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Every year, we celebrate love and the joy of making someone feel loved during February. From flowers to chocolates, to adorable plushies or just by promising to spend our precious time with our loved ones, we can make them feel appreciated on this day. But more than that, we can make our heart feel even more loved and cared for this Valentine’s Day by celebrating Heart Failure Awareness Week, which falls from February 11 to February 17.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s not only give our loved ones and partners a great big hug, but give our heart the hug it deserves, too!
Heart Failure Awareness Week serves as a vital reminder of the widespread impact of heart failure on individuals and communities worldwide. Heart failure is an escalating public health concern, affecting around 64 million individuals worldwide. [1] It is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Take it to Heart
This year, let's make a commitment to prioritise our heart health and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Understanding the factors contributing to heart health is crucial. Lifestyle choices, encompassing diet, exercise, and stress management, play pivotal roles in maintaining a healthy heart. Moreover, keeping cholesterol levels in check is paramount, given its significant association with heart disease.
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While a balanced diet and regular exercise are fundamental to heart health, certain natural supplements can complement these efforts. These supplements serve as supportive elements in managing cholesterol levels and promoting cardiac well-being. Think of them as enhancers of a healthy lifestyle.
NOW supplements have the best nutrients that will help keep your heart in top shape. They are meant to provide all-around support for your heart, helping you maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Supplements for the Heart
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Omega-3: NOW Supplements Omega-3 180 EPA, NOW Supplements Ultra Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and flaxseeds, extensively studied for their cardiovascular benefits. These essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish at least twice a week to support heart health. [2]
If you’re still skeptical about the potential added benefits brought on by omega-3 supplements to your diet, Harvard Health found that fish oil in omega-3 supplements can help lower someone’s risk of health attack death from coronary heart disease. [3]
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): NOW Supplements CoQ10 30mg or 60mg
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a crucial role in energy production within cells. It is particularly abundant in the heart, and studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may improve heart function and reduce symptoms in individuals with heart failure. In fact, in Japan, CoQ10 is still being used to help treat heart failure since 1974. [4]
Primrose Oil: NOW Supplements Evening Primrose Oil
You probably already know that omega-3 was going to be in this list, given its reputation in heart health research. But another supplement that may not be as talked about in the realm of heart health is Evening Primrose Oil. EPO, which are made from evening primrose flowers native to North America, has been traditionally used as topical treatment.
However, in 2020, a study found that EPO had beneficial effects on stabilising cholesterol levels. [5] [6] Though this does not directly link to a reduced in heart diseases, the assistance it can provide the body to keep cholesterol levels under control is still a great benefit.
Note: It’s important to remember though that adding supplements into your diet can only take you so far – it’s still better to consult with your primary care physician first before relying on and adding supplements into your diet.
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As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's extend our love and care to the organ that keeps us alive—the heart. Heart Failure Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder to prioritise heart health. By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, incorporating natural supplements wisely, and staying informed, we can take proactive steps toward a longer, healthier life. Let’s hug our hearts and make this Valentine's Day the start of a renewed commitment to our heart and the hearts of those we love.
References:
[1] https://www.cfrjournal.com/articles/global-public-health-burden-heart-failure-updated-review
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil#uses
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32441049/