There are conflicting theories about the causes of heart disease with no clear answers to protect the heart completely. The most recognized causes are linked to cholesterol in the diet, lack of exercise and smoking. While each of these causes of heart problems are documented and preached by the medical community, conflicting views claim that research does not correspond to history. They point to the fact that the number of heart attacks was lower when smoking was more popular and eating foods high in fat content was in vogue.

Numerous studies whoever, link these causes of heart attact to many deaths in the United States. Cholesterol is blamed for thickening the blood, causing the heart to work harder as well as thickening the blood and causing blood clots. It is the blood clots that often block the arteries to the heart resulting in a heart attack. By reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood, it is one of the causes of heart disease that can be controlled by a change in lifestyle.

A lack of exercise is also pointed to as one of the causes of heart disease and logic bears this out. People who do not have some form of regular exercise often have weakened heart muscles. A sudden surge in activity level will cause the heart to work harder that it is used to an can cause weakened blood vessels to collapse.

Strengthening The Heart Also Opens Arteries.

Another benefit to exercise is that it prompts the heart to pump more blood, which includes an increase in oxygen levels. Exercise does not have to be on level with professional athletes training for a big event, but about 30 minutes a week can help eliminate one of the causes of heart disease with minimal effort.

Smoking is another of the causes of heart disease that can be eliminated by a lifestyle change. Smoke from cigarettes blocks the lungs ability to pass along oxygen to the blood, which carries it to the heart, the brain and to all of the other organs. By eliminating the toxins in cigarette smoke, the oxygen going to the blood is more pure and more healthy.

Another of the causes of heart disease is hereditary. With parents passing along congenital heart problems there may be generations that will suffer heart disease even when they do not participate in any lifestyle activities considered to be at risk for heart trouble.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with heart disease such as Vitamin B, Green Tea, and Oat Bran.

Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.

Green Tea Contains antioxidants that may protect against heart disease, several types of cancer, and skin damage.

Oat bran muffins lower blood cholesterol among healthy college students by almost 10 percent.