Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease includes conditions such as angina, arrhythmia, heart attack and congestive heart failure. When the blood supply to the heart becomes compromised a person is at a higher risk of heart attack and death. When a person has congestive heart failure their heart is unable to pump sufficient blood around the body. Heart disease also includes arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
The most commonly seen symptom of coronary heart disease is angina pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, a pressure, an aching, a burning sensation, fullness, a squeezing or painful feeling. The pain is more severe if you are having a heart attack. The pain may radiate to the shoulder, jaw or down the arm. If you congestive heart failure, you may experience short of breath, you may sweat more and your heart may beat faster. You may be fatigued, stressed and have cold hands and feet or fluid retention.
Causes
High blood pressure, high cholesterol which can cause the coronary arteries can become narrowed or blocked altogether by plaque. This can be exacerbated by smoking, high blood pressure, eating foods high in fat and cholesterol, lack of exercise and drinking alcohol to excess. Coronary heart disease can be caused or affected by other underlying diseases like diabetes and obesity. Stress and family history are also factors.
Cautions
If you feel any of the above listed symptoms, get diagnosed by a physician. Severe symptoms may mimic a heart attack. Severe cases may require hospitalization and surgery. If you think you are having a heart attack, seek immediate medical treatment.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
Herbal medicine may play a useful complimentary role in preventing heart disease.
- Ginger – is a strong circulatory stimulant and has a tonic effect on the heart. It helps lower cholesterol and inhibits clotting. Eat a little every day to maintain heart health.
- Garlic – fresh garlic may lower cholesterol levels, help prevent blood clots and get rid of plaque. Eat 1 clove per day, raw or take in capsule or tablet form.
- Arjuna – this herb dilates the blood vessels. It helps to protect the heart, strengthens the circulation and helps tone and maintain the health of the heart. It can also promote healing after a heart attack.
- Ashwagandha – this herb is good for lowering stress. It is helpful in relieving the stress of hypertension, diabetes and other problems.
- Guggul – this herb lowers the fat level in the blood and raises HDL, the "good" cholesterol. It is a tonic for the heart as well.
- Globe Artichoke - 500mg - 1 gram dried herb three times a day.
- Lemon – consuming lemon daily helps prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels.
- Parsley – drink parsley tea 2 to 3 times per day to keep the heart healthy.
- Alfalfa – the juice of this herb is very useful when treating diseases of the arteries and heart. The juice should be from the fresh leaves only. Mix with carrot juice in equal measures. Do not take alfalfa juice alone due to its potent nature.
- Hawthorn – the extract of hawthorn is very heart friendly and helps treat many problems the heart is susceptible to. It strengthens the heart and encourages a regular heart beat. Take according to the directions found on the label for the best results or consult a skilled professional.
- Gingko biloba – this herb helps improve blood flow to the heart and brain by dilating the arteries. It also calms the heart and helps with palpitations.