Understanding the cardiovascular system is relatively simple, thanks to it being a self-explanatory term! It can be easily dissected into its conjugating terms – cardio and vascular.
“Cardio” is the root word of cardiac and “vascular” is the adjective form of vessels. They refer to heart and blood vessels respectively, which are the primary constituents of the cardiovascular system. This system functions by transporting blood to the multitudinous cells of the body. Thus naturally, cardiovascular health refers to the healthy coordination of heart, blood vessels and blood.
It is the heart that initiates the cardiovascular performance by pumping blood. This pumped blood contains all the required oxygen, nutrients, hormones and WBCs that are to be conveyed to their respective destinations. This blood circulates through blood vessels, which serve as a medium for blood flow.
Thus, it is evident that cardiovascular health signifies an effortless blood flow. The route of blood is directed from heart toward organs, and reverse. Naturally, cardiovascular dysfunction causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Any disease related to heart or blood vessels is referred to as a CVD.
However, following a healthy lifestyle can prevent them. Proper measures, if taken, preserves cardiovascular health. There are plentiful natural techniques to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Healthy Food
Diets low in triglycerides and cholesterol are advised for cardiovascular health. Healthy food is generally low in substances causing excessive fat deposition in arteries. Fats cause gradual thickening of artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Thickened arteries inhibit blood from reaching the heart. This unavoidably causes heart diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive cardiac failure, etc.
Light Exercise
Exercise and cardiovascular health share an age-old relationship. If a healthy diet is not feasible, exercising is a viable alternative. Where healthy food nips fat in the bud, exercises burn the already-consumed fat. This is another strategy to prevent atherosclerosis. As fats get burnt, they are unable to accumulate in artery walls, thus reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Tobacco smoking
Tobacco is the arch-rival of cardiovascular health. Smoking and junk food affect the heart in a similar manner. Atheroma is similar to atherosclerosis, except that it is an amalgamation of degenerative materials. Accumulation of this lipid mass causes heart diseases like angina, heart attack or stroke. Smoking also causes carbon monoxide to accumulate in blood, thus lowering its oxygen content. Further, nicotine stimulates adrenaline formation, which is an elevator for blood pressure.
Psychological Stress
Other than nicotine, even stress triggers adrenaline production. This accelerates breath, heart rate and blood pressure, all of which are pioneers of cardiovascular diseases. Stress may also influence people to take up smoking, boozing or overeating, which equally affects cardiovascular health.
Natural techniques are undoubtedly the best methods for cardiovascular health. If they could be practiced religiously, cardiovascular diseases would be perpetually eradicated. But unfortunately, this is only fundamentally possible. Since these natural health solutions cannot be practiced routinely, health supplements are the most constructive choice.
Natural cardiovascular health supplements provide adequate nourishment required for cardiovascular health. Grape seed extract and resveratrol are the best heart health solutions. Grape seed extract enhances blood circulation and prevents high cholesterol. On the other hand, resveratrol prevents risks of heart diseases by expanding blood vessels.