Jakarta, ThedailyID — Cardiovascular disease remains a major health challenge in Asia. One study cited in the release found that Asia accounts for 61.3% of cardiovascular deaths worldwide.
The region also has an 8.3% higher disease burden than the global average. Although cardiovascular deaths have declined, the overall burden continues to grow.
An aging population contributes to the trend. Lifestyle changes also play a role.
The American Heart Association highlights eight key areas of cardiovascular health. They include a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding nicotine and getting enough quality sleep.
Maintaining a healthy weight also matters. So do healthy blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
However, heart health also involves processes inside the body’s cells. Mitochondria are one of the key structures involved in these processes.
Research shows that blood vessels gradually change with age. This process is known as vascular aging.
These changes can affect cardiovascular health over time. Declining mitochondrial function may also contribute to changes in blood vessel health.
Dr. Vipada Sae-Lao, Nutrition Education and Training Lead for Asia Pacific at Herbalife, explained the role of mitochondria.
She described mitochondria as small structures inside cells that act like power plants. They convert nutrients from food into energy for the body.
The heart needs large amounts of energy relative to its size. Mitochondria provide that energy.
When mitochondria work properly, the heart can contract and relax. They also help the heart respond to physical demands.
“Good cardiovascular health starts at the cellular level, inside the mitochondria,” Sae-Lao said.
She also highlighted four nutrients that may support cellular processes linked to heart health.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA, plays a role in cellular health. It works in mitochondria and may help protect DNA from damage.
ALA can work in both water- and fat-based environments. It may also help recycle vitamins C and E.
Foods such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts contain ALA. Liver and kidneys also contain the compound.
However, research cited in the release suggests that dietary ALA may not produce significant levels in the bloodstream. People considering supplements can discuss the option with a healthcare professional.
Nitric Oxide (NO)
Nitric oxide, or NO, supports several processes linked to heart health. It helps blood vessels relax and widen, which supports blood flow.
NO may also help reduce unwanted blood clot formation in arteries. It can also support anti-inflammatory processes in blood vessels.
Research cited in the release suggests that NO may support the formation of new mitochondria. However, NO levels naturally decline with age.
Physical activity can help increase NO production. Certain foods can also provide nutrients that the body uses to produce NO.
Spinach, beetroot and Brussels sprouts contain dietary nitrates. The body can convert these nitrates into NO.
Citrus fruits and pomegranates may help maintain NO after production. Fish and nuts provide arginine, which the body uses to produce NO.
These foods also provide omega-3 fats that may support NO production.
Creatine
Creatine acts as an energy reserve in heart muscle. It helps maintain a stable supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP provides energy for cells, including heart cells. Some studies suggest creatine may also support mitochondrial efficiency.
The release also cites research linking creatine with potentially lower cellular damage over time.
Creatine supplementation may support cardiovascular health by helping manage blood pressure responses. It may also affect markers of inflammation.
Red meat and fish contain creatine. However, the release notes that dietary intake may not always provide enough to support the heart’s energy system.
The body’s creatine production can also decline with age.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, has a high concentration in the heart. It plays an important role in converting nutrients into energy.
CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant. Meat, fish, nuts and vegetable oils contain the compound.
It may help protect heart cells from everyday cellular damage. It also supports blood vessel function.
The body produces CoQ10 naturally. However, its levels decline with age.
Sae-Lao stressed that lifestyle habits remain important for cardiovascular health. A balanced diet, regular exercise and quality sleep all play a role.
Routine health checks are also important, she said.
“ALA, NO, creatine and CoQ10 can provide additional support for the energy system the heart needs,” Sae-Lao said.
She added that people can meet many cellular nutritional needs through their daily diet. When food intake is insufficient, she recommended discussing targeted supplementation with a healthcare professional.
