If you are interested in living to be 100, you must protect the most active muscle in your body, your heart. The leading cause of death in the United States is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease includes heart attack, stroke and other disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Coronary Heart disease is a disease of the heart and blood vessels within the heart.

Coronary arteries are arteries that supply blood to the heart. When these arteries become narrow, the heart is deprived of oxygen. Chest pain, known as angina pectoris, can result.

Arteriosclerosis is hardening of the arteries. When a clot or thrombus forms in one of these hardened or sclerosed arteries, it creates an obstruction. When the flow of blood is cut off, a heart attack or myocardial infarction, can occur.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often a forerunner to heart problems. High blood pressure results from a decrease in elasticity and/or a reduction in the interior diameter of the arteries. As a result, your heart becomes strained and blood vessels may become damaged.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, valvular disease and arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. Some are dangerous and some are not.

A heart attack occurs because of an interruption in blood flow to the heart. Heart failure is characterized by inadequate blood flow from the heart. The heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's requirements.

Steps can be taken to avoid heart disease. These include quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake, high blood cholesterol, stress, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes mellitus.

For sound cardiovascular function, the heart requires proper nutrition including antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that damage our cells and tissues. We are bombarded by them daily from environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, diets high in fats and normal cellular metabolism. Some dietary sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, chocolate, oregano, olive oil and tea. But you may not be able to get all the antioxidants your body needs through dietary means, and living to be 100 may be a goal more difficult to obtain.

Proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants that strongly inhibit oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Proflavanol and Proflavanol 90 are brand names of antioxidant supplements that are rich in proanthocyanidins and that provide the first line of defense against oxidative stress. Proflavanoid and Proflavanoid 90 combine the highest quality grape-seed extract with the free-radical fighting power of vitamin C.

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.