February is heart health month and Bradford's Original Bulk Food and Health Supplement Store Nancy’s Nifty Nook has some valuable advice on how you can live a heart healthy lifestyle.
Did you know that heart disease is second leading cause of death in Canada and that one in 12 adults aged 20 and over are living with a diagnosed heart disease? Even more alarming is that every hour, approximately 14 Canadian adults (over 20 years old) diagnosed with heart disease die. The Government of Canada has published these statistics and other important information about heart disease in Canada.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the term used to include all diseases of the heart and circulation. Heart diseases and blood circulation conditions affect blood flow through the body, which include the heart and blood vessels to the brain, lungs, kidneys and other parts of the body.
What causes heart disease?
Diseases of the heart can be caused by many factors including family history and lifestyle behaviours. Certain behaviours have been shown to increase the chances of heart disease and include but are not limited to:
- smoking;
- poor diet;
- drug use;
- lack of physical activity; and/or
- excessive alcohol use.
As well, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are all risk factors that can lead to heart disease. It has been noted that these health conditions are becoming more prevalent in young adults.
Heart disease in men and women
CVD is the primary cause of death in men, but many people are unaware that heart disease is also the main cause of death in women 50 years and older.
It is a known fact that men’s warning symptoms before suffering a cardiac episode is pain in the left arm and crushing heaviness in chest. Women, however, have different symptoms such as sore jaw, nausea and often no chest pain.
Heart disease prevention
There are several factors to consider when it comes to CVD and Nancy says there are many natural products that can be used to help prevent CVD.
“Many Canadians are prescribed cholesterol pills. It’s important to note some of the common side effects of these medications, which include muscle pain, liver and kidney damage and memory loss and confusion. Research has shown that women taking statins are at risk of developing diabetes.”
For those taking cholesterol medication, Nancy recommends adding a supplement such as CoEnzymeQ10, a natural product that supports good cardiovascular health.
Searching for a quality natural product?
Drop by the store located at 152 Holland Street E. to explore the many products designed to keep your heart strong and healthy.