Heart Attacks Don't Start in the Heart

What nobody told you about cholesterol, sugar, your gums and your arteries

It's not your fault. But it is your responsibility to understand what may contribute to one of the leading causes of death in Western countries: cardiovascular disease.

If I asked you right now what the main cause of a heart attack is, you'd probably answer:

Cholesterol.

And that would make perfect sense.

We've been hearing it for decades.

Cholesterol. Fat. Clogged arteries. Heart attack. End of the story.

But...

What if I told you that around half of all heart attacks occur in people whose LDL cholesterol levels are considered normal?

Yes.

You read that correctly.

So the obvious question is:

If cholesterol is "normal", why are people still having heart attacks?

The answer is simple.

Because cardiovascular health is about much more than cholesterol.

Your arteries are like a motorway

Imagine a motorway.

You can count how many cars are driving on it. But that doesn't tell you whether the road surface is in good condition, whether there are roadworks, potholes or accidents.

Exactly the same thing happens with your arteries.

Cholesterol is simply one of the vehicles travelling through them.

But the real question is:

What condition is the road in?

In other words:

  • How much inflammation do you have?
  • How healthy is your metabolism?
  • How healthy is your endothelium?
  • What does your lifestyle look like?

As Dr Irene Narváez explains, cardiovascular health is the result of inflammation, metabolic health and endothelial function.

And that's where the real story begins.

Sugar talks to your arteries

For years we've been taught to fear olive oil, eggs, nuts and dietary fat.

Meanwhile, the real culprit often went unnoticed:

Excess sugar.

When we regularly consume soft drinks, pastries, biscuits, sugary juices and ultra-processed foods, something important happens.

The liver converts part of that excess sugar into triglycerides.

In addition:

  • Inflammation increases.
  • Insulin resistance becomes more likely.
  • The endothelium is damaged.
  • Cardiovascular deterioration may accelerate.

That's why we now know it's not simply about eating less fat.

It's also about reducing refined and added sugars.

The forgotten hero: Nitric Oxide

You've probably never heard much about it.

Yet it is one of the most important molecules for keeping your arteries healthy.

Nitric oxide.

Its main functions are to:

  • Relax blood vessels.
  • Improve circulation.
  • Promote vasodilation.
  • Help regulate blood pressure.
  • Protect the endothelium.

The more nitric oxide your body produces, the better your blood vessels can function.

And here's the good news.

You can naturally support its production.

How to naturally increase nitric oxide

Get some sunshine

UVA rays help release nitric oxide stored in the skin.

This may improve circulation, promote vasodilation and help support healthy blood pressure.

Eat natural nitrate-rich vegetables

The best sources include:

  • Beetroot
  • Spinach
  • Rocket (Arugula)
  • Swiss chard
  • Lettuce

That's why our Linverd Beetroot Gazpacho has become one of our star products during Cardiovascular Health Week.

Take care of your mouth

Here's one of the biggest surprises.

Beneficial bacteria in your mouth help convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide.

If oral dysbiosis develops:

  • There are fewer beneficial bacteria.
  • Less nitric oxide is produced.
  • Your cardiovascular protection may decrease.

Yes.

Your gums communicate with your heart.

Keep moving

Every walk, every workout and every flight of stairs stimulates nitric oxide production.

Movement doesn't just strengthen your muscles.

It also supports healthier arteries.

Walking: The most underrated medicine

If there were a pill that could:

  • Improve endothelial function.
  • Help lower blood pressure.
  • Increase nitric oxide production.
  • Support healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Help lower triglycerides.
  • Reduce inflammation.

It would be a worldwide success.

The good news?

It already exists.

And it's completely free.

Walking.

You don't need to run marathons.

You don't need to spend two hours at the gym every day.

You simply need to move more.

Aim for around 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. Take the stairs, park further away or get off the bus one stop earlier.

Every single step is an investment in your arteries.

The foods your arteries love most

  • Oily fish rich in Omega-3 (sardines, anchovies, mackerel, salmon...)
  • Walnuts
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Matcha green tea
  • Pure cocoa
  • Berries
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Beetroot

Not because there is a miracle food.

But because these foods provide nutrients that help reduce inflammation, protect the endothelium and support metabolic health.

Our top Linverd recommendations this week

  • Linverd Beetroot Gazpacho with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Como Como & Biocop Organic Canned Fish
  • Webotanix Omega 3
  • Pure Omega Liquid
  • Sorribas Walnut & Rosemary Hummus
  • Glorioso Full Fiber Protein
  • Georganics Oil Pulling

Cardiovascular health is built every day

We don't want you to become obsessed with cholesterol.

We want you to understand something much more important.

Cardiovascular health is built day after day.

Through what you eat. How you move. How well you sleep. How you manage stress. How you care for your mouth. And the healthy habits you repeat every day.

Because heart attacks don't start in the heart.

They begin years earlier.

And the good news is that you can start protecting your arteries today.