Doctors Reveal 8 Ways to Rejuvenate Cardiovascular Health, Not Through Supplements

While many worry about hardening arteries and potential cardiovascular events, doctors emphasize that true vascular health comes not from supplements, but from diligent management of chronic conditions and healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Tseng Kuo-Hsiang, director of the Cardiovascular Center at the National Defense Medical Center's Taoyuan General Hospital, explained that while no oral medication can "soften" already hardened arteries, a combination of controlling "three highs" (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar), managing weight, exercising regularly, eating healthily, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep can significantly slow vascular aging and lower the risk of heart attack. These eight indicators are the real path to effective vascular maintenance.

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Currently, there is no medication in medicine that can "soften" already hardened blood vessels.

Tseng clarified that medications like statins, though unable to reverse arterial hardening, play a crucial role in reducing bad cholesterol levels. This stabilization of arterial plaques makes them less likely to rupture, thereby decreasing the incidence of heart attacks. Similarly, blood pressure medications alleviate the impact of blood flow on vessel walls, preventing further damage. The primary function of these drugs is to slow deterioration and mitigate risks, not to restore youthful elasticity to the vessels.

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The role of drugs is to delay deterioration and reduce risk, not to restore blood vessels to youth.

The American Heart Association recommends eight key indicators for maintaining vascular health. These include a healthy diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fish, while limiting red meat and processed foods to reduce inflammation. Regular exercise stimulates the release of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that improves vascular function and elasticity. Quitting smoking is paramount, as tobacco components accelerate hardening and calcification. Finally, achieving 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly is vital, as insufficient sleep can trigger sympathetic nervous system overactivity and chronic inflammation, hastening vascular aging.

In addition to these behaviors, managing weight to reduce visceral fat, strictly controlling LDL cholesterol, preventing high blood sugar from damaging the vascular endothelium, and maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg are crucial. Tseng concluded that instead of seeking unproven remedies or supplements, individuals should prioritize adhering to prescribed medications, managing chronic conditions, and integrating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep into their daily lives. Maintaining good blood circulation is the most effective way to protect cardiovascular health.

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Instead of looking for folk remedies or health supplements to "soften" blood vessels, it is better to take medication on time, control the three highs, and implement regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep into daily life.