Vitamins For Heart Health: Strengthening The Heart In Old Age

Causes of cardiovascular disease

The role of the cardiovascular system in the body is key. The cardiovascular system is the organ system that circulates blood in the human body.

It performs many functions in our body, namely:

1. Transport is the most important function, since oxygen and all nutrients are delivered to our organs and tissues with the help of the cardiovascular system, and carbon dioxide and all decay products are removed from organs and tissues also not without its help.

2. Regulatory - the ability to regulate the functions of organs and tissues by delivering mediators, biologically active substances and hormones to them, as well as, if necessary, changing their blood supply.

3. Protective is blood clotting in case of any injury to protect us from blood loss, as well as the participation of the cardiovascular system in immune and inflammatory processes in the body.

From the functions it is obvious that the cardiovascular system is the most important for us and our body, but why should we pay such close attention to it? Let's turn to statistics.

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of early death worldwide, accounting for one in every three deaths. Just think about these numbers!

Ischemic heart disease is responsible for the majority of CVD deaths, followed by stroke and heart failure. Most of these diseases are asymptomatic and we cannot even assume that we have any of the CVD diseases.

Let's list some of the cardiovascular diseases. These include:

1. Atrial fibrillation.

2. Congestive heart failure.

3. Coronary heart disease - atherosclerosis.

4. Hypertension.

5. Stroke.

6. Myocardial infarction.

7. Angina.

Immutable risks include:

1. Age - of course, preventive medicine is now developing by leaps and bounds, but unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to slow down the aging of blood vessels, even the use of statins does not always save the situation.

2. Gender - Men are at greater risk of developing CVD.

3. Ethnicity .

4. Family history of cardiovascular disease - if your relatives have a history of CVD, then you are automatically at risk.

And now let's turn to the risks that are subject to change. This is, of course, our way of life:

1. Food.

2. Alcohol.

3. Smoking.

4. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle.

5. Stress is both acute and chronic.

If the situation with alcohol and smoking is quite obvious - the less the first and second will be in our lives, the better, of course. Let's take a closer look at the point about physical activity. Lack of physical activity is practically the number 1 reason for how our lipid profile, connective tissue, changes. Aging is activated during a sedentary lifestyle, because the energy needs of the body decrease, ATP production decreases, mitochondria die off, and as we know, new ones are not formed, and then the whole body “poured”.

And of course, what also greatly affects the development of CVD is the type of nutrition that we adhere to. Let's dwell on it in more detail.

Useful and harmful foods for the heart

Below is a list of essential foods for cardiovascular health.

1. Bananas are a source of potassium, this is the primary reason why they are indispensable for the work of the heart and the condition of blood vessels. Potassium helps lower blood pressure and the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, potassium normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol plaques.

2. Pomegranate is one of the most valuable fruits for strengthening and supporting the state of the heart and blood vessels. Its consumption prevents the development of atherosclerosis, maintaining the level of blood flow and oxygen saturation of the heart. The substances contained in the pomegranate protect against the development of angina pectoris, help maintain the strength of the walls of blood vessels. Pomegranate juice is one of the most beneficial juices for the heart and promotes hematopoiesis and blood circulation. It is also actively used for the treatment and prevention of anemia, the course intake of pomegranate juice has a general strengthening effect for the whole body.

    

3. Lemon - due to the consumption of lemons, the heart muscle is strengthened and the blood vessels are cleansed. Lemon is rich in fiber, carotenes, pectins, ethers, potassium, vitamin C. Substances contained in lemon prevent the development of angina pectoris, tachycardia, coronary disease, hypertension, prevent heart attacks, heart attacks and strokes. Useful as lemon juice and zest.

4. Tomatoes - prevent thrombosis, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, anemia, heart attacks. In addition, by eating tomatoes, the risk of developing coronary disease is reduced, the development of tachycardia and hypertension is prevented due to the normalization of pressure. Tomatoes protect against heart attacks and improve the activity of the nervous system, normalizing the work of the heart and streamlining its rhythm.

5. Garlic is an essential component of cardiovascular health. It contains unique substances, including allicin, inulin, lysine and others. By consuming garlic, blood pressure decreases, blood vessels relax and blood flow improves. Garlic also helps lower blood cholesterol levels.

1. Onion - has a vasodilating effect. The elements included in the composition of the oil cleanse the blood vessels, improve the processes of cholesterol metabolism. Onion prevents the development of atherosclerosis, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Also, due to the consumption of onions, blood thinning and normalization of hemoglobin levels occur.

2. Pepper - red hot pepper is the most beneficial for the heart, thanks to the capsaicin in its composition, which has a very powerful counteract to the development of coronary disease and hypertension. In addition, pepper prevents the development of arrhythmia, normalizing the heart rhythm, has a very high content of antioxidants necessary for modern man. Black pepper is also useful, and in season - sweet bell peppers.

    

    

3. Cranberries - due to the content of anthocyanins in cranberries, toxins are removed, cholesterol levels are normalized, heart attacks and strokes are prevented. Ursolic acid, due to the expansion of venous vessels, helps to improve blood flow, and phenols help strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

4. Kalina is an indispensable product for the treatment and prevention of hypertension. Due to its consumption, the level of blood pressure, the cleansing of blood vessels, and the normalization of cholesterol levels are normalized. Kalina strengthens the heart muscle. This berry also helps to eliminate edema.

5. Turmeric – This yellow-colored spice has many health benefits. Due to the consumption of turmeric, the work of the heart and nervous system is normalized. Turmeric also prevents the development of tumors. In addition, eating turmeric helps reduce the risk of developing hypertension and atherosclerosis. Turmeric is appropriate to add to pilaf and poultry dishes.

In addition to the products listed above that have a positive effect on the health of the body and the cardiovascular system in particular, there is a list of prohibited foods. This list includes:

1. Energy drinks - they contain unacceptably high levels of caffeine, sugar and preservatives. The effect of each of them and their combination can cause an abrupt increase in pressure, too much stimulation of the heart muscle. When consumed, the body, including the heart, begins to work for wear. After the end, the effect is opposite - an undesirably strong decrease in pressure occurs.

2. Salt and sugar - it is impractical to completely refuse salt. It is essential in small doses. At the same time, in some cardiovascular diseases, its consumption must be minimized or switched to salt, in which sodium is replaced by potassium. The recommended daily dose of salt is 3-5 grams. Excess salt has a negative effect on the heart.

   Sugar, on the other hand, has no positive properties for the body, it is better to exclude it from the diet completely, especially considering the fact that we consume a sufficient amount of hidden sugar, which is sometimes quite difficult to keep track of.

    

3. Fatty foods - fatty foods, fast food, trans fats - all this increases the load on the heart and contributes to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

Diet to prevent cardiovascular disease

Let's now talk about what all the same diet is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. To date, there is a large amount of research on the fact that the Mediterranean diet is the most effective in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The classic Mediterranean diet includes eating plenty of extra virgin olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables, whole grains, moderate amounts of marine fish and poultry, and limiting fatty dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets. .

Why does this type of diet significantly reduce the risk of developing CVD? Let's figure it out.

Vegetable oils and oily sea fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential components of cardiovascular health, lowering high cholesterol and increasing HDL.

Pectin, found in some fruits and berries, has also been shown to lower LDL and increase HDL by decreasing intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increasing bile acid excretion. The largest amount of pectin is found in black currants, beets, apples, plums, oranges, carrots, cabbage.

Also, berries, fruits and colored vegetables are rich in bioflavonoids, which are known not only as powerful antioxidants, but also as substances that inhibit the oxidation of LDL, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin inhibit lipid peroxidation in mitochondria. In addition, the "French paradox" is known - a low incidence of CVD when drinking red wine containing quercetin, rutin, resveratrol, within reasonable limits, of course.

Vitamins and trace elements for the heart

1. Vitamin C - strengthens the walls of blood vessels and prevents the formation of excess cholesterol. In addition, vitamin C is an essential component of the health of the nervous system, since under stress the need for it increases hundreds of times, and stress, as you know, affects all organs and systems. Contained in apples, rose hips, black currants and many others.

2. Vitamin E or tocopherol - prevents the formation of blood clots, inhibits lipid oxidation, cleanses free radicals, reduces blood viscosity, facilitating its transport through the blood vessels. Contained in egg yolk, walnut, almond, liver, vegetable oils.

    

    

3. Rutin is a water-soluble substance that reduces the permeability and fragility of blood vessels, restores their elasticity. Due to these properties, foods and supplements containing vitamin P are prescribed for increased bleeding. Natural sources: raspberries, apples, citrus fruits, black chokeberries, wild rose.

4. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - stimulates the contraction of the heart muscle, maintains it in an elastic state, normalizes the rhythm. Lack of vitamin B1 in the body is accompanied by pain, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, bouts of rhythm disturbance. Thiamine "makes" the heart muscle work evenly. Natural sources: cereals, coffee beans.

5. Vitamin B3 (niacin) - dilates blood vessels, relieves their spasm, prevents blood clots, lowers blood pressure (BP), protects against heart attacks. Niacin is found in fish, eggs, legumes, chicken, green peas, liver, kidneys.

6. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - normalizes fat metabolism, regulates blood pressure, participates in the formation of blood cells. B6 removes excess cholesterol, destroys bad cholesterol, prevents blockage of blood vessels, protects against stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis. Found in dairy products, fish, meat.

    

    

   B vitamins are most often prescribed in the form of droppers.

    

7. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for normal heart function. They help reduce the load on the heart, prevent the formation of plaques in the vessels, and improve the heart rhythm.

8. Coenzyme Q10 - the largest amount of the substance is concentrated in the heart muscle. The coenzyme is involved in the synthesis of molecules that are responsible for energy transport. Without these "carriers" heart contraction is impossible. The amount of coenzyme Q10 in the human body gradually decreases with age and by the age of 60 is 50% of the limit value. Against the background of a lack of coenzyme, heart failure develops. The enzyme coenzyme Q10 nourishes the heart muscle, a deficiency causes heart rhythm disturbance, arterial sclerosis, and premature aging of the myocardium. In the human body, coenzyme is synthesized from vegetable fats that come with food.

1. Amino acid L-carnitine - in addition to the fact that l-carnitine is involved in the metabolism of fats, it also converts this energy into energy for the heart, without which the body cannot work. Therefore, people with cardiovascular diseases are in great need of carnitine. In addition, the amino acid reduces the level of bad cholesterol, fat in the body, which lead to the formation of plaques, the development of hypertension. L-carnitine moderately lowers blood pressure.

2. Lecithin (Greek for "egg yolk") is the main vehicle that delivers nutrients to the heart. Lecithin keeps cholesterol in a dissolved state, preventing its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. In addition, it stabilizes the level of fat in the blood, increases hemoglobin. It is used for heart diseases such as ischemic disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension. The largest amount of lecithin is concentrated in the heart. Therefore, the health of an organ directly depends on the quantity and regularity of intake of this component.

It is also very important to mention the macronutrients that are involved in the normal functioning of the heart:

1. Magnesium - dilates blood vessels, stabilizes the heart rate and serves to maintain the balance of potassium in the blood. Due to the effect exerted by the element, pressure drops, the intensity of pain in angina pectoris decreases and the likelihood of blood clots decreases. To maintain a good tone of the cardiovascular system and increase stress resistance, it is necessary to consume 400 mg of magnesium daily. Its highest concentration is found in sorrel, pumpkin, nuts, cereals and vegetables. Mineral magnesium waters such as Magnesium Donut may also be helpful.

2. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and stimulates the absorption of nutrients. It is used to prevent coronary disease, blockage of blood vessels, stroke and heart attack. A lot of selenium is found in chicken, seafood, sunflower seeds and granular caviar.

3. Potassium prevents the accumulation of sodium in the body, which causes moisture retention, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack. The second important property is its ability to improve the passage of an impulse through the heart, due to which the intensity and frequency of contractions stabilizes. You can saturate the body with them by consuming beets, broccoli, banana, potatoes and avocados.

    

    

4. Phosphorus is considered one of the main components of cell membranes. With its deficiency, failures occur in the conduction system of the heart, due to which arrhythmia develops. Phosphorus can be obtained from food by adding beans, cheese, peas, potatoes, bread and dairy products to your diet.

5. Calcium is prescribed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and stimulate myocardial contractility. A large amount of the element is found in dairy products, eggs, cheese, chocolate, seafood and dried fruits. Prevents the normal absorption of calcium strong tea, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, spinach and dill.

6. Chromium significantly increases the effectiveness of insulin, which is especially important for diabetes. With its deficiency, the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood increases, heart ischemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis develop. Most chromium in fish, medicinal plants, cheese, meat, as well as in cereals and legumes.

Recommendations for taking vitamins and drugs for heart disease

Of course, it is very important to follow the doctor's recommendations if you are prescribed medications. The duration of the course is determined by the attending doctor. For many complex drugs, the period is 2 to 4 weeks with daily intake. Injections are often prescribed for a period of 7 to 10 days.

With regard to nutraceuticals, it is worth paying attention first of all to comparing the intake of vitamins with food. Some of them are allowed to be taken before or after meals. This nuance is associated with an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa.

Medicines and vitamins for cardiac arrhythmia must be taken every day at the same time. In order not to forget about this, you can combine taking pills with food, hygiene procedures and other household activities. The medicine should be taken with plain water. Other drinks (coffee, tea, soda, juices) affect their absorption and distribution. You can keep a diary to keep track of your medication intake. It will mark the dose, time and date of admission. This method is especially suitable for forgetful people who do not remember whether they drank pills or not.

For more effective treatment, the patient is advised to follow the rules below while taking vitamins and drugs for arrhythmia:

• give up alcohol and smoking;

• sleep 7-8 hours a day;

• play sports at a moderate pace;

• avoid physical and mental overload;

• make the right diet;

• avoid stressful situations.

Particular attention should be paid to taking medications for such groups of people:

• children under 18;

• women during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding);

• elderly people over 65 years of age.

When drawing up a treatment regimen, it is highly desirable for a doctor to be aware of all existing chronic processes in the body, known allergic reactions and possible hereditary predisposition. These factors can dramatically affect the effectiveness of therapy.

Folk remedies to improve heart function

In addition to medicinal and vitamin support for the cardiovascular system, various folk remedies can be successfully used. Traditional medicine methods are available to everyone and are relatively safe. Below are a few recipes.

Remedy for the treatment of heart strengthening vessels:

• Take 4 tbsp. l. hawthorn fruit, motherwort herb, cudweed and 1 tbsp. l. chamomile. Combine and mix all ingredients. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture into a thermos and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. Infuse the medicine for 8 hours. Strained infusion take three times a day, 25 ml for two weeks.

• Grind the rosehip root. Pour boiling water over a tablespoon of raw materials and boil for 15 minutes over low heat. Consume 1/3 cup for 15 days.

• Pour a tablespoon of chopped hawthorn with 250 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 1.5 hours. Strained drink take ½ cup twice a day. The duration of treatment is six months.

• Thirty green walnuts chop and pour a liter of vodka. Leave in the sun for 14 days. Take the drug should be 20 drops three times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.

   

   

• Chop three small onions and pour half a liter of alcohol. Leave in a warm place for a week. The resulting remedy, take five grams on an empty stomach, dissolving in a glass of liquid. This medicine helps to effectively deal with high blood pressure.

• Pour two teaspoons of crushed calendula flowers with boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Drink ½ cup 4 times a day.

• Motherwort will help relieve stress and improve the functioning of the heart muscle. Pour two tablespoons of herbs with a glass of boiling water. After cooling, strain and take two tablespoons 5 times daily before meals.

Strengthening the heart in old age

Older people begin to get sick more often due to the fact that their body undergoes a number of changes. A common occurrence for an elderly organism is an increase in the size of the heart. The volume of the left ventricle usually changes. The mitral valve and the aortic valve are also highly susceptible to changes, the valves of which in the elderly no longer have the same flexibility.

Judging by the statistics of the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, only 3-5% of the Russian population take vitamins systemically. However, they are essential for older people suffering from heart disease.

Vitamins allow even in old age to slow down the aging process of the body, increase efficiency and improve the well-being of the patient.

What vitamins are necessary for the good functioning of the heart of an elderly person?

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) gives speed to metabolic processes, makes the vascular walls and myocardium stronger, accelerates all metabolic processes more enduringly, and is the prevention of atherosclerosis.

• Vitamin A (retinol) reduces the formation of plaques in the vessels.

• Vitamin E (tocopherol) has an antioxidant effect, strengthens blood vessels and the heart, protecting against damage.

• Vitamin P (rutin), in addition to strengthening blood vessels, also reduces their permeability and bleeding.

• Vitamin F (linoleic and linolenic acids). Helps strengthen heart tissues, prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.

• Coenzyme Q10 is a chemical that is produced in the human liver. It can give an elderly person energy, reduce the risk of a heart attack and / or disturbances in the rhythm of the heartbeat.

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is required to maintain a normal heart rhythm.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - reduces the volume of lipids and cholesterol levels in the blood.

Today, in pharmacies, you can also see special vitamins that are intended specifically for the elderly. Regular intake can not only improve weak immunity, but also prevent heart disease.

In order for an elderly person not to suffer from pain in the heart, doctors recommend him a special diet. More often, recommendations are given by the attending cardiologist, it is he who determines the severity of the disease and, in accordance with this, decides what can be eaten by the patient and what is absolutely impossible.

As a rule, a person suffering from heart disease is forbidden foods that may contain a lot of cholesterol. The reason is clear - this substance leads to the formation of plaques in the vessels. In addition, elderly patients should not be sour, smoked, too salty and fatty.

There are a number of heart-healthy foods that are worth eating for older people:

1. Foods rich in potassium. It can be grapes, bananas, cocoa, zucchini, squash, apricots, etc.

2. Products containing magnesium. Their use in food has a good effect on both the heart and the nervous system. Doctors recommend adding seaweed, buckwheat, and watermelons to your regular diet.

3. Foods high in vitamin C. These include peppers, raspberries, apples, lemons, oranges, tangerines, and other citrus fruits.

4. Fruits vegetables. The more of them, the healthier the body, the better the elderly patient feels.

5. Herbal teas (including chamomile or lemon balm) will invigorate you and help you deal with heavy breathing.

6. Honey. If eaten in moderation, it will be beneficial. Moreover, honey can relieve pain. It is recommended to use old honey that has stood for more than 6 months from the date of collection.

Heart training in old age

A sedentary lifestyle is the most common cause of heart disease in the elderly. Of course, increased training and hyperactive sports for an aging body is not the right choice. Nevertheless, it is possible to avoid injury, the main thing is to approach the process deliberately. First, determine the optimal load on the body. Secondly, seek advice on this issue from a doctor.

Here are some positive aspects of training that strengthens the heart and blood vessels:

• Sports help reduce the level of CRP (C-reactive protein), which is most often the cause of inflammation in various organs of an elderly person. The higher this number, the higher the risk of heart disease.

• The blood pressure is put in order, the level of triglycerides and sugar in the blood is normalized.

• Muscles and coordination get better.

• The brain is saturated with oxygen, which affects the improvement of memory and the acceleration of thought processes.

• Less risk of stroke and/or heart attack.

Doctors recommend buying a heart rate monitor before starting physical education. It will help you control your heart rate (heart rate).

What can be done to strengthen the heart and blood vessels:

Do exercises in the morning. This can be swinging arms and legs, rotating joints, torso, lifting limbs, bending over, walking and slow running in place. Literally five minutes is enough to bring yourself to tone.

Learn to breathe properly. Draw air into your lungs, exhale deeply, then pull your stomach in and inhale sharply again. The palm on the stomach will allow you to control the process and adjust movements, breathing. Give exercise for 15-20 seconds once a day.

As you squat, extend your arms while holding on to the doorknob. At the same time, watch your knees, they should remain at the level of your socks.

This exercise allows you to most effectively make the heart of a person work in old age. At the same time, you can squat shallowly, 20-30 cm is enough.

In order to strengthen the work of the heart in old age, Nordic walking is recommended. From the outside, it looks like the usual walks of a person with ski poles, on which he leans when moving.

At the same time, the legs and arms act synchronously, which affects the process of human breathing. It is allowed to lower the legs on the heel, and then step on the toe. Movement should be smooth, as in a normal walk. But their range may be a little more than usual.

There are many types of physical exercises. So, for example, you can walk fast or slowly, but for a long time, take long steps or jogs. In any case, you need to focus on the age of an elderly person. The older the "athlete", the less active Nordic walking he needs.

Thanks to the existing supports, these exercises exclude a high load on the spine and / or joints. For the elderly, Nordic walking can be a great help in the fight against heart disease.