How to Improve Cardiovascular Health and Optimise Your Vascular System

Vascular health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. It ensures efficient blood circulation and supports heart function,  influencing various physiological processes while playing a critical role in the prevention of numerous cardiovascular diseases. This article explores evidence-based strategies to enhance cardiovascular health through lifestyle choices and key nutrients.

Understanding the Vascular System

The vascular system, also referred to as the circulatory system, comprises the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. It serves as the body’s network for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to and from tissues and organs.

How the Vascular System Works

• Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood from the heart to various tissues, dividing into large and small arteries. Large arteries experience high pressure and are thicker and elastic to manage this pressure. Smaller arteries contain more smooth muscle, regulating blood flow to specific body areas by contracting or relaxing.
• Veins: Return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
• Capillaries: The smallest blood vessels facilitate nutrient and waste exchange between blood and tissues.

What is Cardiovascular Health?

Cardiovascular health refers to the overall well-being of the heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the efficient functioning of the circulatory system, including the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and the blood vessels' capacity to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Good cardiovascular health is characterised by normal blood pressure, healthy blood cholesterol levels, and the absence of cardiovascular diseases.

Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining cardiovascular health through lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and managing stress is essential for optimal health. Diet significantly influences vascular health by affecting factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which can either promote or reduce the development of vascular diseases.

Lifestyle Choices to Improve Cardiovascular Health

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity plays a critical role in preventing vascular injury and can serve as a therapeutic focus even during the early phases of vascular disease. 
• Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can prevent cardiovascular diseases. 
• Avoiding Smoking: Smoking has been associated with cardiovascular risks.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact vascular health, making stress management techniques crucial. 

Risk Factors 

Hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes pose significant risks to vascular health by damaging blood vessel walls, promoting the accumulation of plaque, and impeding blood flow. If these conditions are left untreated, they may lead to atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and other vascular complications, underscoring the critical need for effective management strategies to safeguard vascular health and alleviate associated risks. 

Key Nutrients for Cardiovascular Health

For those wanting to know how to improve cardiovascular health, ensure you are incorporating these nutrients:

The Synergistic Effects of Vitamins D3 and K2

Vitamins D3 and K2 play critical roles in maintaining cardiovascular health, particularly in preventing vascular calcification and enhancing overall cardiovascular function.

Vitamin D3

• Calcium Absorption:  Helps the body absorb calcium from the diet and into the bloodstream.
• Blood Pressure Modulation: Improves endothelial function, which regulates blood vessel dilation and constriction, thereby regulating blood pressure.

Vitamin K2

• Calcium Deposition Regulation: Vitamin K2 is responsible for preventing calcium deposition in arteries. It activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), inhibiting arterial calcification and maintaining the flexibility and integrity of blood vessels. 
• Blood Vessel Elasticity: Contributes to the elasticity of blood vessel walls by aiding in the synthesis of other proteins responsible for maintaining the structure of soft tissues. This action helps to reduce the stiffness of vessels, a common factor in cardiovascular risk.

Liposomal D3 and K2

Liposomal formulations of vitamins D3 and K2 offer enhanced absorption and bioavailability compared to conventional supplements. This advanced delivery system ensures more efficient utilisation of essential vitamins in the body, supporting vascular health.

Ubiquinol – The Active Form of CoQ10

Ubiquinol is the active form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and is essential for maintaining vascular health through several key biological processes.

Antioxidant Properties

• Oxidative Stress Reduction: Neutralises free radicals, protecting endothelial cells from oxidative damage and preventing atherosclerosis.

Energy Production

• ATP Production: Facilitates energy production in cells, ensuring heart and vascular tissues have adequate energy for optimal function.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Inflammation Reduction: Lowers inflammatory markers, mitigating chronic inflammation in vascular walls.

Endothelial Function Improvement

• Vascular Function Regulation: Enhances blood flow and vascular responsiveness, preventing hypertension and vascular calcification.

Natural Remedies for Cardiovascular Health

Natural remedies for cardiovascular health are becoming more popular, for example - beetroot. The nitrate content of beetroot can be extremely beneficial to cardiovascular health, as the conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide facilitates endothelial function, blood pressure regulation, and blood flow improvement.

Nitric Oxide Production

• Vasodilation: Nitric oxide synthesis widens blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and reducing peripheral resistance, subsequently lowering blood pressure.

Invest in Your Cardiovascular Health Today

Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health is essential for longevity and quality of life. Melrose FutureLab's Vascular Health supplement offers a comprehensive solution, combining CoQ10, Rednite® beetroot concentrate, and vitamins D3 and K2. This premium blend supports your cardiovascular system by reducing free radicals, enhancing energy production, and promoting nitric oxide production for improved blood flow. By incorporating this supplement into your daily routine, along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, you can take proactive steps towards better vascular health.

Don't wait to prioritise your heart and vascular health – try Melrose FutureLab's Vascular Health supplement today and invest in a healthier, more vibrant future.

Written by Toni Horsford.

References:

Abdellatif, M., Sedcej, S., Gutierrez, D.C., Madeo, F., & Kroemer, G. (2018). Autophagy in Cardiocascular Aging. Circulation Research. 123(7), 803-824. Doi doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312208

Chaudhry, R., Miao, J.H., & Rehman, A. (2022). Physiology, Cardiovascular. StatPearls Publishing; Jan 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493197/

Crintea, A., Dutu, A.G., Sovrea, A., Constantin, A.M., Samasca, G., Masalar, A.L., Ifju, B., Linga, E., Neamti, L., Tranca, R.A., Fekete, Z., Silaghi, C.N., & Cranciun, A.M. (2022). Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: An Overview with Emphasis on Vitamin D and K Transportation. Nanomaterials. 12(8), 1376. Doi:doi.org/10.3390/nano12081376

Daniells, S. (2023). Chewable beetroot supplement may boost cognition, memory: Human data. Nutra Ingredients Europe. Retrieved from: https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/12/04/chewable-beetroot-supplement-may-boost-cognition-memory-human-data#

Gottesman, R.F., & Seshadri, S. (2022). Risk Factors, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Vascular Health Brain Health. Stroke. 53(2), 394-403. Doi: doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.032610

Norman, P.E., & Powell, J.T. (2014). Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation Research. 114(2), 379-393. Doi: doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.113.301241

Pierce, J.D., Mahoney, D.E., Hiebert, J.B., Thimmesch, A.R., Diaz, F.J., Smith, C., Shen, Q., Mudaranthakam, D.P., & Clancy, R.L. (2018). Study protocol, randomized controlled trial: reducing symptom burden in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using ubiquinol and/or D-ribose. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. 18,(57), 2018.doi.org/10.1186/s12872-018-0796-2

Pre Lab Pro®. (2021). RedNite Beetroot Powder Nitrate Content: Turbocharge Your Workout. Retrieved from: https://www.prelabpro.com/blogs/nutrition/rednite-beetroot-powder-nitrate-content

Sood, B., Patel, P., Keenaghan, M. (2024). Coenzyme Q10. Statpearls Publishing. Jan 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/

Vaccaro, M.G., Innocenti, B., Cione, E., De Sarro, G., Bonilla, D.A., & Cannataro, R. (2024). Acute effects of a chewable beetroot-based supplement on cognitive performance: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial. European Journal of Nutrition. 63, 303–321 (2024). Doi:doi.org/10.1007/s00394-023-03265-y Epub 2023 Oct 24. PMID: 37875637; PMCID: PMC10799154.