Keeping Current on Heart Health - Lake Country Medical Concierge

Did you know February is American Heart Month? Now is an excellent time to prioritize your heart health!

Good cardiovascular health leads to a better quality of life. It can, for example, even protect your neurological health. People with ideal heart health in midlife are 54 percent less likely to later develop dementia than those with poor heart health, according to a new study of data collected by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland.^[1]

Let’s make this Heart Month count as we explore recent research into ways to improve your cardiovascular health.

The Mediterranean Diet

For years, health experts have linked both the Mediterranean Diet and low-fat diets with improvements in heart health. But recently, a study in Spain put both diets to the test. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,000 people with coronary heart disease, with half the group following a Mediterranean Diet and the other half, a low-fat one.^[2]The Mediterranean Diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, fish and whole grains combined with small amounts of diary, meat and red wine, was found to improve endothelial function, a key biological process to heart health. The endothelium is a thin layer of membrane that surrounds the inside of blood vessels and the heart. The findings suggest that switching to a Mediterranean diet could help lessen the risk of endothelial damage and prevent future heart attacks.

And that’s not all — recent research indicates a “green” version of the Mediterranean diet, which allows even less poultry and red meat, may be even healthier than the standard version of the diet.^[3]

Fish and Walnuts

Fish and walnuts could have important benefits for heart attack sufferers. Fish and walnuts each contain different types of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish contain omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), while walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). A recent study published to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology analyzed the outcomes of heart attack sufferers for three years.^[4]The study found higher EPA levels are associated with decreased hospitalization and death from cardiovascular issues. Higher ALA levels are associated with decreased all-cause mortality. The research suggests that EPA and ALA work together to provide comprehensive benefits. So, consider fish and walnuts as delicious tools to protect your heart!

Glucosamine Benefits

Glucosamine is a natural sugar found in the cartilage around your joints. Recent research from West Virginia University indicates taking glucosamine supplements every day for a year or longer could be associated with a 65 percent decrease in cardiovascular-related deaths.^[5] The same research suggests taking glucosamine supplements could result in a 39 percent reduction in all-cause mentality. Have you considered adding glucosamine to your list of daily supplements?

A Lifestyle of Health

Maintaining a healthy weight for your height and age is crucial to cardiovascular health. You can check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) websites — and consult your doctor — to find your ideal weight. Also, remember to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.

Would you like a quick test of your heart health? According to the European Society of Cardiology, climbing four flights of stairs in less than a minute indicates good heart health.^[6]So, consider climbing stairs to gauge your heart’s condition.

Don’t let this American Heart Month pass by without placing a renewed focus on your heart. It can give you a better life for today and beyond!

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