels

Bad for the health of the heart and blood vessels: a comprehensive review

Section 1: Cardiovascular system: Fundamentals and vulnerability

The cardiovascular system (CCC) is a vital network that provides with oxygen and nutrients each body of the body. It consists of the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and blood. The heart acts like a pump, pumping blood throughout the body, and the vessels form a branched system that delivers blood to organs and tissues and returns it back to the heart.

1.1. The structure and functions of the heart:

The heart is a hollow muscle organ, divided into four cameras: two atria (left and right) and two ventricles (left and right). The atrium takes blood from the veins, and the ventricles pump blood into the arteries. The valves between the atriums and the ventricles, as well as between the ventricles and arteries, provide a unidirectional blood flow.

Heart functions:

• Cloud pump: The main function of the heart is continuous pumping of blood, providing circulation throughout the body.
• Providing oxygen and nutrients: Blood, pumped by the heart, delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells necessary for their functioning.
• Removing waste: Blood also takes away metabolic waste (for example, carbon dioxide) and delivers them to the excretion organs (light, kidneys).
• Regulation of blood pressure: The heart is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, adapting its work to the needs of the body.
• Hormone production: The heart produces hormones that affect the water-salt balance and blood pressure.

1.2. Building and vascular functions:

The vascular system consists of arteries, veins and capillaries.

• Arteries: Vessels carrying blood from the heart to organs and tissues. Arteries have thick elastic walls that can withstand the high pressure created by the heart. The largest artery is the aorta that extends from the left ventricle.
• Vienna: Vessels carrying blood from organs and tissues back to the heart. The veins have thinner walls than arteries and contain valves that prevent the opposite of the blood. The largest veins are the upper and lower hollow veins flowing into the right atrium.
• Capillaries: The smallest vessels connecting arteries and veins. The capillaries have very thin walls that allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste between the blood and cells.

1.3. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases (SVD)-a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease (coronary heart), stroke, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias and others. The risk factors of the SSZ can be divided into modified and unmodified.

Unmodified risk factors:

• Age: The risk of the SPA increases with age.
• Floor: Men are more susceptible to SVD than women, especially at a young age. After menopause, the risk of SVD in women increases.
• Genetic predisposition: The presence of CVD in close relatives increases the risk of SSZ.
• Race/ethnicity: Some races and ethnic groups are more susceptible to CVD than others.

Modified risk factors:

• Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure): Increased blood pressure increases the load on the heart and blood vessels, contributing to their damage.
• Dyslipidemia (violation of lipid metabolism): The increased level of LDL cholesterol (“poor” cholesterol) and the low level of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, increases blood pressure and increases the risk of blood clots.
• Diabetes sugar: Diabetes damage the vessels and increases the risk of CVD.
• Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and CVD.
• Insufficient physical activity: Inadequate physical activity increases the risk of obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and CVD.
• Inal meals: Diet, rich in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium, increases the risk of dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and CVD.
• Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of CVD.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of CVD.

Section 2: The role of dietary supplements in maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes, as well as to maintain normal or restoration of impaired health.

It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. They can be used as an addition to a healthy lifestyle and drug therapy prescribed by a doctor. Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you have any diseases or you take medications.

2.1. The main groups of dietary supplements used for the health of the heart and blood vessels:

There are many dietary supplements that can have a beneficial effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels. Below are the main groups and the most studied representatives:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Eicopascentaenic acid (EPC) and non -cosaexenic acid (DGC) – polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oil and some vegetable oils (for example, linen).
  • The mechanism of action: Reduce the level of triglycerides, improve the function of the endothelium, have anti -inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of blood clots, stabilize the heart rhythm.
  • Indications: Prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, reducing the risk of sudden heart death, hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 1-4 grams of EPK and DGK per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, impaired blood coagulation, taking anticoagulants (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
• Coenzim Q10 (COQ10): The vitamin -like substance necessary for the production of energy in cells, especially in the heart cells.
  • The mechanism of action: Antioxidant effect improves the function of mitochondria, reduces blood pressure, improves the tolerance of physical activity.
  • Indications: Heart failure, arterial hypertension, muscle dystrophy, prevention of side effects of statins.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 100-300 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation (not enough data).
• Red yeast rice (Red Yeast Rice): Rice, fermented with yeast Monascus Purpureus. Contains Monacoline K, which is a natural statin.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces LDL cholesterol.
  • Indications: Hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol).
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 600 mg twice a day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, liver disease, pregnancy and lactation, taking statins (consultation with a doctor is necessary). Important: red yeast rice can cause side effects similar to the side effects of statins, so before use it is necessary to consult a doctor.
• Garlic: Contains allicin with antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces blood pressure, improves the lipid profile, has an anti -bromic effect.
  • Indications: Arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, thrombosis prevention.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 600-900 mg of garlic extract per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, blood coagulation disorders, taking anticoagulants (consultation with a doctor is necessary), peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
• Hawthorn: Contains flavonoids, proshenidines and other biologically active substances.
  • The mechanism of action: Improves the contractility of the heart muscle, expands coronary vessels, reduces blood pressure, has an antioxidant effect.
  • Indications: Heart failure, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, heart neurosis.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation (not enough data), severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Magnesium: An important mineral involved in many physiological processes, including the regulation of heart rhythm and blood pressure.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces blood pressure, improves the function of the endothelium, prevents arrhythmias.
  • Indications: Arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 200-400 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, severe renal failure.
• Potassium: An important mineral involved in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rhythm.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces blood pressure, improves the function of the endothelium, prevents arrhythmias.
  • Indications: Arterial hypertension, arrhythmias.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 2000-4000 mg per day (receive mainly from food).
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, renal failure, taking potassium -saving diuretics (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
• Vitamin D: He plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and inflammation.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces blood pressure, improves the function of the endothelium, has an anti -inflammatory effect.
  • Indications: Vitamin D deficiency, arterial hypertension, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 2000-5000 IU per day (depending on the level of vitamin D in the blood).
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium), sarcoidosis (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
• Folic acid (vitamin B9): It is necessary for the metabolism of homocysteine.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces the level of homocysteine ​​(amino acids, the elevated level of which is associated with the increased risk of SVD).
  • Indications: Hypergomocysteinemia, prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 400-800 mcg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance.
• Vitamin K2: It is important for the regulation of calcium metabolism and prevent calcium deposit in the arteries.
  • The mechanism of action: Prevents calcification of arteries.
  • Indications: Prevention of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 45-90 mcg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, taking anticoagulants (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
• Resveratrol: Polyphenol contained in grapes, red wine and other plants.
  • The mechanism of action: Antioxidant effect, improves the function of the endothelium, reduces blood pressure, has anti -inflammatory effects.
  • Indications: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 150-500 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation (not enough data), taking anticoagulants (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
• L-arginine: Amino acid, which is the predecessor of nitrogen oxide (No).
  • The mechanism of action: It expands blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure.
  • Indications: Arterial hypertension, angina pectoris, erectile dysfunction.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 3-6 grams per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, herpes, schizophrenia, pregnancy and lactation (not enough data).
• Extract of grape seeds: Contains proanthocyanidines with antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties.
  • The mechanism of action: Improves endothelium function, reduces blood pressure, has an antioxidant effect.
  • Indications: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, varicose veins.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 100-300 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance.
• Pycnogenol: The extract of the crust of the French sea pine containing pro -Aantocyanidines.
  • The mechanism of action: Improves endothelium function, reduces blood pressure, has an antioxidant effect.
  • Indications: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, varicose veins.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 50-100 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance.
• Taurin: The amino acid involved in the regulation of heart rhythm and blood pressure.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduces blood pressure, improves endothelium function, has an antioxidant effect.
  • Indications: Arterial hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 500-2000 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation (not enough data).
• L-Carnitin: The amino acid involved in the transport of fatty acids in mitochondria for energy production.
  • The mechanism of action: Improves the function of the heart muscle, increases the tolerance of physical activity.
  • Indications: Heart failure, angina pectoris.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 500-2000 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, epilepsy.
• Beta-glucan: Soluble dietary fibers contained in oats, barley and mushrooms.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
  • Indications: Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 3-5 grams per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance.
• Plant sterols (phytosterols): Substances contained in plants that can block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
  • The mechanism of action: Reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
  • Indications: Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 2-3 grams per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance, sievesterolemia (rare genetic disease).
• Astaxanthin: Carotinoid with a powerful antioxidant effect.
  • The mechanism of action: Protects cells from damage by free radicals, improves the function of the endothelium.
  • Indications: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Dosage: It is usually recommended 4-12 mg per day.
  • Contraindications: Individual intolerance.

2.2. How to choose a dietary supplement for the health of the heart and blood vessels:

When choosing dietary supplements for the health of the heart and blood vessels, the following factors should be taken into account:

• Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you have any diseases or you take medications. The doctor will help determine which dietary supplements are suitable for you, and evaluate possible risks and contraindications.
• Study the composition: Pay attention to the composition of dietary supplements and make sure that it contains ingredients that, according to scientific research, have a favorable effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels.
• Check the quality: Choose a dietary supplement from well -known and reliable manufacturers that guarantee the quality and purity of the product. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates.
• Beware of fakes: Buy dietary supplements only in trusted pharmacies and stores to avoid buying fakes.
• Observe the dosage: Strictly follow the recommended dosage indicated on the package of dietary supplements.
• Pay attention to side effects: Carefully follow your condition and when any side effects appear, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
• Consider the interaction with the drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines, so it is important to inform the doctor about all the medicines and dietary supplements you take.
• Do not rely only on dietary supplement: Bades are only an addition to a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity, rejection of smoking and moderate use of alcohol.

2.3. Clinical research and evidence base:

The effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements for the health of the heart and blood vessels should be confirmed by clinical research. When choosing dietary supplements, pay attention to the availability of scientific research confirming their benefits. Many of the dietary supplements listed above have a sufficient evidence base, however, some of them require additional research. It is important to understand that the results of clinical studies can vary depending on the design of the study, dosage of dietary supplements and the individual characteristics of patients.

Section 3: A comprehensive approach to heart and blood vessels

Maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels requires an integrated approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, drug therapy (if necessary) and dietary supplements (on the recommendation of a doctor).

3.1. Healthy lifestyle:

• Proper nutrition:
  • Use more fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, legumes and nuts.
  • Limit the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
  • Give preference to low -fat varieties of meat and poultry.
  • Include fish, rich omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, sardines) in the diet.
  • Limit the consumption of sweet drinks and processed products.
• Regular physical activity:
  • Do physical exercises at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes a week of high intensity.
  • Include aerobic exercises in the training program (walking, running, swimming, cycling) and strength exercises.
• Refusal of smoking:
  • Smoking is one of the main risk factors of the CVD. Refusal of smoking significantly reduces the risk of the development of SVD.
• Moderate alcohol consumption:
  • Moderate drinking of alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men) can have a favorable effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels. However, alcohol abuse increases the risk of SSZ.
• Maintaining a healthy weight:
  • Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of CVD. Strive to maintain healthy weight with proper nutrition and physical activity.
• Stress management:
  • Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of CVD. Find the ways of managing stress, such as yoga, meditation, walking in nature or communication with friends and family.
• Regular medical examinations:
  • Regularly visit a doctor to check blood pressure, cholesterol and other health indicators. Early identification and treatment of Risk risk factors can help prevent the development of serious complications.

3.2. Drug therapy:

In some cases, drug therapy may be required for the treatment of SSZ. Medicines used for the treatment of SVD include:

• Statin: Reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
• ACE inhibitors: Reduce blood pressure.
• Beta blockers: Reduce blood pressure and heart rhythm.
• Diuretics: Reduce blood pressure, removing an excess of fluid from the body.
• Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots.
• Antiplans: Prevent platelets.

Drug therapy should be prescribed only by a doctor and carried out under his control.

3.3. Interaction of dietary supplements and drugs:

Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs used to treat SVDs. For example, red yeast rice containing Monacoline K can enhance the action of statins, which can lead to the development of side effects. Garlic and omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the effect of anticoagulants, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor about all the medicines and dietary supplements you take in order to avoid undesirable interactions.

Section 4: Prospects for research in the field of dietary supplements for the health of the heart and blood vessels

Studies in the field of dietary supplements for the health of the heart and blood vessels continue, and in the future we can expect new data on the effectiveness and safety of various dietary supplements. Of particular interest are studies aimed at studying:

• Dietary supplies mechanisms: A deeper understanding of dietary supplement mechanisms will allow them to use them more effectively for the prevention and treatment of SVD.
• Individual susceptibility to dietary supplements: Different people can react differently to dietary supplements. Studies aimed at studying individual susceptibility to dietary supplements will help develop personalized recommendations for their use.
• Dietary supplements: The study of the effectiveness and safety of combinations of various dietary supplements can lead to the development of new approaches to the prevention and treatment of SVD.
• New dietary supplements: Studies of new natural substances that can have a favorable effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels can lead to the discovery of new dietary supplements.

Section 5: Bad for specific groups of the population

Some groups of the population may need special attention when choosing dietary supplements for the health of the heart and blood vessels.

5.1. Elderly people:

In the elderly, the risk of the SVD is increased, and they often take several drugs at the same time. Therefore, when choosing dietary supplements for older people, it is necessary to take into account possible interactions with medicines and carefully monitor their condition.

5.2. Women during menopause:

During the period of menopause, the risk of SVD in women increases due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Bad containing phytoestrogens (for example, soy, red clover) can help reduce the risk of CVD in women during menopause.

5.3. People with diabetes sugar:

In people with diabetes, the risk of SVD is increased, and they should especially carefully monitor their health. Bad, containing chrome, magnesium and alpha lipoic acid, can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of SVD in people with diabetes.

5.4. Athletes:

Athletes are subjected to increased physical exertion, which can affect the cardiovascular system. Bad containing Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitin and Taurin can help improve the function of the heart muscle and increase the tolerance of physical activity in athletes.

Section 6: Regulatory aspects and responsibility of consumers

Adjustment of dietary supplements varies in different countries. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not subject to the same strict control as drugs. Therefore, consumers should be especially attentive when choosing and using dietary supplements.

• Informed consent: Before taking any dietary supplements, it is necessary to obtain complete information about the product, including the composition, indications, contraindications, side effects and possible interactions with drugs.
• Responsibility for choosing: Consumers are responsible for choosing dietary supplements and must carefully study the information about the product and manufacturer.
• Message about unwanted reactions: In the event of any undesirable reactions after receiving dietary supplements, it is necessary to inform the doctor and the manufacturer of the product.
• Not a replacement for treatment: Bad should not be used as a replacement for drug therapy prescribed by a doctor.

In conclusion, dietary supplements can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle to maintain health and blood vessels. However, it must be remembered that dietary supplements are not drugs and should not be used as a replacement for drug therapy. Before taking any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor and carefully study the product information. An integrated approach, which includes a healthy lifestyle, drug therapy (if necessary) and dietary supplement (on the recommendation of a doctor), is the most effective way to maintain the health of the heart and blood vessels.