Heart Health

Heart health refers to the overall condition and functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Heart health is generally measured by healthcare professionals through a combination of clinical measurements, lifestyle factors, and risk assessments. While there is no single accepted definition, several key indicators can help determine if someone is heart healthy including:

1. Blood Pressure: Normal blood pressure is typically defined below 120/180 mmHg. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.

2. Cholesterol Levels: Optimal cholesterol levels include a total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL, LDL ("bad" cholesterol) less than 100 mg/dL in borderline/intermediate cardiac risk patients, less than 70 mg/dL in high cardiac risk patients, and HDL ("good" cholesterol) 40 mg/dL or higher in men and 50 mg/dL or higher in women. 

3. Body Mass Index (BMI): A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for heart health.

4. Blood Sugar Levels: For most adults without diabetes , a normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70 and 90 mg/dL.   Elevated blood sugar can indicate diabetes or prediabetes, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

5. Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week supports heart health.

6. Dietary Habits: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while low in processed foods, salt, and sugars, contributes to heart health.

7. Smoking Status: Non-smokers have a significantly lower risk of heart disease compared to smokers.

8. Family History and Genetics: A family history of heart disease can increase risk, and genetic factors play a role in heart health.

9. Stress Levels: Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health, so effective stress management is important.

Healthcare providers often use tools such as the American Heart Association's "Life's Essential 8" to evaluate heart health. This framework includes the factors mentioned above and provides a comprehensive approach to assessing cardiovascular health.

At Bayer, we support better awareness of heart health. It is important to talk to your doctor about your own health and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For a more detailed understanding, you can refer to the American Heart Association's resources on cardiovascular health metrics: American Heart Association - Life's Essential 8.

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in supporting heart health. Key choices include:

1. Regular Exercise: According to the World Health Organization, exercising at least 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.

2. Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats can help maintain heart health.

3. Stress Management: practices to reduce stress and improve some cardiovascular risk markers such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing  may help lower cardiovascular risk over time.

4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, and quitting is one of the most effective steps you can take for your heart. Heavy alcohol use also raises blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Global and national health guidelines recommend avoiding tobacco entirely and, for those who choose to drink, keeping alcohol intake low and within local health recommendations.

At Bayer, we support better awareness of heart health, and be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what steps might be best for supporting your heart health. For further reading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive resources: CDC - Heart Disease Prevention.

There are various products available to support heart health depending on specific risk factors. Some common ones include:

1. Omega‑3 supplements are often highlighted for their potential benefits in supporting heart health.These supplements, particularly those containing EPA and DHA, have been shown to help lower triglyceride levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease in certain high-risk groups. However, the effectiveness can vary based on the formulation and dosage, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

2. Regular monitoring of blood pressure at home is a valuable tool in managing hypertension,a key risk factor for heart disease. Home blood pressure monitors can provide readings that help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about lifestyle changes and treatment options.

3. Heart rate monitors are useful for tracking exercise intensity and ensuring that cardiovascular workouts are both safe and effective. By providing real-time feedback, these devices help individuals maintain the appropriate intensity level for their fitness goals.

4. Plant sterols and stanols are natural substances that can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels when included as part of a heart-healthy diet. These supplements work by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

    

Bayer has a long-standing heritage in cardiovascular health, contributing to widely used therapies and consumer health solutions, while continuing to support innovation and education that help individuals manage heart health. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. For evidence-based recommendations, check out resources from the Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic - Heart Disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood, and it is essential for building healthy cells. However, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can help protect against heart disease by transporting cholesterol away from the arteries. The 2026 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association provides comprehensive insights on current updated cholesterol management, Your doctor is best positioned to measure and consult on your cholesterol levels. 

Nutrition plays a foundational role in heart health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain optimal heart function and reduce disease risk. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, especially when dietary intake may be insufficient.

It's important to approach supplementation with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional. For more detailed information, Harvard Health offers a thorough overview. By understanding their risks and adopting appropriate practices and lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain and improve their heart health.

Many heart health–related products are designed for regular or daily use, but this depends on the type of product and a person’s health status:

• Medications like blood pressure or cholesterol‑lowering drugs are often prescribed for daily use and should be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. You can review the most recent publications:

  •  2025 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults
    • 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia. 

• Monitoring devices like home blood pressure monitors or wearables are often used regularly or at set intervals to track trends rather than one‑off readings.
   

American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics with Bayer promotes responsible and consistent use of health products where appropriate, emphasizing adherence, clear guidance, and alignment with healthcare professionals to support safe and effective long-term health management. Always follow product instructions and, where relevant, medical advice when you have questions about the usage.

1. What symptoms may require medical attention? 

Certain symptoms can signal urgent heart problems and require immediate or prompt medical attention. Seek emergency care right away (possible heart attack or serious event) if you experience:

• Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort - especially if it lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach, is associated with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

• Sudden severe shortness of breath.

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking (possible stroke).

• Sudden fainting, collapse, or loss of consciousness.

• Very fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or chest discomfort.

   

Key Evidence: 

1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Review. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2022. Bhatt DL, Lopes RD, Harrington RA. 

2. 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid. Circulation. 2024. Hewett Brumberg EK, Douma MJ, Alibertis K, et al. 

3. State of the Science: The Relevance of Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease and Research: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022. Jurgens CY, Lee CS, Aycock DM, et al.

Bayer supports awareness initiatives around cardiovascular risk to help people make informed decisions about their health together with their healthcare provider.

Heart health is best monitored through a combination of clinical checks with a healthcare provider. Initial heart health awareness / cardiac risk awareness can be done through self‑monitoring, and lifestyle tracking, but should always be accompanied by a healthcare provider guidance. 

Bayer supports initiatives that increase awareness of cardiovascular risk, helping individuals make informed decisions in consultation with healthcare professionals.

When selecting heart health solutions (medications, supplements, devices, or lifestyle programs), Bayer encourages you to always discuss changes with your healthcare provider. Key considerations could include:

1. Your individual risk profile including factors like age, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking status, family history, and existing conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease).

2. Evidence of benefit and safety with a preference for solutions supported by clinical trials or high‑quality studies.

3. Regulatory status and quality such as whether the product is a regulated medicine, medical device, or dietary supplement; adherence to local regulatory standards (e.g., EMA, FDA, other national authorities).

4. Compatibility with existing treatments including otential interactions with medications, impact on blood pressure, heart rate, or clotting.

5. Usability and adherence factors like ease of use, comfort, cost, and how well the solution fits into daily life (critical for long‑term adherence).

6. Professional guidance including involvement of healthcare professionals in selecting and reviewing solutions, especially for people with existing heart disease or multiple conditions.

According to the 2026 dyslipidemia guidelines, the age for a patient's first evaluation depends on whether the screening is universal for the general population or targeted due to a high-risk family history: 

• Universal Screening for Children: It is recommended to screen all children with a lipid profile between 9 and 11 years of age if they have not been previously tested. This age range is preferred because subclinical atherosclerosis can be detected as early as 8 to 10 years of age, and screening later in adolescence is less optimal due to temporary pubertal declines in cholesterol levels.

• Targeted Screening for High-Risk Families: In individuals with first- or second-degree relatives who have premature ASCVD, severe hypercholesterolemia, or Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), screening is reasonable starting as early as 2 years of age.

• Universal Screening for Adults: For adults who have not been previously screened, the guidelines recommend beginning lipid profile screening at age 19 years. Following the initial evaluation, screening should occur at least every 5 years to identify treatable cardiovascular risk.

  The guidelines emphasize these early evaluations because prolonged and persistent exposure to atherogenic lipoproteins (such as LDL-C) is a primary driver of cardiovascular disease risk, making early identification of lipid disorders essential for lifelong prevention. Bayer supports the early identification of cardiovascular risk factors to improve long-term health outcomes.