Coronary heart disease is the number one killer among adults in the UK, killing more than one out of every four men and one out of every six women.

Heart disease develops as the coronary arteries, which provide oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the heart muscle, become clogged by the build up of cholesterol plaques. The degenerative condition of the arteries is termed atherosclerosis.

Although the causes of atherosclerosis still remain to be fully understood, cholesterol is clearly involved. It appears that cholesterol is in its most dangerous form when oxidised.

Cholesterol is transported via the blood within tiny particles called lipoproteins, of which the high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoproteins are the most important. HDL are protective against atherosclerosis, while LDL are directly related to risk in both men and women. This is due to the fact that HDL transports cholesterol to the liver for metabolism, whereas LDL transports cholesterol into the artery walls. Hence the HDL to LDL ratio largely determines whether cholesterol is being broken down via the liver or deposited into the arterial walls.

This HDL to LDL ratio also affects other balances in the body; for instance as the HDL/LDL ratio increases, platelet stickiness decreases. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots. This is important because a blood clot in a coronary artery may lead to a heart attack by reducing the blood supply to the heart.

Women are partially protected from heart disease by oestrogen until the menopause, when ovarian function ceases and their risk reaches the same as for men.

Other Risk Factors

Certain activities and environmental conditions are also known to make us more prone to arterial disease:

• Smoking
• High stress levels
• Diets high in saturated animal fat
• Eating sugar and other refined carbohydrates
• Low fibre intake
• Excess alcohol
• Lack of exercise

We can reduce our chances of coronary heart disease by altering our lifestyle to minimise or eliminate these risk factors and by supplementing our diets with certain dietary nutrients.

Omega 3

The beneficial ingredients of fish oil are two fatty acids: EPA and DHA. Ideally everyone should eat on average 2 to 3 grams of omega 3’s a day but it seems that few people achieve this level, especially if they eat little oily fish so supplementation is relevant for many. Use a fish oil product that supplies at least 700mg of EPA & DHA per capsule.

Garlic

Garlic has traditionally been used for cardiovascular health with evidence that it may help to maintain normal cholesterol levels in the circulation, when part of a low fat diet. Look for a garlic product equivalent to 1650mg of fresh garlic and the ‘allicin potential’ is quoted in the region of 5500µg.

Natural Vitamin E

Studies are consistently confirming that vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant for fighting heart disease. Current research suggests that a daily intake of 400iu is a sensible level in the form d-alpha tocopherol.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for energy and cardiac efficiency, yet our intake of magnesium has declined sharply due to modern food processing practices and dietary habits. According to a latest dietary survey 72% of women and 42% of men fail to consume sufficient dietary magnesium. A daily oral supplement of magnesium is suggested between 300 and 450mg to maintain blood and tissue levels of the mineral. Look for magnesium in the citrate form as this is most easily absorbed.

Co-Enzyme Q10

Co-Enzyme Q10 is important for heart health and the highest concentration of Co-Enzyme Q10 is found in the muscle cells of the heart. Our ability to produce Co-Enzyme Q10 declines with age which makes our dietary intake an increasingly important source. A supplement that is in a vegetable oil base has greater bioavailability than a powder.

B Vitamins

B6, B12 and folic acid are most important at keeping homocysteine levels down. Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can oxidise cholesterol and is thought to be involved in the formation of atherosclerosis.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine transport long chain fatty acids to muscle cells including those in the heart. Cardiac muscle is especially dependant on this mechanism as an important source of metabolic energy.

Birth Announcement!!!

Maxim Bjorn Tomas Willard was born on 7 October 2009 weighing 3220g (7lbs 2oz); mother and son are doing well!

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