Heart valves

Cardiovascular diseases and heart attack are among the most prevalent causes of deaths and hospitalisation worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.1 million lives a year, and will become the leading cause of death by 2020.

According to the Australian Self Medication Industry, cardiovascular disease in Australia is responsible for as many as 40% of all recorded deaths, costing the primary health system around $5.5 billion dollars annually. The sad fact is that most cardiovascular diseases are easily preventable though healthy lifestyle, healthy diet and regular exercise. Even more tragic is the fact that most people are either not aware, not willing, or simply lack time and energy to invest in a healthier lifestyle

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One of the major culprits of poor cardiovascular health and heart attack is cholesterol, a waxy fat derivate involved in facilitating multiple processes in our body from nutrient exchange and cell protection, to maintaining brain, muscle and bone structure, healthy digestion and pathogen protection. Yet despite its many benefits, cholesterol – like most substances – can be harmful if ingested in high amounts.

In particular, it is the ratio of the two types of cholesterol that is often the source of health problems. The HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) also referred to as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol respectively – need to remain at a certain ratio in order for cholesterol to aid our health. As their names indicate, we need more good than bad cholesterol. While some ratio tolerance exists, it is easy to get to the point where bad cholesterol overshadows the good.

Alternative medications offering a natural solution to help reduce elevated cholesterol levels often deliver all the benefits of prescription medications minus the side-effects, presenting an appealing option for heart disease sufferers.

 According to the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau, natural medicines can significantly lower cholesterol without side effects. Natural Medicine studies concur, by indicating that cardiovascular health is significantly improved through use and consumption of calcium, magnesium, folic acid, garlic, ginkgo biloba, globe artichoke leaf, St Mary’s Thistle, omega-3 in fish oils and flaxseeds, psyllium husks, lecithin granules, vitamins B, C & E, multivitamins and nicotine replacement therapies for smokers.

Doctors and Healthcare professionals, however, are always quick to agree that good heart health starts with a balanced healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, regular exercise, and drinking at least 2 litres of filtered water each day.