The Health Strategy for prevention and early detection.
Maximize Your Personal Program of exercise, diet, and nutritional supplementation.
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Heart Health
Your Blood Work Indicators
In your personal lab results the primary tests that relate to heart health are the Lipid Panel, which includes the Triglycerides, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol Calculation and the C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac Test.
Remember to review your results and the tools available on our website to understand them.
Core Food Groups
Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit per day are recommended. Select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times a week. Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day; in general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
For individuals who choose to or must avoid all milk products (e.g., individuals with lactose intolerance, vegans), non-dairy calcium-containing alternatives may be selected to help meet calcium needs.
Supplements that may improve heart health
Supplements that contain one or more of the following ingredients may improve heart health. See references below.
- Plant Stanol Esters
- Plant Sterol Esters
- Psyllium
- Soy Protein
- Stigmasterol
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Beta Glucan
- Beta-Sitosterol
- Campesterol
- Coenzyme Q10
- Folic acid
- Niacin
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement.
References
[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 21, Volume 2] [Revised as of April 1, 2007] [CITE: 21CFR101.83]. TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS. CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER B--FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
FDA ALLOWS FOODS CONTAINING PSYLLIUM TO MAKE HEALTH CLAIM ON REDUCING RISK OF HEART DISEASE. Food and Drug Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,Public Health Service 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857. February 17, 1998
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Office of Nutrition Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Division of Nutrition Science and Policy, HFS-830. Office of Food Additive Safety, HFS-200. July 1, 2002.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.Title 21: Food and Drugs.PART 101—FOOD LABELING.Subpart E—Specific Requirements for Health Claims [65 FR 54717, Sept. 8, 2000; 65 FR 70466, Nov. 24, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 66742, Dec. 27, 2001; 68 FR 15355, Mar. 31, 2003; 70 FR 41958, July 21, 2005]
FDA Authorizes new coronary heart disease health claim for plant sterol and plant stanol esters. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857. September 5, 2000. Consumer Inquiries 888-INFOFDA.
The Food and Nutrition Board. http://www.iom.edu/?ID=3788
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. P04-89. September 8, 2004. Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA. A PHYSICIANS' UPDATE ON COENZYME Q10 IN U.S. MEDICINE. John T.A.Ely, PhD, Chair, Provisional Committee on Q10. Radiation Studies, Box 351310.Univ. of Wash, Seattle, WA, 98195
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Published jointly every 5 years since 1980 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/default.htm