Cardiovascular health precautions are essential to ensure a long and healthy life. According to the Ministry of Health, cardiovascular diseases cause around 400,000 deaths a year, with arterial calcification being one of the aggravating factors for myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.<\/p>\n
Have you ever heard of this condition? We'll explain: Over the years, calcium can build up in the arteries. This process, known as arterial calcification, causes the arteries to stiffen and impairs blood circulation.<\/p>\n
Although calcium is the main mineral found in bones and teeth, its presence is not limited to them alone, as approximately 1% is found in the blood. In addition, with advancing age the concentration of this mineral can be seen in other parts of the body.<\/p>\n
There are also risk factors that can aggravate the disease, such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure and family history.<\/p>\n
Vitamin K2 is one of the options to help prevent this condition. This is because Menaquinone-7 (the technical name for vitamin K2), acts as a regulator of calcium metabolism and helps direct the mineral to the bones, inhibiting its deposition in the artery walls.<\/p>\n
You may be wondering where to find vitamin K2. Mequinone-7 is present in cheeses, egg yolks, meats and in foods that are not so common in our culture, such as Natto, a traditional Japanese delicacy made from fermented soybeans. Supplementing is therefore a safe alternative when it is not possible to supply the body with the necessary amount of K2 with the day's meals.<\/p>\n
Supplementing with this vitamin is important, but it needs to be combined with a healthier lifestyle! Check out the list we've prepared of key habits to prevent and control arterial calcification:<\/p>\n
. Daily physical activity<\/p>\n
. Opt for healthy food<\/p>\n
. Controlling high blood pressure<\/p>\n
It is essential to have a medical angiologist for both prevention and treatment of patients who already have the condition at an advanced stage. The specialist determines the appropriate dose of vitamin K2<\/a> to be ingested, as well as guiding specific treatments for each case. See a doctor and take care of your health ? every day!<\/p>\n Sources:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \"Use your heart for every heart\": 29\/9 - World Heart Day<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nhttps:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/JAHA.120.020551<\/p>\n