Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Popular
over-the-counter
supplements
claim
numerous
benets
from
preven%on
of
disease
to
treatment.
Because
these
compounds
are
not
regulated
by
the
United
States
Food
and
Drug
Administra%on
(FDA),
dietary
supplement
claims
should
be
taken
cau4ously.
You
should
always
discuss
the
use
or
addi4on
of
any
over-the-counter
supplements
with
your
doctor.
Uses: Heart disease; high triglyceride levels Eec4veness: Probable Side Eects: Minor GI Contraindica4ons: Bleeding disorders, diabetes medica%on use, an%coagulants (e.g. warfarin/ Coumadin) Commentary: Although studies have shown possible benet from omega-3 faUy acid consump%on, it is not clear if over-the-counter supplementa%on provide equivalent benet to dietary consump%on (e.g. 2 sh meals/week).
COENZYME Q10 (COQ10) Uses: Sta%n-induced muscle pain Eec4veness: Controversial, but possible Side Eects: Minor GI Contraindica4ons: Diabetes medica%ons, an%coagulants (e.g. warfarin/Coumadin) Commentary: The studies that have been conducted found that ~30% of pa%ents sta%n-induced muscle pain was reduced up to 40-50% with CoQ10. Since the supplement was well-tolerated, the decision to try CoQ10 is leN up to the pa%ent. VITAMIN D
Uses: Cardiovascular benet Eec4veness: Controversial Side Eects: Minor GI Precau4ons: High calcium levels, kidney disease, an%coagulants Commentary: Recent studies have shown that individuals who took calcium supplements (not those that increased their levels from diet alone) had a slightly higher risk of a heart aUack. Although this was demonstrated, more studies are needed to conrm.
CALCIUM
Uses: Cardiovascular benet Eec4veness: Controversial Side Eects: Weakness, fa%gue, headache, minor GI Precau4ons: Kidney disease, high calcium levels Commentary: Studies have linked low vitamin D levels with cardiovascular disease and events (e.g. stroke sudden cardiac death). However, research needs to be done to determine the impact of taking a vitamin D supplement to promote cardiovascular health.
This handout outlines the current research on popular claims about heart healthy compounds found in food.
Research says: Resveratrol is a compound found in grape skins and red wine. It has been popularized by the French paradox as a cardioprotec%ve substance. Studies have shown that moderate intake of red wine (8 oz or 2 glasses for women, 12 oz or 3 glasses for men) is associated with reduced risk of death due to heart disease. Opposite eects were seen with the consump%on of large amounts of alcohol. Long-term eects of resveratrol supplementa%on (pills) in humans s%ll need to be conducted. BoYom line: The health benets of red wine are only evident with mild to moderate consump%on. Keep in mind, drinking red wine is not considered a primary cardiovascular disease preven%on method.
Research says: Flavonoids are compounds found in dark chocolate. Studies have shown that consump%on of up to 25g/day of dark chocolate (>80% cocoa content) has the poten%al to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol concentra%on slightly in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Regular consump%on of low amounts (6 g/day) was associated with a lower incidence of heart aUack and stroke. These cardioprotec%ve eects were not found with the consump%on of milk chocolate. BoYom line: Regular consump%on of low to moderate amounts (6g-25g/day) of dark chocolate (>80% cocoa content) may have benecial cardiovascular eects but is not considered a primary cardiovascular disease preven%on method.
VITAMIN
E
Research says: Vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol is an an%oxidant found naturally in dietary sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Epidemiological studies have shown an associa%on between dietary vitamin E intake and decreased cardiovascular risk, spurring increased use of vitamin E supplements. However, several subsequent longer- term studies found that the use of supplements (pills) may be associated with increased mortality and heart failure. BoYom line: High doses of Vitamin E supplementa%on (pills) may not oer addi%onal cardioprotec%ve benet and may instead cause harm.
Research says: Tea avonoids in green tea (specically, catechins) are an%oxidants that may have a benecial eect in preven%ng cardiovascular events (e.g. heart aUack, stroke) and disease when >2 cups/ day are consumed. Because green tea contains a greater percentage of catechins compared to black tea, it is believed that green tea has a more pronounced eect. BoYom line: Regular consump%on of 3 or more cups of green tea may reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease and the incidence of cardiac events.
HEART DISEASE
Research has shown the powerful impact of psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, anger and social isola%on on the development of cardiovascular disease. It is becoming more apparent that 10-25% of unexplained heart disease can be aUributed to these psychosocial factors. Thus, iden%fying and allevia%ng these factors through medita%on may not only decrease the incidence of the disease and its ramica%ons, but also promote overall well-being. Medita%on is the process of systema%cally allowing the mind to become s%ll for specic periods of %me each day.
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Studies of medita%on have reported these benecial eects: Signicant lowering of blood pressure Fewer symptoms of heart disease Lower rate of progression of heart disease Decreased need for medica%ons
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This free program consists of 12 sessions over a 6 month period. It includes a systema%c introduc%on and cul%va%on of yogic methods, beginning with deep medita%on, breathing techniques, yoga postures and nally, the advanced method of serng inten%ons. Par%cipants of the pilot program reported: Improved ability to deal with stress (100%) Improved awareness during daily ac%vi%es (100%) Improved sense of overall well-being (100%) Lowered blood pressure, improved lipid prole over six months For more informa%on, call the Ministrelli Womens Heart Center at 248-898-8794.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
PROGRAM DETAILS
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