Heart Disease

There are a number of cardiovascular conditions that are described as Heart disease. Some of these include:

  • Blood vessel diseases (Coronary Artery Disease
  • Heart rhythm problems such as arrhythmias
  • Heart defects you’re born with such as Congenital heart defects
  • Heart infections
  • Valvular Heart Disease

Generally however the term Heart Disease refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (Angina) or stroke.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE

  • Angina – The most common symptom/form of Heart Disease is Angina. It comes from the Latin word meaning squeezing. Angina pain is often described as a crushing, squeezing, constricting, choking or burning sensation. Many people think of Angina as chest pain but it can also radiate from the left arm, neck, jaw or left shoulder.
  • Shortness of Breath, Nausea and Fatigue – The signs and symptoms of heart disease can vary in men and women. For instance men are more likely to experience chest pain whereas woman tend to experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and nausea more often.
  • Pain, coldness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs – if the blood vessels are affected in the extremities.
  • Heart Arrhythmia – Heart Disease symptoms can also manifest in the form of irregular Heartbeats (Heart arrhythmias) such as fluttering in your chest or racing heartbeat (tachycardia)

Some other symptoms of Heart Disease are:

  • Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)
  • Swelling in the legs, abdomen or areas around the eyes
  • In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain
  • Fever and dry or persistent cough in Heart infections and skin rashes or unusual spots

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/basics/definition/con-20034056

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiovascular-conditions/Pages/coronary-heart-disease.aspx

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp

RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE

  • Family history of heart disease/ heart attack
  • Risk increases with age
  • Diets high in refined sugar, excessive animal fat consumption, high salt, large amounts of coffee everyday may also contribute to hypertension and dysrhythmia
  • Lack of physical exercise
  • Stress and Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • High Cholesterol blood levels
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Gout -Men with chronic gout have been found to twice as likely to develop heart disease
  • Some Oral Contraception users may develop blood coagulation, lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels and damaged blood vessels.

NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR HEART DISEASE

Early detection and intervention of Heart Disease is important for a positive. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above please see your doctor asap. The following is a list of Natural risk minimisation measures to help lower the risk of developing or worsening Heart Disease.

  • Minimise total dietary fat intake to 20% of total calorie intake. Increase fish oils and polyunsaturated oils such as linseed and wheat germ oil
  • Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils
  • Avoid all tea, coffee, cocoa, excessive sugar or fructose intake.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water daily
  • Increase dietary fibre by eating raw fruits and veges and wholegrain cereals
  • Increase consumption of fermented products such as: yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh
  • Regular physical activity to exercise the muscles; strengthen the cardiovascular system
  • Try to decrease your weight if needed
  • Take apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon in water with meals)
  • Increase the consumption of garlic, onion, alfalfa, eggplant and ginger. Ginger in particular has good anti-platelet properties
  • Lecithin granules (1-3 teaspoons per day)
  • Oats contain silica which helps strengthen cardiovascular system integrity
  • Bromelain and Niacin may help to reduce plaque formation
  • Increase Anthocyanadin containing foods such as Blueberries, raspberries and cherries
  • Homocysteine, an amino acid that has been found to accelerate atherosclerosis in post menopausal women. Vitamin B6 and folate can help to reduce Homocysteine
  • Vitamin C is also plays an important role in reducing Atherosclerosis due to the following actions: Helps to convert cholesterol into bile for elimination from the body; activates enzymes to break down triglycerides; helps strengthen blood vessels and arterial walls
  • Some other nutrients that help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system are:potassium, magnesium, selenium, calcium and chromium

Heart Disease is now the number one killer of women at rates even higher than men. 1 out of 2 deaths in North America is from Heart Disease.

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