A heart attack is a health issue that can change everything without any warning. It is characterized by an arterial blockage. Arteries are pivotal pathways for blood transportation throughout the whole body.
According to statistics, in the U.S., around 735,000 heart attacks happen on a yearly basis and around 15 percent of the people who get it also die as a result of it. This is why we need to be more aware of this illness and learn more about the potential symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible and elevate our chances for survival.
How Does a Heart Attack Happen?
Although it may happen suddenly, it does not mean that it comes out of nowhere because it requires years of damage and problems inside the body to provoke a heart attack, as seen on The Hearty Soul. Under normal conditions, the arteries are smooth with the goal to allow a free blood movement which is crucial since every second while we are alive, the blood moves throughout the body.
An arterial blockage begins with damaged arterial wall which can be triggered by inflammation, lack of antioxidants, and free radicals. High levels of bad cholesterol are also known to increase the chance of arterial blockage and consequently, a heart attack.
4 Important Nutrients to Prevent Heart Attacks
To bring the chances of a heart attack to a minimum, you should make adequate diet and lifestyle improvements. Here are some important nutrients to achieve this:
- Coenzyme Q10
This nutrient is necessary for a solid heart function and it is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps avert cellular damage. Even though it can be naturally produced in the body, the production capacity decreases after the age of 30 so we need to rely more on supplements. It is also essential for the production of energy which the body needs for optimal functioning. Its antioxidant properties will decrease the damage of the arterial walls and the deposition of plaque. You can find it in two supplement forms, i.e. uniquinone and ubiquinol. Consult your physician to determine the adequate one for you.
- Glutathione and vitamin B6
This antioxidant can be produced in our bodies from homocysteine. The problem happens when homocysteine is unable to be properly converted and remains in its form and causes damage in the body. Excessive levels of it have been seen in patients who have experienced a heart attack. To ensure homocysteine to glutathione conversion, the body needs vitamin B6. You can obtain it from foods like green leafy veggies, sea vegetables, and green leafy veggies.
- PQQ
This vitamin-like compound helps the body in numerous ways. It acts as an antioxidant and looks for free radicals to destroy them. And, it is also essential for the production of new mitochondria, the body’s power plants. PQQ can help decrease the damage from heart attacks so people who are at a higher risk of it are advised to supplement with it to minimize the chances for another one. You can obtain it from most whole foods or take it in supplement form.
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