Coronary arteries are arteries that supply blood to the heart. When these
arteries become narrow, the heart is deprived of oxygen. Chest pain, known as
angina pectoris, can result.
Arteriosclerosis is hardening of the arteries. When a clot or thrombus forms in
one of these hardened or scleroses arteries, it creates an obstruction. When
the flow of blood is cut off, a heart attack or myocardial infarction, can
occur.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often a forerunner to heart problems.
High blood pressure results from a decrease in elasticity and/or a reduction in
the interior diameter of the arteries. As a result, your heart becomes strained
and blood vessels may become damaged.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack,
heart failure, kidney failure, valvular disease and arrhythmias. Arrhythmias
are abnormalities in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. Some are dangerous and
some are not.
A heart attack occurs because of an interruption in blood flow to the heart.
Heart failure is characterized by inadequate blood flow from the heart. The
heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's requirements.
Steps can be taken to avoid heart disease. These include quitting smoking,
controlling high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake, high blood
cholesterol, stress, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes mellitus.
For sound cardiovascular function, the heart requires proper nutrition
including antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that damage our
cells and tissues. We are bombarded by them daily from environmental pollution,
cigarette smoke, diets high in fats and normal cellular metabolism. Some
dietary sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, chocolate,
oregano, olive oil and tea. But you may not be able to get all the antioxidants
your body needs through dietary means, and living to be 100 may be a goal more
difficult to obtain.
Proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants that strongly inhibit oxidative
stress caused by free radicals. Proflavanol and Proflavanol 90 are brand names
of antioxidant supplements that are rich in proanthocyanidins and that provide
the first line of defense against oxidative stress. Proflavanoid and
Proflavanoid 90 combine the highest quality grape-seed extract with the
free-radical fighting power of vitamin C.
Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article
is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical
advice.
Author Resource:- Margaret Priddy, a registered nurse for over 25 years, brings you the absolute best antioxidants. Visit http://www.margaretpriddy.usana.com. Click on Products, then Optimizers, then Proflavanol. Also, visit her blog at http://www.HealthMuse.net.
Article Source: DesireToRetire.com
