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Heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for any disease of the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular). This includes atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack or myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension and congestive heart failure. CVD, though the number one cause of death in the United States, is not a natural occurrence of aging. The most important indicator of CVD is cholesterol levels. Many nutritional supplements can help regulate cholesterol levels. Foremost is the antioxidants, namely vitamin E, which protects the body from free radicals that damage the lining of the blood vessels, alter LDL-cholesterol and increase the build up of fat along the walls of the blood vessels. Nutrient intake has been shown to effect LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, inclusion of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish may also protect against CVD. A diet that contains the B vitamins, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc and an extra dose of antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene along with regular exercise will help in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
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