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The Full Body MOT – Heart & Circulation Health

Sam Cooper
The Full Body MOT – Heart & Circulation Health

It is a brand-new year, and perhaps, you're thinking of taking better care of yourself. Vytaliving is making it our mission to support you to make 2022 your best year of wellbeing yet. For the full month of January, we will be releasing handy guides for boosting wellbeing. In the words of Novak Djokovic-

“We only have one life and one body to care of, and we better do it right.’

 As the winter months grow colder, for those suffering with poor circulation the symptoms become only more apparent. You may be experiencing stiff and heavy legs that have a constant dull ache. Not to mention cold extremities that can be sore and sensitive to touch. Poor Circulation is very common but not entirely unmanageable. This article will look at heart and circulation health, featuring Vytaliving Circulation Booster products.

The Heart

As many of us will know the heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood around the body in the cardiovascular system. This is a complex system including the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.

The heart is made up of 4 chambers, the right and left atrium, and the right and left ventricle. The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood, and the left hand receives oxygenated blood. Veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to the heart; the main vein is called the superior vena cava. Arteries carry oxygen and nutrients away from the heart; the main artery is called the aorta. Arteries are incredibly elastic to cope with increased pressure and force expelled upon them by the heart. Blood pressure in the arteries is much higher than in the veins. Veins are malleable and require contractions from the surrounding muscle to return the blood back to the heart. Aside from structure, one of the main differences between arteries and veins is that arteries don't contain valves whereas veins do. Valves stop the blood flowing back in the opposite direction from the heart.

Heart & Circulation Statistics

Heart related illness is still a large problem within the UK, here are some statistics to demonstrate the magnitude of cardiovascular illness*:

  • There are 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK. 4 million men and 3.6 million women respectively.
  • 25% of the deaths in the UK are caused by heart and circulatory diseases, that’s 168,000 people per year.
  • More than 40,000 people under the age of 75 in the UK died from heart and circulatory diseases each year.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the 2nd most prevalent cause of death in the UK behind Alzheimer's and Dementia.
  • Around 24,000 people under the age of 75 in the UK die from CHD each year
  • An estimated 28% of adults in the UK have high blood pressure – that’s around 15 million adults. In the UK, it’s estimated that 6-8 million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

*Statistics from the British Heart Foundation

Causes of Poor Circulation & Cardiovascular Disease

Common Risk Factors for Poor Circulation and Cardiovascular Diseases include:

  • Genetic Factors or Familial Disease
  • Ethnicity
  • Being extremely under- or overweight
  • Diabetes
  • Gender, being male.
  • Smoking
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol

If you are concerned about any of the above risk factors, then you are recommended to speak to your GP or healthcare practitioner.

Improving Heart Health

There are a number of factors that can support a healthy heart, even if you are subject to one or more of the above risk factors.

Diet

Diet plays a big role in heart health. You may already know some heart healthy foods, but in general these foods can be classified as anti-inflammatory, low in sodium, rich in unsaturated fats, and high in fibre. Including foods such as:

  • Oily Fish
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Grains & Cereals
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Tofu
  • Legumes and Beans
  • Plant Based Oils

For more information, risk factors for high blood pressure and high cholesterol (which may contribute to your risk of cardiovascular diseases) include eating too much saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, high sodium and excess sugar. Typically, these foods can be found in fast foods, animal-based products, and processed foods. Some simple swaps to improve heart health may include:

  • Switching from using butter and lard to plant-based oils such as rapeseed, olive oil and avocado oil
  • Instead of frying your meat or vegetables, a healthier form of cooking such as boiling, broiling, steaming, or roasting.
  • Read your food labels, if there is more than 1.5grams of salt per 100grams of the food item it’s considered to be a high salt item.
  • Aim to make your own sauces and pastes rather than buying shop-bought. This means you can control how much sugar is in each meal.
  • Aim for wholegrain and high fibre carbohydrates
  • Try to include some vegetarian or vegan days within the diet to reduce meat consumption.
  • If you are going to eat fish, opt for oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.
  • Don't forget your 5 a day!
  • Don’t cut out dairy. Although this is animal-based, the calcium within dairy means that it actually has cardio-protective value. Plus, the natural magnesium found in milk is needed for neurotransmission and muscle contraction in heart muscle.

Exercise

 It’s well-known that a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health is a sedentary lifestyle. A relationship has been found between an increase in exercise and improved cardiovascular health such as lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate and better blood flow. In addition to seeing a connection between a decreased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A study in the American Heart Association Journal and reported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) looked at 13 studies and found a 19% decrease in high blood pressure in those who exercised more than 4 hours a week.

Examples of Cardiovascular Aerobic Exercise

  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Aerobics

Medication

There are numerous medical interventions that can maintain a healthy heart or minimise risk factors including medical weight loss, cholesterol-lowering medication, blood pressure-lowering medication and other. Some concerning symptoms related to the cardiovascular system include:

  • Pain in the left shoulder/arm.
  • Breathlessness
  • Heartburn
  • Discomfort or tightening of the chest
  • Swollen feet
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Numbness at the extremities
  • Racing or very slow heart rate

If you are concerned that you may have any of these symptoms and may require support then contact your GP or healthcare practitioners for a cardiovascular check-up.

Support Groups

For more information on heart health, you may like to check out resources such as:

Vytaliving Products for Improved Circulation

Circulation Maxx Revitaliser

The Vytaliving Circulation Maxx Revitaliser™ is one of the most popular circulation devices on the  the market. It uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to alleviate aches, reduce swelling and improve blood circulation within the legs. All you have to do is sit down, place your feet on the Electronic Muscle Stimulator pads. Feel instant relief through your feet, ankles and calves in calming waves that move up the legs. Each purchase comes with remote control and a comprehensive instruction manual.

Compression Socks

The Copper Compression Zip Socks from Vytaliving contains graduated copper woven into the breathable and anti-microbial material. The socks help to reduce pain and swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet, whilst promoting healthy circulation. Available in 2 sizes, suitable for men and women.

Circulation Maxx Tablets

Biovit's Circulation Maxx is a dietary supplement that contains 4 powerful ingredients including beetroot, vitamin C, grapeseed and cinnamon with active nitrates and polyphenols. This formulation will support normal blood vessel structure and function. While improving circulation and reducing the feeling of heavy legs. Each pack contains 60 tablets

Circulation Maxx Reviver

The Circulation Maxx Reviver™ uses high-intensity output EMS device that emits electrical micro-pulses which stimulates the muscles in your feet, ankles and legs. This is a non-invasive, and drug-free way to stimulate your circulation. It also includes 2 pairs of TENS electro pads to use on other parts of the body such as the lower back or thighs.

Biofeedbac Circulation Boost Pad

This Biofeedbac Circulation Boost Pad is a portable circulation booster that promotes increased blood flow and minimises pain and discomfort. It's a perfect device if you suffer from poor circulation or swelling in the ankles, feet, hands and calf. This is fully portable and easy to roll-up, which means it's perfect for on the go.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References

The Full Body MOT – Heart & Circulation Health

Sam Cooper
The Full Body MOT – Heart & Circulation Health

It is a brand-new year, and perhaps, you're thinking of taking better care of yourself. Vytaliving is making it our mission to support you to make 2022 your best year of wellbeing yet. For the full month of January, we will be releasing handy guides for boosting wellbeing. In the words of Novak Djokovic-

“We only have one life and one body to care of, and we better do it right.’

 As the winter months grow colder, for those suffering with poor circulation the symptoms become only more apparent. You may be experiencing stiff and heavy legs that have a constant dull ache. Not to mention cold extremities that can be sore and sensitive to touch. Poor Circulation is very common but not entirely unmanageable. This article will look at heart and circulation health, featuring Vytaliving Circulation Booster products.

The Heart

As many of us will know the heart is the organ responsible for pumping blood around the body in the cardiovascular system. This is a complex system including the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.

The heart is made up of 4 chambers, the right and left atrium, and the right and left ventricle. The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood, and the left hand receives oxygenated blood. Veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to the heart; the main vein is called the superior vena cava. Arteries carry oxygen and nutrients away from the heart; the main artery is called the aorta. Arteries are incredibly elastic to cope with increased pressure and force expelled upon them by the heart. Blood pressure in the arteries is much higher than in the veins. Veins are malleable and require contractions from the surrounding muscle to return the blood back to the heart. Aside from structure, one of the main differences between arteries and veins is that arteries don't contain valves whereas veins do. Valves stop the blood flowing back in the opposite direction from the heart.

Heart & Circulation Statistics

Heart related illness is still a large problem within the UK, here are some statistics to demonstrate the magnitude of cardiovascular illness*:

  • There are 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK. 4 million men and 3.6 million women respectively.
  • 25% of the deaths in the UK are caused by heart and circulatory diseases, that’s 168,000 people per year.
  • More than 40,000 people under the age of 75 in the UK died from heart and circulatory diseases each year.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the 2nd most prevalent cause of death in the UK behind Alzheimer's and Dementia.
  • Around 24,000 people under the age of 75 in the UK die from CHD each year
  • An estimated 28% of adults in the UK have high blood pressure – that’s around 15 million adults. In the UK, it’s estimated that 6-8 million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

*Statistics from the British Heart Foundation

Causes of Poor Circulation & Cardiovascular Disease

Common Risk Factors for Poor Circulation and Cardiovascular Diseases include:

  • Genetic Factors or Familial Disease
  • Ethnicity
  • Being extremely under- or overweight
  • Diabetes
  • Gender, being male.
  • Smoking
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol

If you are concerned about any of the above risk factors, then you are recommended to speak to your GP or healthcare practitioner.

Improving Heart Health

There are a number of factors that can support a healthy heart, even if you are subject to one or more of the above risk factors.

Diet

Diet plays a big role in heart health. You may already know some heart healthy foods, but in general these foods can be classified as anti-inflammatory, low in sodium, rich in unsaturated fats, and high in fibre. Including foods such as:

  • Oily Fish
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Grains & Cereals
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Tofu
  • Legumes and Beans
  • Plant Based Oils

For more information, risk factors for high blood pressure and high cholesterol (which may contribute to your risk of cardiovascular diseases) include eating too much saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, high sodium and excess sugar. Typically, these foods can be found in fast foods, animal-based products, and processed foods. Some simple swaps to improve heart health may include:

  • Switching from using butter and lard to plant-based oils such as rapeseed, olive oil and avocado oil
  • Instead of frying your meat or vegetables, a healthier form of cooking such as boiling, broiling, steaming, or roasting.
  • Read your food labels, if there is more than 1.5grams of salt per 100grams of the food item it’s considered to be a high salt item.
  • Aim to make your own sauces and pastes rather than buying shop-bought. This means you can control how much sugar is in each meal.
  • Aim for wholegrain and high fibre carbohydrates
  • Try to include some vegetarian or vegan days within the diet to reduce meat consumption.
  • If you are going to eat fish, opt for oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.
  • Don't forget your 5 a day!
  • Don’t cut out dairy. Although this is animal-based, the calcium within dairy means that it actually has cardio-protective value. Plus, the natural magnesium found in milk is needed for neurotransmission and muscle contraction in heart muscle.

Exercise

 It’s well-known that a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health is a sedentary lifestyle. A relationship has been found between an increase in exercise and improved cardiovascular health such as lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate and better blood flow. In addition to seeing a connection between a decreased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A study in the American Heart Association Journal and reported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) looked at 13 studies and found a 19% decrease in high blood pressure in those who exercised more than 4 hours a week.

Examples of Cardiovascular Aerobic Exercise

  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Aerobics

Medication

There are numerous medical interventions that can maintain a healthy heart or minimise risk factors including medical weight loss, cholesterol-lowering medication, blood pressure-lowering medication and other. Some concerning symptoms related to the cardiovascular system include:

  • Pain in the left shoulder/arm.
  • Breathlessness
  • Heartburn
  • Discomfort or tightening of the chest
  • Swollen feet
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Numbness at the extremities
  • Racing or very slow heart rate

If you are concerned that you may have any of these symptoms and may require support then contact your GP or healthcare practitioners for a cardiovascular check-up.

Support Groups

For more information on heart health, you may like to check out resources such as:

Vytaliving Products for Improved Circulation

Circulation Maxx Revitaliser

The Vytaliving Circulation Maxx Revitaliser™ is one of the most popular circulation devices on the  the market. It uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to alleviate aches, reduce swelling and improve blood circulation within the legs. All you have to do is sit down, place your feet on the Electronic Muscle Stimulator pads. Feel instant relief through your feet, ankles and calves in calming waves that move up the legs. Each purchase comes with remote control and a comprehensive instruction manual.

Compression Socks

The Copper Compression Zip Socks from Vytaliving contains graduated copper woven into the breathable and anti-microbial material. The socks help to reduce pain and swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet, whilst promoting healthy circulation. Available in 2 sizes, suitable for men and women.

Circulation Maxx Tablets

Biovit's Circulation Maxx is a dietary supplement that contains 4 powerful ingredients including beetroot, vitamin C, grapeseed and cinnamon with active nitrates and polyphenols. This formulation will support normal blood vessel structure and function. While improving circulation and reducing the feeling of heavy legs. Each pack contains 60 tablets

Circulation Maxx Reviver

The Circulation Maxx Reviver™ uses high-intensity output EMS device that emits electrical micro-pulses which stimulates the muscles in your feet, ankles and legs. This is a non-invasive, and drug-free way to stimulate your circulation. It also includes 2 pairs of TENS electro pads to use on other parts of the body such as the lower back or thighs.

Biofeedbac Circulation Boost Pad

This Biofeedbac Circulation Boost Pad is a portable circulation booster that promotes increased blood flow and minimises pain and discomfort. It's a perfect device if you suffer from poor circulation or swelling in the ankles, feet, hands and calf. This is fully portable and easy to roll-up, which means it's perfect for on the go.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References

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