Is MTHFR affecting your heart health?

Is MTHFR affecting your heart health?

Share This Post

23.3 million, that’s a big number!

by 2030 more than 23 million people will die annually from cardiovascular disease (CVD) (World Health Organisation)

imgres

Cardiovascular disease is already the number one cause of death globally, with more people dying annually from CVDs than from any other cause.

But what do we mean when we talk cardiovascular disease? Well, it’s an umbrella term, covering all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including, but not limited to:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure/heart attack
  • Hypertension
  • Thromboses like DVT
  • High cholesterol

However, it is really important, to understand that heart disease is a problem of the vascular system, and that vascular health is largely about endothelial function – endothelial cells line the inner surface of our blood vessels.

At a biochemical level, the endothelial cells respond to a very simple signal telling them to either dilate (expand) or contract.

So where does MTHFR fit in?

There are a number of CVD risk factors, many in the main stream media every other day. These include:

  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Limited/no exercise
  • Low fruit and vegetable intake
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking

And…an MTHFR gene polymorphism

However, the MTHFR picture with CVD is not just about homocysteine levels. We have always thought of elevated homocysteine as being the biggest predictor of CVD but recent research suggests that it’s not directly related i.e. if you have high homocysteine it doesn’t just mean you will have a heart attack or stroke. However, it does have an indirect effect – through oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress causes free radicals, those nasty little things that go around our body wreaking havoc when they are allowed to! This ‘havoc’ includes the healthy function of the endothelial cells and ultimately, cardio health.

So, we can eat healthy food, exercise more, limit alcohol and do all of those things that we’re ‘told to do’, but what if there’s more?

Want to learn more?

Click here to watch the replay of our Cardiovascular Webinar.

Image 1: Source

Image 2: Source

Related Posts

Pumpkin Pie with Oatmeal Gingersnap Shortcrust
MTHFR

Pumpkin Pie with Oatmeal Gingersnap Shortcrust

This recipe is full of potassium-rich pumpkin which helps restore the body’s balance of electrolytes and supports heart and muscle function. Cinnamon helps stabilise blood ...
Read More →
Conditions

Vitamin D and Thyroid Health: A Connection Practitioners Can’t Ignore

Vitamin D is widely recognised for its role in bone health, but its impact on the immune system and thyroid health is often overlooked. Emerging ...
Read More →
Join our FREE 10-Day ‘MTHFR in Preconception’ Email Course!
MTHFR

Join our FREE 10-Day ‘MTHFR in Preconception’ Email Course!

In line with our current focus on MTHFR in preconception, our founder and MTHFR expert Carolyn Ledowsky has been busy creating and hosting our FREE ...
Read More →
Turkey Schnitzel with Pear and Hazelnut Salad
MTHFR

Turkey Schnitzel with Pear and Hazelnut Salad

Recipe of the week (Serves 3) Ingredients: 500g turkey breast (Serves 3) ½ cup rice crumbs 1 egg (whisked) 2 tsp olive oil to grease ...
Read More →
DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
MTHFR

DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

Ingredients: 1/2 cup castile soap liquid 1/2 cup distilled water 1 Tbsp Vitamin E oil (optional) 1 Tbsp sweet almond oil or olive oil or ...
Read More →
Cervical Dysplasia/ Cervical Cancer / HPV
Conditions

Cervical Dysplasia/ Cervical Cancer / HPV

What Is Cervical Dysplasia & Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the narrow neck at the lower part of a woman’s uterus, ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top
Carolyn Ledowsky

Stay Connected!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter with current MTHFR research, health tips, recipes, special offers and news about upcoming events including Carolyn’s live Q&A.

Subscribe