Create a 6 pages page paper that discusses do calcium supplements increase cardiovascular risk. Congenital heart disease only constitute to a smaller portion of the fatality through CVD. Approximately 75% of the cases of CVD are caused by acquired factors such as poor lifestyle such as tobacco use, low fruit and vegetable diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, and high cholesterol intakes. [1]
Several risk factors have been shown to cause CVD. Higher risks of acquiring of CVD occur in people above the age of 55 and the risk of stroke doubles every decade after. Gender is also a risk factor. Higher rates of coronary heart disease and stroke were seen in men compared to women. [1]
One of the prevailing causes of deaths from CVD is myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, more commonly known as heart attack is caused by interruption of blood supply to the heart causing the cardiac cells to die (myocardial necrosis). It is often caused by blockage due to cholesterol or other deposits. Myocardial infarction can be characterized by: (i) sudden, unexpected cardiac death, involving cardiac arrest. (ii) detection of rise and/or fall of cardiac biomarkers preferably troponin. (iii) pathological findings of an acute myocardial infarction. [2]
Calcium is an essential mineral for numerous body processes. It is found in great abundance in the body, majority of which is in the bones and teeth, and a small percentage is found in the blood. It is an essential element for nerve conduction, muscle contraction and blood clotting. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends daily dietary allowance of calcium at 1,000 mg, with increased intake of 1,200 to 1,300mg for adolescents (9 to 18 years old) and pregnant and postmenopausal women. [3]
Natural sources of calcium include milk, yogurt and cheese. However, due to increased demand for calcium in several age groups, some people are being advised on taking supplements.
