Cardiovascular diseases can be life threatening and many people succumb to these every year all over the world. Heart attacks and strokes are the most common killers that happen due to cardiovascular diseases. More than often, an unhealthy lifestyle and wrong dietary habits are the main cause behind heart diseases. Smoking and tobacco use are the major risk factors. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity contribute largely to this condition. Heart diseases can also be hereditary.
Some of the commonly observed cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease. Other cardiovascular diseases include tumors in the blood vessels or heart, aortic aneurysm, pericarditis, etc. Exercising regularly and having a proper diet can play a major role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Also, if you have developed heart disease, or are at high risk, vitamins can be very beneficial in improving your condition. Given here are some of the essential vitamins that help reduce risks of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases.
Best Vitamins For Cardiovascular Diseases
Vitamin E
This essential vitamin is a natural antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing damage done to tissues by free radicals. It also helps thin the blood and prevents blood clotting which can cause strokes and pose a great danger.
Blood cholesterol levels can also be managed by vitamin E. You can get it from food sources such as wheat germ, almonds, walnuts, brown rice, sunflower oil, etc. Supplements can be taken after consultation with a doctor.
Vitamin B3
Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 is very effective in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing heart attacks. Vitamin B3 supplements should be taken in the right dosages as excess levels can cause harm and damage the liver.
It should be taken as per your doctor’s instructions and should be avoided by those who have liver problems or hypertension. You can get it from food sources such as fish, liver, mushrooms, avocado, sunflower seeds, etc.
Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is essential for the generation of new red blood cells as well as neurotransmitters. Its deficiency can cause cardiovascular diseases. The arteries can harden and become narrow due to lack of vitamin B6.
It is best to get vitamin B6 from food sources such as rice, wheat, liver, fish, garlic, pistachios, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, etc. Including such foods in your daily diet will prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the leading causes behind heart attacks and can be very fatal. A person deficient in vitamin D may develop ischemic heart disease, coronary arteriosclerosis, angina and other heart diseases.
Another thing commonly observed is that people suffering from vitamin D deficiency also suffer from high blood pressure and are at an increased risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. The best way to get vitamin D is to spend sometime in the sun every day. You can also get it from food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks and cheese. Take its supplements if you are living in an area with less sunlight.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. It keeps the body tissues healthy and helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
A deficiency in vitamin C may contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, stroke, etc. that can be very fatal. It is best to get it naturally from food sources such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and a variety of vegetables.
Photo Credit: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/diseases-cardiovascular
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