A healthy heart helps us to avoid hospitals.

This topic could expand to well over one-thousand words. I am keeping it brief to provide a glimpse at the myriad of problems that can affect heart health. A single one can be a problem. Multiple ones create a serious problem. Age, gender, family history, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and more increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Most of us are familiar with these generic factors. What about the ones we don’t know about?

1. Low blood EPA/DHA. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by your body. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also an omega-3 fatty acid.

2. Elevated c-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a protein found in your bloodstream which increases in response to inflammation.

3. Excessive LDL. LDL is low-density lipoprotein – one of five major groups of lipoproteins.

4. Excess Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates energy and glucose metabolism in your body.

5. Low HDL. HDL is high-density lipoprotein – another of the five major groups of lipoproteins in your body.

6. High Glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar and is integral as a source of energy.

7. Nitric Oxide deficiency. Nitric oxide (NO) is a binary compound made upon nitrogen and oxygen. NO is a vasodilator (relaxes your blood vessels).

8. Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D, specifically vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble secosteroid produced by your skin when exposed to the sun. Vitamin D3 deficiency is a major problem in the United States.

9 Excess Estrogen. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and is found in both men and women.

10. Excess Triglycerides. Triglycererol is an ester of glycerol (also called glycerin or glycerine). Most animal and vegetable oils/fats contain triglycerides.

11. Low Free Testosterone. Free testosterone is the amount of testosterone (primary male hormone) found in your bloodstream.

12. Excess Fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is a protein that assists the blood clotting process.

13. Excess Homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in your blood.

14. Hypertension. Hypertension is simply high blood pressure.

15. Low Vitamin K. Vitamin K, specifically vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is known as the coagulation vi6amin.

16.  Excess Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy steroid metabolite.

17. Oxidized LDL. Free radicals can oxidize LDL molecules and make them more reactive than molecules surrounding them. As a result, tissue damage results in plaque formation.

18. High Ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 essential fatty acids. You do not manufacture omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids in your body. You need both types of essential fatty acids, but most people eat too many omega-6 fatty acids.

Some factors are controllable – the 18 listed above. Some factors are not – gender, age, for example. Future articles (blogs) will delve into how to control those factors that need controlling for you to enjoy your later years.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life – Red O’Laughlin

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