Angina - Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart is known as angina or angina pectoris. Hardening of the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis) that feed the heart is usually the underlying problem.

Atherosclerosis - (hardening of the arteries) of the vessels that supply the heart with blood is the most common cause of heart attacks. Atherosclerosis and high cholesterol usually occur together, though cholesterol levels can change quickly and atherosclerosis generally takes decades to develop.

Cholesterol - Low HDL cholesterol (known as the “good” cholesterol) and high LDL cholesterol (known as the “bad” cholesterol) are more specifically linked to cardiovascular disease than is total cholesterol. A blood test, administered by most healthcare professionals, is used to determine cholesterol levels.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension) - Hypertension is the word that describes arterial blood under a lot of pressure. Hence the term, high blood pressure. Arterial blood pressure is determined by means of two measurements.

The first is called systolic pressure; it represents the force against the arteries as the heart pumps out blood.

The second, called diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. When one's blood is measured with a blood pressure cuff, the systolic pressure is recorded first, then the diastolic.

Most health practitioners consider normal blood pressure to be around 120/80 (spoken of as 120 over 80). Although blood pressures under 140 systolic and 85 diastolic are generally acceptable, there is evidence that any elevation over 80 diastolic may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These diseases include the most common killers in Western cultures—stroke, arteriosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Homocysteine - Thirty years ago, scientists discovered a genetic defect called hyperhomocysteinemia, which impairs the body's ability to break down the amino acid homocysteine.

When a person inherits two copies of the defective gene, the amino acid can build up to levels 40 times higher than normal. At such high levels, homocysteine is extremely toxic to blood vessels, resulting in atherosclerosis and fatal heart attack or stroke, often by age 15. Fortunately, that scenario is rare, occurring in just one of every 200,000 births.

Now it is suspected that even people who have no genetic flaw but nonetheless have slightly elevated levels of homocysteine may also be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

In 1992, findings from the ongoing Physicians' Health Study of 15,000 men showed that those whose homocysteine levels were just 12 percent above the high end of the normal range had three times the risk of heart attack.

Studies since then have shown that consuming folic acid, either alone or in combination with vitamins B-6 and B-12, can significantly reduce homocysteine levels.

A major review, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, examined more than a dozen studies, the researchers concluded that consuming 0.5 milligram or more of folic acid a day yields a 25 percent drop in homocysteine levels.

Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is an anti-oxidant made naturally in our bodies, but amounts decline with age. It protects LDL cholesterol from oxidising, reducing damage to arteries including coronary arteries. Studies show positive results in lowering high blood pressure. CoQ10 is vital in cell energy production throughout the body, and is essential for the healthy function of the hard-working heart muscles. CoQ10 is helpful to those taking statins, tricyclic anti-depressants and some beta-blockers, as these can block natural CoQ10 production. There are no restrictions on long-term use. You may notice improvements in your general energy. Supplements can boost stores of CoQ10 lost due to ageing, stress and prescribed drugs.

• Viridian CoQ10 30mg - Click here to go to the Viridian page

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can help prevent excessive blood clotting, arterial damage and oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Vitamin E researchers have demonstrated that the risk of heart disease can be reduced by up to 40% by the use of vitamin E, and that sufferers of heart disease can cut the risk of heart attacks by up to 75%. It is an important anti-oxidant, which protects LDL cholesterol from oxidising, reduces damage to arteries including coronary arteries, and helps protect against heart disease and stroke. Vitamin E works best in combination with vitamin C. If you are new to vitamin E, we recommend starting at 100iu. increasing if necessary after a month. Vitamin E in its natural form is called d-alpha tocopherol.

• Viridian Natural Vitamin E 400iu - Click here to go to the Viridian page

Garlic and Hawthorn combinations

Hawthorn berry has been dubbed ‘the tonic for four corners of the heart’ because of its influence on all aspects of heart health. Clinical trials in Europe have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of hawthorn extracts in early congestive heart failure, mild angina, arrhythmia and hypertension, as well as recovery from heart attacks. Hawthorn works by improving blood flow through the coronary arteries and increasing the efficiency of the heart's pumping activity. Additionally, it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, is anti-arrhythmic and promotes antioxidant actions by increasing blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels. Hawthorn's flavonoids protect small capillary vessels from free radical damage.

Bional’s mix contains 120mg odourless garlic plus 60mg hawthorn, and 60mg mistletoe, with a little vitamin E.
Bioforce’s mix contains 150 mg garlic, 50mg hawthorn, and 20mg passiflora.

These mixtures are a convenient way of taking these herbs together. They have many benefits for the circulatory system, for more info please see Garlic and Hawthorn listed above. Mistletoe and Passiflora are both traditional calming herbs.

• Bional - Garlic Hawthorn and Mistletoe - Click here to go to the Bional page

Vitamin B Complex

B Complex contains all the different B vitamins, which work best in combination. It is essential to reduce levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid produced in our bodies by the incomplete breakdown of excess protein, and is a major risk factor for heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. B6, B12 and Folic Acid are especially helpful in maintaining healthy homocysteine levels.

In studies, B3 helps lower cholesterol. B vitamins are also involved in nerve health and energy production. Some B vitamins are depleted by alcohol, the drug metformin, or oral contraceptives.

• Viridian B Complex with Magnesium Ascorbate - Click here to go to the Viridian page
  Known as ‘stress formula’, this is a good B complex also containing vitamin C in the form of Magnesium Ascorbate.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been called ‘nature’s calcium-channel blocker’. It regulates calcium entering heart and muscle cells. Studies show magnesium improves heart function and can lower blood pressure, and can relieve symptoms of cramps and intermittent claudication ( a blood vessel condition common in smokers). Low magnesium levels are linked with increased migraines. Magnesium is also used for PMS with irritability or anxiety, and can help mood swings. Magnesium is essential for bone health. Vitamin B6 may be included. B6 reduces homocysteine, which is beneficial to heart health, see B-complex above. B6 also raises cellular magnesium levels and help lift depression.

• Viridian Magnesium Citrate with B6 - Click here to go to the Viridian page

Plant Sterols

These products contain beta-sitosterol and other related substances. Fruits and vegetables naturally contain sterols, but our intake may not be enough, so a supplement is immensely useful. Sterols directly benefit heart health and cholesterol levels. Sterols can help block the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
Sterols are also useful for a wide range of conditions: enlarged prostate (BPH), immune system problems, infections including viral, allergies including respiratory, hay fever and sinusitis. There is research evidence to support their use in BPH and many other conditions.
Plant sterols do not stimulate the immune system, they modulate it, ie. balance it, hence sterols can be used by those with auto-immune conditions (eg. rheumatoid arthritis), or those taking drugs which compromise the immune system. They also act as anti-inflammatories.
If used to help manage cholesterol, these products should be taken with meals.

• Moducare - Click here to go to the moducare page
  (Contains 60mg sterols and 0.6mg sterolins per cap.)