heart shaped leaf plant

 

 

 

 

The heart, our tireless engine, powers every aspect of our being. Keeping it healthy isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity for a long and vibrant life. With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the leading cause of death in the UK, taking proactive steps to optimise our heart health is crucial.

 

 

Is It Possible to Improve Our Heart Health?

 

We’ll explore what steps we can take to improve cardiovascular health, providing actionable tips, evidence-based recommendations, and insights into potential dietary heart supplements and vitamins. Let's embark on a journey to empower you to make informed choices and nurture your heart's well-being.

The UK Landscape of Cardiovascular Health:

  • Statistics reveal a sobering picture. As per the British Heart Foundation, around 7 million people in the UK are living with cardiovascular disease, with 4 in 5 deaths from heart attacks and strokes occurring before the age of 65.
  • The economic impact is equally concerning, with CVD costing the UK healthcare system approximately £18 billion annually.
  • But there's a glimmer of hope. The good news is that most cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable or controllable through lifestyle changes.

 

Embracing a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle To Improve Your Cardiovascular Health

Here's your toolkit to understand how to improve your cardiovascular health:

 

1. Move Your Body, Move Your Heart

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing are excellent options. Strength training twice a week can also build muscle, boost metabolism, and benefit heart health.

Break up sitting time, standing up, and moving around every 30 minutes can work wonders for your heart and overall health and well-being.

 

2. Fuel Your Body With Nutritious, Heart-Healthy Foods

Embrace a balanced diet: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Limit saturated and trans fats: Opt for healthy fats found in fish, avocados, and nuts.

Minimise added sugar and refined carbohydrates: These can elevate blood pressure and increase unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Don't forget hydration: Adequate water intake (around 2 litres per day) keeps your body and blood flowing smoothly.

 

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Even natural supplements like our stress relief range can help keep stress at bay. 

Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours for adults) is also vital for overall health and stress management.

Struggling sleeping? 

We suggest exploring our sleep aid collection, which is full of supplements, drinks and oral drops to help your sleep cycle. 

 

4. Don't Ignore The Numbers

Regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Early detection and management are key to making lifestyle changes and early interventions to help get your heart healthy again.

Get screened for diabetes, which can increase your risk of CVD.

 

5. Seek Support

Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and get personalised advice on how to improve your cardiovascular health. Your doctor should be able to help you and point you towards useful resources. You could also consider joining a support group or connecting with others who share your cardio health goals.

 

The Role of Supplements and Vitamins In Cardiovascular Health

Heart supplements cannot replace a healthy lifestyle, but some may offer additional support for optimal heart health. Some excellent supplements to improve your cardiovascular health include:

 

Omega-3 fatty acids

omega 3

Rich in EPA and DHA, these fats found in fatty fish or fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels and help protect against strokes.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that the body makes naturally, although levels can decrease with age. This antioxidant may benefit individuals with heart failure, and people who have had a bypass and heart valve surgeries.

 

Potassium & Magnesium Citrate

Potassium and Magnesium Citrate

Potassium is formulated to support cardiovascular and muscular health. Potassium supports normal blood pressure, whilst magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. This supplement contains 100% active ingredients formulated by expert nutritionists.

 

Vitamin D

vitamin D

Emerging research suggests a potential link between Vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, and that Vitamin D supplementation can help to reduce the frequency of cardiovascular events, particularly myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation.

 

Formulas To Aid The Control of Blood Lipids

cholesterol maintenance

Controlling blood lipids reduces levels of LDL cholesterol, and high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to heart problems.

Remember: Supplements are not a magic bullet. They should be used alongside a healthy lifestyle and under the guidance of your healthcare professional.

Not sure what supplement is right for you?

It can often feel overwhelming to know what supplement is right for you, especially when it comes to heart health supplements. Why not have a free consultation with one of our herbalists, who will guide you in the right direction?

 

Improving Your Cardiovascular Health with Baldwins

 

Taking control of your cardiovascular health empowers you to embrace a vibrant future. You can move towards a stronger, healthier heart by incorporating these tips and seeking personalised guidance. 

Our full range of supplements to help improve your cardiovascular health.