Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the plaque buildup. The plaque buildup and the narrowing and hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.

Plaques are a mixture of fatty substances including cholesterol and other lipids. Blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart can be reduced or even fully blocked with a growing plaque. Plaques may also rupture and cause blood clots that block arteries.

Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack. Angina can also occur. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Over time, coronary heart disease can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure, a serious problem where the heart cannot pump blood the way that it should. Also, irregular heart beats, called arrhythmias, can develop.

The most common symptom of coronary heart disease is angina. In some people the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack. Doctors can assess a patient’s risk status by checking several factors, including blood pressure, blood cholesterol and glucose, history of heart disease, and other factors. Doctors can perform several tests to assess coronary heart disease in patients who are at high risk or have symptoms. These may include one or more of these tests:

ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram), which measures the electrical function and the rate and regularity of your heartbeat.
Echocardiogram, which creates a picture of the heart.
Exercise stress test, to measure how well the heart pumps at greater than usual workloads when it needs more oxygen.
Chest x–ray, a picture of the organs and structures inside the chest.
Cardiac catheterization, a thin, flexible tube is passed through an artery in the groin or arm to reach the coronary arteries. The tube lets your doctor check the inside of your arteries to see if there is any blockage. Your doctor also can measure the pressure and blood flow in the heart´s chambers, collect blood samples from the heart, and examine the arteries of the heart by x–ray.
Coronary angiography, which is usually performed along with cardiac catheterization. A dye is injected through the catheter into the coronary arteries. The doctor can then take an x–ray to see the flow of blood through the heart and check for blockages.

For persons with coronary heart disease, treatment will involve addressing those factors that put them at risk for coronary heart disease and heart attack. The doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce risk. Medicines and medical treatments may be needed. Medicines are available to treat high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heart beats, blood flow, and other potential problems. Some advanced treatments and surgical procedures may be used to help restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

In principle, all people can take steps to lower their personal risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing their risk factors. People who already have heart disease especially need to control their risk factors.

Nutrients for Cardiovascular Health

Step 1. Establish a Nutritional Foundation:

VIBE® - 1-2 ounces daily - split between AM/PM
Liquid multi-nutrient delivery technology that provides critical essential nutrients and cofactors needed for the body to thrive. VIBE provides outstanding daily nutritional support and contains specialized nutrients to manage the aging process.*

Step 2. Focus on Cardiovascular Health Goals:

EFACOR™ - (Omega-3s) - 2 softgels daily - 10 min. before a meal
Concentrated, pharmaceutical grade, natural Omega-3 dietary supplement providing high dose EPA and DHA. EFACOR is guaranteed ultra-pure, free of environmental contaminants and to have exceptional taste.*

Q-Plus - (CoQ10) - 1-2 TBSP daily - split between AM/PM
Body Support™ Q-Plus™ dietary liquid supplement provides heart-healthy L-carnitine and Co-Q10 natural substances found in all cells of the body important in energy production. More Co-Q10 and L-carnitine are found in the heart tissue than in any other muscle. Lecithin is important for cholesterol metabolism. Co-Q10 is a potent antioxidant.*

Heartflow® - (Folate/B12) - 1 TBSP daily - in AM
Heartflow™ formulated nutraceutical designed to promote healthy blood vessels. Provides high-potency B-vitamins that promote healthy and normal homocysteine levels, a key factor in blood vessel health and function. Addresses nutritional deficiencies in synthesizing B-vitamins that may occur as an individual ages.*

ATP-Pro® - (D-Ribose) - 1-2 scoops daily - split between AM/PM
ATP-Pro™ a powerful dietary supplement provides body with patented form of D-Ribose (most fundamental source of body energy). Body uses D-Ribose to naturally build energy stores. ATP-Pro helps body quickly replace energy levels depleted by hard work, exercise, or health challenges.*

Vascular Advantage® - (L-Arginine) - 4 scoops daily - split between AM/PM
Vascular Advantage™ nutraceutical product designed to promote the health of the cardiovascular system through the support of vascular integrity, the presence of antioxidants, and the encouragement of nitric oxide production.*

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please, consult your health care provider before taking over the counter or prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or following any health treatment or regimen. The above product(s) is not a substiture for a well balanced diet.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.