TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART ❤️

February is the month of the heart for many reasons. Valentine's Day is the 14th, the holiday of love and the emotional heart. February is also designated as heart month by the Heart Foundation and the American heart Association.

So why is there so much focus on the heart? Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the U.S. It accounts for nearly one out of every four deaths in our country.

Having your cholesterol checked is one way to keeping tabs on your heart disease risk. Many patients with high cholesterol will say, "My bad genes are the cause of my high cholesterol, it's in my family." Yes, while genes play a role in your cholesterol level, the study below shows that even if your genes are not favorable, you can make changes to decrease your risk.

A 2016 study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled "Genetic Risk, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Coronary Disease." Here was the conclusion: across the study involving 55,685 participants, genetic and lifestyle factors were independently associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease. Among participants at high genetic risk, a favorable lifestyle was associated with a nearly 50% lower relative risk of coronary artery disease than was an unfavorable lifestyle.

There you have it, lifestyle modification can lower your risk by nearly 50%. Making simple changes can prove big benefits in both cardiovascular and overall health. The promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors that were listed in the study include not smoking, avoiding obesity, regular physical activity (at least once a week), and a healthy diet pattern. It really does not require a significant change to make a big difference in decreasing the risk.

If you don't include a lot of fish in your regular diet, consider supplementing with: Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, play a critical role in promoting heart health. These essential fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by plaque buildup in arteries. Omega-3s help maintain the flexibility and function of blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

One of the most significant benefits of Omega-3s is their ability to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. Elevated triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, Omega-3s have been shown to modestly lower blood pressure, further contributing to cardiovascular health. they also improve the balance between good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, supporting overall lipid profile optimization.

And just when you thought they were done, Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to stabilizing heart rhythms. They have been shown to reduce the likelihood of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, which can lead to serious complications such as sudden cardiac arrest. By addressing multiple pathways involved in heart health, Omega-3s emerge as a powerful ally in maintaining a healthy and resilient cardiovascular system.

If you already take an Omega-3 supplement, please read the "By the Numbers" article posted later this month, or on page two of the newsletter. If you don't we recommend Healthy Living Solutions' Ultra Omega-3 EPA + DHA 1000mg Softgels. For the month of February, buy one bottle, get one 50% off! As always let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.