The Role of Cellular Health in Cardiovascular Wellness
In our pursuit of health and wellbeing, many of us track our steps, monitor our sleep and optimise our diets. However, one vital health marker often goes unnoticed: our blood pressure.
Ahead of World Hypertension Day 17 May, new Australian research has revealed that 56% of adults with hypertension are unaware they have it. That’s over half of the 6.8 million Australians living with high blood pressure, with no idea of the impact this may have on their cardiovascular health.
Even more concerning, Australia is falling behind other high-income countries in managing blood pressure effectively. While control rates in Germany and the USA exceed 50%, Australia sits at just 34%. These figures signal a growing need to not only raise awareness but unpack vascular and cardiovascular health at a deep cellular level, from the inside-out.
On a positive note – there are many simple, yet key lifestyle changes that can make a huge impact on helping to lower blood pressure and improve overall wellbeing.
Heart Health from the Inside Out: The Cellular Connection
The heart is more than a muscle; it’s a metabolic powerhouse that relies on a constant supply of energy. That energy is produced by mitochondria, the tiny organelles inside our cells responsible for fuelling nearly every biological process. Meaning that wherever there is energy, there is mitochondria!
As we age our exposure to oxidative stress increases from lifestyle factors like poor diet, inactivity, and sleep disruption. As a result, our mitochondrial health naturally begins to decline. This combination of oxidative stress and mitochondrial decline can impact the endothelium, the thin inner lining of our blood vessels that helps regulate blood pressure, blood flow and inflammation.
The Link Between Mitochondrial Health, Ubiquinol & Cardiovascular Health
Within the mitochondria in all our cells is a naturally occurring antioxidant called ubiquinol, which plays an important role in helping the body produce the energy it needs, also known as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
However, from around the age of 20, our natural levels of ubiquinol begin to decline, impacting energy production. This can lead to reduced cellular energy production and, over time, impact mitochondrial function. Multiple research studies also point to the important role ubiquinol plays in maintaining cardiovascular health and supporting the body’s ability to manage oxidative stress – especially as we age.
Cellular Health Starts With Your Lifestyle
Strategies for supporting our mitochondrial and cardiovascular health are accessible, evidence-based and rooted in lifestyle. These include:
- Move Daily & Eat for Function: Moving your body every day is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to boost your energy and support your long-term health. A diet rich in vegetables, leafy greens, berries, nuts and heart-healthy fats provides your cells a diverse range of nutrients that support systemic wellbeing.
- Prioritise Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy heart. Poor sleeping habits can lead to higher blood pressure during the day and can impact your cardiovascular health.
- Reduce Stress: It’s important to acknowledge the impact that stress has on our bodies, which elevates cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’, keeping the body in a high-alert state. Mindfulness, breathwork, and regular social connection help regulate the nervous system and reduce tension.
- Know Your Numbers: Get your blood pressure checked regularly – it’s quick, non-invasive and should be routine at every appointment with your healthcare practitioner.
Pause and Reflect
” This World Hypertension Day, I encourage you to pause and reflect: How well are you fuelling the powerhouses within? Consider how your heart health is influenced at a cellular level and the role that mitochondrial health and ubiquinol may play here. Also, take a moment to consider how your daily habits – from what you eat and how you move, to how well you sleep and manage stress – can contribute to your overall wellbeing.”
Consult your healthcare practitioner for lifestyle and dietary protocols.
By Dr Lauren Burns PhD OAM OLY: Naturopath, Nutritionist & Olympic Champion
Learn more https://laurenburns.com
 Dr Lauren Burns PhD OAM OLY made history by winning Taekwondo’s first Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games. A naturopath (BHSc) and award-winning researcher, Lauren holds a PhD in athlete lifestyle and mindset. For 25 years, she has inspired audiences with her engaging presentations, blending her sporting journey, expertise in naturopathy, nutrition, and her doctoral research on Elevating Potential and the Circle of Lifestyle model. Known for her energy, optimism, and practical applications Lauren is the Wellbeing and Engagement Manager for Combat Australia, and currently works closely with the Australian Institute of Sport, Snow Australia, and Baseball Australia, particularly around her development of the Performance Alliance. She has an adjunct position with Southern Cross University, and is on the board of the Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies (Secretary). |
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39248145/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/mja2.52373
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/blood-pressure-and-your-heart
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39248145/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39248145/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11973128/
Moreno-Fernandez J, et al. Ubiquinol short-term supplementation prior to strenuous exercise improves physical performance and diminishes muscle damage. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023;12(6):1193.
San-Millán I. The key role of mitochondrial function in health and disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023;12(4):782.
Rabanal-Ruiz Y, et al. The use of coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021;10(5):755.
Sarmiento A, et al. Short-term Ubiquinol supplementation reduces oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise in healthy adults: A randomized trial. Biofactors 2016;42(6):612-622.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7770496/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-heart
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
World Hypertension Day (WHD) highlights the importance of awareness about hypertension, often called the “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms. Affecting over one billion adults globally, hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and deaths. Its prevalence is consistent across all socio-economic groups and increases with age. By 2025, the number of people with hypertension is expected to rise significantly. WHD aims to promote early prevention and management to reduce the complications associated with hypertension. This year, 2025, The World Hypertension Day theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. This campaign aims to increase global awareness about the hazards of high blood pressure, improve reliable measurement steps, and advocate proactive management. Click here to learn more. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/world-hypertension-day-may-17 |
