Based on a 2016 report, about 48% of the adult population have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. That’s over 121.5 million people! There are 22 different types of cardiovascular disease. CVD is the #1 leading cause of death and disability in the US.
Systemic inflammation can be caused by periodontal bacteria traveling from the oral cavity into the blood stream. This can damage the blood vessel lining, which is the first step toward heart attack and stroke. Pro-inflammatory mediators are also released in response to periodontal disease, which drives insulin resistance and causes arterial damage and cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is the only known disease to increase LpPla2 (protein) levels, which increases arterial plaque vulnerability and plays a direct role in cardiovascular disease progression.
Improving oral health reduces systemic infection and inflammation, allowing the body to heal itself. Eliminating oral infections may lead to disease reversal. Studies suggest that nearly half of all heart attacks and ischemic strokes could be prevented with complete health dental treatment.
- Excess stress may be detrimental to your health. The stress response initiates hormones that increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Long-term exposure to stress can disrupt nearly every organ in your body, increasing your risk for serious health complications such as heart attack and stroke.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet lowers your risk for many chronic conditions including obesity, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes and depression. Regular exercise is important for total body health. Exercise improves heart health by helping your heart and cardiovascular system work more efficiently. Goal: A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- It can help control blood pressure, improve blood lipids and reduce systemic inflammation. Proper sleep is important for general health. Lack of sleep enhances pro-inflammatory activity and reduces proper immune function, impacting your safety, vitality, and longevity. Goal: 8 hours of high quality sleep nightly!
