Did you know that the heart pumps over 7,500 liters of blood daily and beats about 100,000 times in 24 hours? This fascinating organ, which “works” tirelessly, needs constant attention to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
An increasingly worrying aspect, recorded after the 2000s, is the increasing trend of myocardial infarction cases in people under 45 years of age. Thus, at present, approximately 1 in 10 patients with myocardial infarction are under 45 years old. Therefore, the challenges of the modern lifestyle have led to a decrease in the age of onset of heart disease. That is why it is essential to understand that prevention also depends to a large extent on how we manage to control our risk behaviors for cardiovascular health:
- unhealthy diet;
- sedentarism;
- high cholesterol;
- high blood pressure;
- high blood glucose and lipids;
- overweight/obesity;
- social, economic and cultural changes (urbanization, aging, poverty, stress, etc.).
In this context, the role of pharmacies remains fundamental for the health of the individual, but also for public health. And when we ask ourselves how to identify a reliable pharmacy in Romania, the answer lies not only in the diversity of the products they offer, but also in the quality of the counseling provided to the patient. Therefore, the modern pharmacy is not only seen as a distribution point, but as a mix of health services, where the patient finds, in addition to the treatment or supplements he needs, answers and clarifications to possible questions and concerns.
As I mentioned, the heart is an “engine” that works incessantly, and supporting it with essential nutrients and an adequate lifestyle can make a long-term difference in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 and omega 3, a duo for heart health
Such a preventive regime can include, if necessary, quality supplements, such as Coenzyme Q10 + Omega 3 from Naturalis, an example of a balanced formula, designed to support the optimal functioning of the circulatory system, available in Catena pharmacies.
The two active ingredients, coenzyme Q10 and omega-3, act through different but complementary mechanisms:
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant, especially present in cells that require high energy consumption, such as those of the heart. It facilitates cellular energy production and acts to protect cells from oxidative stress (which leads to accelerated cellular damage). With age, the production of coenzyme Q10 decreases, which may mean the need to supplement, in case of deficiencies.
Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
These essential fatty acids, usually extracted from high-purity fish oil, contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride concentrations and the normal functioning of the heart. They also play a role in maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels.
The mix of coenzyme Q10 and omega 3 supports the circulatory system on several levels: while omega 3 contributes to the balance of triglyceride levels, coenzyme Q10 helps the blood vessels to relax. The combination of these ingredients also ensures superior absorption in the body, because coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble (it dissolves in fats), and the presence of omega 3 acids facilitates its transport in the body. Of course, a pharmacist or doctor should always be consulted to ensure that supplementation is necessary.
The importance of proximity and quality services
Another relevant aspect, nowadays, the concept of proximity pharmacy, located as close as possible to us, has evolved beyond simple distance. Here are other details that complete the image of a pharmacy really close to people:
- extensive network, as is the case with Catena pharmacies, with more than 950 pharmacies nationwide, guarantees a constant presence of a pharmaceutical unit in the community. This aspect ensures quick access to treatments, but also the possibility to launch periodic prevention campaigns, dedicated to raising awareness and informing patients. An initiative in this sense is Heart Day, organized every year by Catena-Farmacia Inimii, on February 14, with the purpose of raising awareness of the importance of heart health, cardiovascular diseases being a main cause of mortality in Romania. On this occasion, patients are offered the free informative brochure on heart health “A healthy heart loves more”, blood pressure is measured for patients who want to, and they can also benefit from offers on a selection of products dedicated to cardiovascular health;
- the seriousness of a pharmacy is also distinguished by the continuous training of the staff. A necessary detail, considering that patients return where they feel their needs are understood and treated with patience and professionalism.
- also, in recent years, the major trend is personalization, including in terms of the services offered to patients who come to pharmacies: the patient is no longer just looking for a product, but an approved recommendation adapted to his lifestyle.
The pharmacist's role in patient counseling
An aspect that should not be underestimated in the process of choosing dietary supplements is the pharmacist's role in advising patients. Thus, a trained pharmacist can assess, for example:
– if a combination such as coenzyme Q10 + omega 3 is suitable for a patient who is already undergoing treatment for hypertension or cholesterol;
– establishing the administration of the correct dose, depending on age, diet and level of physical activity;
– in an era of abundance of medical information, the pharmacist has the ability to provide accurate answers, explaining any confusion.
Recognition of a job well done, a “vote” of trust
In conclusion, the road to optimal cardiovascular health often also passes through the pharmacy that values professionalism. And the countless criteria that a pharmacy chain must meet in order to be considered a trusted partner by patients are also complemented by awards or trophies offered in recognition of high-quality services.
An example in this regard is the Catena chain of pharmacies, with a 25-year tradition on the Romanian market, which has distinctions such as:
- “Award for strengthening the leading position on the pharmaceutical market” – Gala Capital/Elite Companies (2025 edition);
- Consumer Superbrand 2024 – 2025, which confirms trust, professionalism and closeness to patients;
- The Fildas-Catena Group received the trophies Forbes – League of Champions in Business 2025, “Forbes 500 Business Awards 2024” and recognition Capital – Elite Companies 2024, for outstanding performance in the industry, etc.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8151454
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/omega-3s-and-your-heart
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www.fildas.ro
Article supported by Catena
