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cardiovascular system
Heart Disease
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

The heart is a muscular organ that maintains the circulation of blood throughout the body. Heart disease usually affects the entire circulatory system, including blood vessels and the blood. Some of the major problems connected with the heart include blood clots, blockages in the arteries, high blood pressure, inadequate blood circulation, irregular heartbeat rates, and interrupted blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of a heart problem may include chest pains, feelings of pressure or tightness in the chest, leg cramps, mental confusion, and rapid heartbeat. Also present may be difficulty in breathing, especially after physical activity, swollen ankles, excessive tiredness, numbness in the face or limbs, speech difficulties, weakness, and dizziness.

Heart disease can be very serious. Suspected heart problems should be diagnosed and treated under the supervision of a physician. If your symptoms increase or if nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, disorientation, or a racing heart beat are present, an immediate visit to the hospital or clinic emergency room is warranted.

Use any recommendations only with the supervision and cooperation of a physician.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR HEART DISEASE AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. A multivitamin and mineral supplement – Taken daily according to the product label.

2. Vitamin E – 400 Units per day. This may help reduce the formation of blood clots in the heart and ensure that there is enough oxygen in the blood.

3. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams twice a day.

4. B-complex vitamins – 50 milligrams per day.

5. Magnesium – 250 milligrams, 3 times per day.

6. Beta-carotene – 50,000 Units every other day. Pregnant women should not take more than 15,000 Units per day.


THE PROPER DIET FOR HEART DISEASE WILL INCLUDE:

1. A overall healthy diet – This is important in maintaining a normally functioning heart and circulatory system. Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, moderate amounts of whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, listen to our program on healthy diet (number 343).

2. Avoid sugar foods (such as candy, cake, and cookies) and refined carbohydrates (such as white flour products and white rice).

3. Eliminate or at least greatly reduce consumption of coffee and alcohol.

4. Be sure to get enough high-quality protein. Replace red meat with fish and chicken as much as possible, and include beans, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

5. Too much fat in the diet may weaken and clog the arteries. Reduce the use of fats such as butter, margarine, vegetable oils, and mayonnaise. Nuts and nut butters also have a high fat content and should be limited.

6. Use salt only in moderation. Replace with commercially prepared salt substitutes or kelp powder. It is important to consult food product labels to ensure that foods do not contain hidden sources of salt.

7. Excess weight puts stress on the heart and the rest of the circulatory system. If overweight, it is important to get on a sensible weight loss program. For more information, refer to the article on weight loss.


NOW, ABOUT THE HERBS USED FOR HEART DISEASE:

1. Combine equal parts of fresh minced or grated garlic with fresh minced parsley. Mix with enough honey to make a syrup. One teaspoon, 3 times per day is taken. Include garlic and onions, raw as well as cooked, in the diet as often as possible. As an alternative, garlic can be used in capsule form – 2 capsules 3 times a day. Some brands have deodorized garlic.

2. Quit or cut down on smoking.

3. Hawthorn Berry tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract – 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.

4. Dandelion leaf – 1 capsule 2 times a day. This has mild diuretic activity.


PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES INCLUDE:

1. Exercise – This will improve the muscle tone of the heart. Taking brisk walks for 15 to 20 minutes per day is a good way to begin an exercise program. It is important to build up gradually to longer and more varied exercise. Aerobics, swimming, tennis, and racquetball are all excellent forms of exercise that may be done according to individual ability. Consult your physician to help select an appropriate exercise program.

2. Emotional stress should be dealt with. Stress management techniques such as visualization and meditation can be an aid. If you need more information, refer to the article on stress reduction

Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.