Overcoming Cardiovascular Problems
by Laurie Lynch, ND
"Heart disease is sometimes referred to as
the "silent killer". This is because many people don't know they have
heart disease until they have a heart attack. Approximately once every twenty
seconds in the
"The cardiovascular system is comprised of the
heart and blood vessels; blood is pumped by the heart and is circulated through
the body through the blood vessels"
(Balch, p 126). "Your
heart is a powerful muscle, working at a steady, rhythmic pace every second of
every day of every year. The fuel for all of this activity is delivered by the
blood flowing through the coronary arteries, the vessels that
surround the heart, to supply the nutrients and oxygen your heart needs to
carry on. If the flow is stopped, the heart muscle starves, its powerful
rhythmic motion is disrupted, and you suffer from a stroke or possibly a fatal
heart attack" (Mendell).
"The cardiovascular system is comprised of the
heart and blood vessels; blood is pumped by the heart and is circulated through
the body through the blood vessels"
(Balch, p 126). "Your
heart is a powerful muscle, working at a steady, rhythmic pace every second of
every day of every year. The fuel for all of this activity is delivered by the
blood flowing through the coronary arteries, the vessels that
surround the heart, to supply the nutrients and oxygen your heart needs to
carry on. If the flow is stopped, the heart muscle starves, its powerful
rhythmic motion is disrupted, and you suffer from a stroke or possibly a fatal
heart attack" (Mendell).
Cardiovascular diseases – such
as heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis,
and
high
blood pressure - and their risk factors are so interrelated
that it is very difficult to say “where it all begins.” One place to look when
sorting this out is with atherosclerosis. 1
Atherosclerosis is "characterized by atheromatous (fatty degeneration of the
inner coat of the arteries; abnormal fatty deposit in an artery) deposits in
and fibrosis of the inner layer of the arteries" (Webster). It "is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. It develops slowly, with
soft, fatty streaks gradually accumulating along the inner walls of the
arteries, especially where they branch. With time, the streaks grow larger and
start hardening into plaque". Plaque can lead to aneurysms and blood clots, and clots ican result in thrombosis (blood clots obstructing the blood vessels), heart
attack, and stroke.
Aneurysm occurs when the wall of a
blood vessel weakens and balloons out. Like a balloon, the aneurysm can
eventually burst. If this happens in a major artery, such as the aorta, it can
lead to massive bleeding and death.
Blood.clots "continually form and
dissolve in our bloodstream, and it is important that this balance be kept.
Clots form when blood platelets encounter an injury. Because the body considers
plaque buildup an injury, platelets rush to the scene and begin the clotting
process. The formed clot may remain attached to the plaque and continue growing.
A clot that grows to the point that it obstructs a blood vessel is called a thrombus. It can shut off the blood
supply to some body tissues. If this occurs in a blood vessel that feeds the
heart, it is called a coronary
thrombosis. If it occurs in an artery in the brain, killing brain tissue,
it is called a
cerebral thrombosis.
"An embolus is a clot that has broken
loose and traveled throughout the circulatory system. "In its travels, it
may get stuck in a smaller artery, blocking the flow of blood. This blockage
cuts off the supply of life-giving oxygen and nutrients, and the tissue fed by
the artery dies. If an embolus lodges in an artery of the heart, depriving the
heart of essential nutrients, a part of the heart can die - a heart attack. If the embolus lodges in
an artery of the brain, it is a stroke"
(1).
Arteriosclerosis
is "characterized by
abnormal thickening and hardening of the arterial walls with resulting loss of
elasticity" (Webster;s Medical Dictionary).
Congestive
heart failure - " is an imbalance in pump function in which the heart fails to
maintain adequate circulation of blood. The most severe manifestation of
congestive heart failure is pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs. Patients
with coexisting type 2 diabetes have an increased mortality rate"
( Mayo Clinic
Proceedings).
HEART FUNCTION SELF- TEST
"Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. A simple pulse test can help you determine how well your heart is functioning. The best time to check your pulse is first thing in the morning. If your pulse is under 60, your heart is functioning at a good pace. If your pulse is above 80, you may need to change your diet and lifestyle. if your pulse remains rapid, consult your health care provider to rule out problems. A chronically high pulse rate is often a precursor of hypertension. Taken daily, this pulse test can forewarn you of oncoming illness" (Balch, p. 127).
What are the symptoms and the precipitating causes of cardiovascular disease?
-
Angina (Chest Pain) - "Angina literally means 'strangling in the chest'. Caused by the blockage of a coronary artery by plaque or a blood clot, angina is a
discomfort in the chest as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. Some individuals experience angina also as tightness or heaviness in the chest, and
sometimes pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, back, or arms. The condition can progress into Unstable Angina, a more serious condition recognized by
angina experienced at rest as well as under exertion. Unstable Angina indicates a significantly stenotic (narrowed or constricted) artery (70% stenotic), and
can be a sign of a recent or impending heart attack" (Goel).. -
* Cough - "Although it can be caused by a variety of inflammatory, allergic, and neoplastic disorders of the tracheo-bronchial tree, cough may be an
important manifestation of left ventricular failure and frequently accompanies dyspnea(difficult or labored breathing), orthopnea (inability to breath except in
an upright position), and paroxysmal (sudden attack or spasm) nocturnal dyspnea" (Goel). -
Cyanosis - "Cyanosis is a bluish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis has two principal causes - central and peripheral. In central
cyanosis, arterial blood is unsaturated because of a reduced inspired oxygen concentration - as occurs at a high altitude (usually above 10,000 ft) - or
because of impaired pulmonary function. Peripheral cyanosis is more common than central cyanosis and is caused by reduced blood flow to the extremities,
particularly the distal portions" (Goel). -
* Syncope (Dizziness) Vasovagal syncope, the most common cause of syncope, may occur in response to prolonged standing, emotional stress and
physical exhaustion, pain, venipuncture, or the sight of blood. Orthostatic hypotension may be precipitated by hypovolemia, dehydration, or the excessive
administration of antihypertensive drugs. Syncope secondary to a cardiac arrhythmia is usually virtually instantaneous in onset. Syncope accompanied by
chest pain may occur in massive myocardial infarction. Exertional syncope is characteristic of aortic stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Syncope of cardiovascular origin is not usually associated with convulsive movements or a postsyncopal confusional state, and consciousness is usually
regained promptly" (Goel). -
Fatigue - "This nonspecific symptom is present in many cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disorders. Fatigue is an important manifestation of low
cardiac output and impaired systemic perfusion in heart failure. It may also be seen in heart failure after excessive diuresis. Profound fatigue is observed in
patients with large myocardial infarcts, as well as in those with hypertension who are receiving antihypertensive therapy and their blood pressure has been
lowered too rapidly" (Goel). -
Hg or diastolic blood pressure is above 85 mm Hg. HTN increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, CHF, and kidney failure" (Goel). High blood pressure
"increases the heart's workload and can lead to increased arterial damage, opening the door further for atherosclerosis. This is because increased blood
pressure scars the artery walls and causes damage. Where the damage occurs, more plaque is likely to form, and the plaque causes the artery walls to
narrow and lose flexibility. This in turn causes the body to increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is also the biggest risk factor for stroke. When high
blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times (1). -
High Cholesterol levels - "bring increased risk. As
are present, risk increases even more. A person's lipid levels are also affected by age, sex, heredity, and diet" (1). "It now appears that the primary culpret in
heart disease is not high cholesterol levels, but the presence of oxidized cholesterol in the blood stream" (Burton, p711). -
.High Cholesterol levels - "bring increased risk. As
-
High Triglycerides - " Triglycerides are fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol or sugar in the body are converted into
triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body ... Elevated triglyceride levels are an independent risk factor for heart disease. Many people with high
triglycerides also have high
About Triglycerides, . http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3200/3204.asp?index=11117). -
Heart Palpitations - "A variety of changes in cardiac rhythm or rate can cause palpitations, an unpleasant awareness of rapid or forceful beating of
the heart. Anxiety is often responsible" (Goel). Palpitations can also be caused by a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. -
Arrhythmias - are "disorders of the heart rhythm. The heart rhythm is controlled by electrical impulses, which travel to each part of the heart along a
system of conductive cells. Arrhythmias occur when there is a problem with this conduction system, or the heart muscle’s response to the electrical impulses.
There are many types of arrhythmia ... An arrhythmia is said to be ventricular when it originates in the lower chambers of the heart, and supraventricular or
atrial when it originates in the upper chambers. -
"Tachycardia denotes a dangerously fast heartbeat, while bradycardia indicates dangerously slow rhythm (lower than 60 beats per minute.
* Fibrillation and flutter describe rapid, uncoordinated contraction of the muscle fibers constituting the myocardium: in fibrillation there is no recognizable
contraction pattern, whereas flutter produces a recognizable but strange pattern... Many conditions and medications can cause bradycardia; it is a common
finding in the elderly" (Goel).
* Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) – is defined as "Discomfort in breathing, at rest and during mild exertion. Discomfort in breathing is normal under heavy
exertion. Another form, Nocturnal Dyspnea, awakens people 2-5 hours after falling asleep with feelings of breathlessness. Dypsnea can indicate a wide
variety of diseases, although it usually indicates heart disease when onset progresses over ...Heart diseases that are frequently accompanied by dyspnea i
nclude left ventricular failure, pulmonary venous hypertension, heart attach when accompanied by thoracic pain, and problems with the left atrium" (Goel). -
Edema (Swelling) - "Bilateral ankle edema, most prominent at the end of the day, is characteristic of congestive heart failure. This diagnosis is strongly
supported when edema is accompanied by exertional dyspnea. Cardiac edema is usually preceded by a gain of weight of 5 to 10 lb, is symmetric, and
progresses upward from the ankles to the shins, thighs, and genitalia" (Goel). -
Infiltrative disease, such as cardiac amyloidosis and hemochromatosis, can progress to severe systolic dysfunction (7)
-
Neuromuscular disease, collagen vascular disease, valvular heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and high-output heart failure (eg,
from arteriovenous fistulas, severe anemia, Paget's disease) also may result in CHF" (7). -
Dilated cardiomyopathy could be caused by "chronic viral myocardial infection, autoimmune mechanisms, and genetic factors that directly contribute to
development of the disease (7 Indexhttp://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1997/01_97/bales.htm). -
Pulmonary embolism (sudden obstruction of a blood vessel in the lungs).
"The only way to cure heart disease is to address those factors
that put you at risk, making your arteries vulnerable to blocked blood flow in
the first place"
(Mendell).
These factors include:
-
Improper diet
-
Vitamin deficiencies (especially tbe B vitamins and C) (7).
-
Mineral deficiencies (especially Magnesium, found in green vegetables) "Lack of sufficient magnesium in your diet will increase your risk of heart disease"
(Mendell). -
Fiber deficiencies
-
-
Simple carbohydrates (refined sugar, white flour, white rice) – "
* Sugar
can cause cardiovascular
disease, atherosclerosis, high triglycerides., high
systolic blood
pressure, and high cholesterol. Sugar reduces high density
lipoproteins (
* White flour - "Highly refined
breads, cereals, rice, pasta and crackers convert to sugar in the body much
more quickly than whole-grain varieties, which may increase your triglyceride
level" (Cleveland Clinic).
-
Alcohol excess * Long-term alcohol use is a leading cause of CHF" (7), "Alcoholic beverages are a significant contributor to elevated triglyceride levels" (Cleveland Clinic).
-
"Cocaine abuse may also contribute to development of systolic dysfunction" (7).
-
-
* Heart drugs such as Atenolol - could cause “cardiac failure.” According to the Physician’s Desk Reference, "beta blockade carries the potential hazard of further depressing myocardial contractibility and precipitating more severe failure.” Atenolol “may aggravate peripheral arterial circulatory disorders", and cause " congestive heart failure", as well as numerous other harmful side effects. According to a news release issued by
* Birth control pills - "carry a risk of heart disease and stroke. The risk is magnified when women smoke or have high blood pressure" (2)
* Diabetes drugs (thiazolidinediones) such as "Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone can cause or exacerbate heart failure and pulmonary edema,... thiazolidinediones cause fluid overload and deterioration in cardiac status... (however) After discontinuing the medications and administering diuretics, the patients no longer exhibited the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema",.according to researchers in a study headed by Dr. Asra Kermani..
* Postoperative fluid replacement
* Steroids
* Nnon.steroidal anti.inflammatory drugs
* Poor drug compliance, (severe rebound effects) especially in antihypertensive treatment - Oxidation, ( a normal and important part of your body’s metabolism), "can cause damage when it results in the over production of free radicals, unbalanced molecules that increase when you are exposed to pollutants such as smog, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and food additives. In their attempt to become balanced, free radicals scavenge your tissues and organs, ripping into cell walls and weakening the walls of your arteries to encourage the build up of LDL (bad) cholesterol and set the stage for clotting, stroke and heart attacks" high cholesterol and high blood pressure are more likely indicators that heart disease exists, not underlying causes (Mendell)..
- Metabolic disorders
- Liver problems -. The liver "manufactures about 75 percent of its own cholesterol, and the rest we get from food; any more from the diet is broken down by the liver and excreted" (Mendell).
- Endocrine abnormalities (eg, acromegaly, diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, pheochromocytoma), and rare disorders (eg, porphyria). If the blood sugar level falls low enough, the emergency part of the adrenal glands goes into action, and adrenalin enters the blood. This brings on the tachycardia or palpitations of the heart." (3,p.78). "Hypoglycemia is often the final insult that wrecks a heart already burdened with hardened arteries. Some physicians have pointed out that heart attacks are most frequent four or five hours after eating heavy meals, and attribute these episodes to hypoglycemia.
- "Thyroid abnormalities (such as thyrotoxicosis ) can be responsible for CHF, especially in elderly patients. Thyroid hormone is a direct cardiac stimulant and can increase contractility and systolic performance. In hypothyroidism, lack of circulating thyroxine (T4) causes down-regulation of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors and may modify the contractile process, leading to CHF. Patients with a structurally normal heart usually can tolerate excess thyroid hormone without experiencing compromised cardiac function. However, when underlying heart disease is present, hyperthyroidism may precipitate systolic heart failure; angina is often an early symptom. Arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrilation and other supraventricular tachycardias, may worsen already-compromised cardiac function. Symptoms and signs of systolic dysfunction usually improve with treatment of thyroid disease (7).
-
Infectious diseases
(especially pneumonia) – "Infection can be an
important cause of dilated cardiomyopathy and may
present as acute myocarditis,
...CHF symptoms usually do not present until several weeks after the initial infection, suggesting a possible immunologic mechanism for development of systolic dysfunction The most common viral cause of myocarditis is coxsackievirus B, but at least two dozen others, including hepatitis viruses, adenovirus, arbovirus, cytomegalovirus, echovirus, influenza virus, and HIV, are also possibilities. Bacterial myocarditis (distinct from rheumatic carditis).... can complicate "fulminant disease secondary to infection with brucella, clostridium, salmonella, toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Legionella pneumophila, meningococcus, and streptococcus. Lyme disease can cause myocarditis that may lead to transient left ventricular dysfunction or heart block. In Central and South America, infection with the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent in Chagas' disease) may result in acute myocarditis with development of biventricular heart failure many years later" (7). - Toxin exposure – "Exposure
to several toxic substances, including cobalt and such chemotherapeutic agents
as doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin, Rubex), may
cause dilated cardiomyopathy"
(7).
- "Obesity - *Those who are overweight are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. The weight itself is not the culprit; rather, the excess pounds concentrate other risk factors. Obesity has a negative influence on blood pressure and cholesterol, and may lead to diabetes. And, of course, one of the reasons for obesity is a sedentary lifestyle" (1).
-
- Congenital problems – "defects in the heart that are present at birth, can also cause disease. According to the AHA, eight out of every 1,000 newborns have a congenital heart defect. Some defects are minor and may be unnoticed for years; yet other defects can cause major problems and threaten the life of the newborn. Surgery may be performed on the newborn to correct abnormal blood vessels, or missing or leaking valves. In most cases, an exact cause is rarely identified" (2).
-
What are the standard medical treatments and
their side effects?
Cholesterol-lowering drugs – Since many people with heart disease also have elevated
blood cholesterol levels, physicians have traditionally prescribed
cholesterol-lowering drugs...although ... research suggests that it is nit the
levels of cholesterol but the levels of oxidized cholesterol which represent
high risk for heart disease. It has been found that the drugs used to lower
* Blood
thinners – (such as aspirin or Coumadin (warfarin), , "results from the Warfarin/Aspirin
Study in Heart Failure (
warfarin provide no meaningful benefit to patients
with heart failure... and could even be harmful"
(Dr. John G. F. Cleland, American Heart
Journal, July 2004,
Reuters Health.
http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/home/research-detail.cfm?reutersid=4511).
* Lanoxin, (digoxin) used for Arrhythmia (irregular heart
beat), angina (chest pain) and congestive heart failure Commonly prescribed
for irregular heartbeat, digitalis drugs can also cause it. Other negative
side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and
stomach pain—all effects that are the result of too high a dosage, and dosage
levels are easily increased by interactions with other drugs and certain
foods,
* Digoxin,
which slows the heart rate through the AV node, therefore decreasing the rate
at which the electrical impulses conduct from the upper to the lower
chambers; and Cardiac glycosides inhibit the membrane bound Na-K-ATPase transport system, leading to intracellular loss of
potassium and a gain of sodium and calcium. Increases in intracellular
calcium enhance myocardial contraction and result in a positive inotropic effect. Digoxin causes an increase in vagal tone which decreases the rate of SA node depolarization.
"Digoxin is no better than placebo at restoring
sinus rhythm in acute atrial fibrillation but lowers ventricular rate in the
short term.
(Essential
medicine Library, Clinical Evidence Issue,
Digoxin has numerous and multifarious
side-effects. The most dangerous are severe (but rare) ventricular
arrhythmias that may be accompanied by a complete atrioventricular
block. Frequent side-effects are the loss of appetite, nausea, an
upset stomach, bradycardia and ventricular extrasystoles.
Digoxin occasionally leads to neuropsychiatric complications (confusion, sleep
disturbances, etc.), gynecomastia, atypical vaginal
smear during the postmenopause; eosinophilia, or
thrombocytopenia and exanthema. Visual complications (e.g. disturbed sense of
color) are rare.
Cardiac adverse reactions accounted for about
one-half,
gastrointestinal
disturbances for about one-fourth, and
High doses of
digoxin may produce a variety of
rhythm disturbances, such as first-degree,
second-degree (Wenckebach), or third-degree
heart
block (including asystole);
atrial
tachycardia with block;
AV dissociation; accelerated junctional (nodal)
rhythm; unifocal or
multiform
ventricular
premature contractions (especially bigeminy or trigeminy);
ventricular tachycardia;
and
ventricular fibrillation.
Digoxin produces PR prolongation and
ST
segment
depression which should
not by themselves be considered
digoxin toxicity. Cardiac toxicity can
also occur at
therapeutic
doses in patients who have conditions which may alter their sensitivity to
digoxin
Gastrointestinal: Digoxin may
cause
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarely, the use of
digoxin has been associated with
abdominal pain,
intestinal ischemia, and
hemorrhagic
necrosis of the intestines.
CNS: Digoxin can produce
visual
disturbances (blurred or
yellow
vision), headache, weakness, dizziness, apathy, confusion, and mental
disturbances (such as anxiety, depression, delirium, and hallucination).
Other: Gynecomastia has been
occasionally observed following the prolonged use of digoxin.
Thrombocytopenia and
maculopapular
rash
and other
skin
reactions have been rarely observed. visual
disturbances and altered mental status. Digoxin
is an example of a drug
which can accumulate and exert toxic effects as renal function declines with
age. The adverse reactions which occur are often not recognised
when the patient has been taking digoxin for many years.
* "Nitrate drugs, such as amyl nitrate (nitroglycerine) used for angina
pain. Common side effects of these drugs are fainting upon standing, rebound
angina and hypertension, and severe headaches" (Mendell)
* Blood pressure-lowering medications include diuretics, beta-blockers,
ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. All of these have potentially
dangerous side effects, and should be taken only as a last resort. If you’re
a man, anti-hypertensive drugs can impair your sex life, causing erectile
dysfunction as a result of altering blood flow" (Mendell)
* Diuretics,
such as Lasix (furosemide),
which act by causing you to urinate more, thus reducing the volume of blood
in vessels by reducing its water content. The problem with Lasix and some other diuretics is that you lose minerals
in your urine that are necessary for good heart function, such as magnesium,
potassium, and calcium, as well as vital B vitamins. Other possible side
effects are loss of appetite, gout, vision problems, digestive problems,
headaches, skin problems, and restlessness" (Mendell)
*
"Beta-blockers, such as Tenorimin (atenolol), Sectral
(acebutolol), Lopressor (metoprolol), and Inderal (propranolol) lower
blood pressure by weakening the force of the heartbeat to reduce the surge of
blood with each beat. These drugs can
actually cause congestive heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and asthma, and they may make blood vessel problems
worse. They have dozens of adverse effects which are listed on the drug
information insert" (). For example, Atenolol - a heart drug
could cause side effects such as “cardiac failure.” “Beta blockade carries the potential hazard
of further depressing myocardial contractibility and precipitating more
severe failure.” Atenolol could also
cause “renal and hepatic disease and electrolyte imbalance… (and) should be discontinued before carrying out tests for
parathyroid function. Atenolol “may
aggravate peripheral arterial circulatory disorders.” use of Atenolol has been reported to cause
“elevated liver enzymes and /or billi Rubin,
hallucinations, headache, impotence,Peyrone’s
disease, postural hypotension, which may be associated with syncope, psoriasiform rash, ,,,psychosis, purpura, …alopecia,
thrombocytopenia, and visual disturbances.(and) like other beta blockers, has
been associated with the development of antinuclear antibodies and lupus
syndrome.” It could cause “increases uric acid and decreases in
serum potassium “ “The predominant
symptoms reported following Atenolol overdose are lethargy, disorder of
respiratory drive, wheezing, sinus pause, and bradycardia… congestive heart
failure, hypo tension, bronchospasm, and./or hypoglycemia.”
(PDR).
*
"ACE Inhibitors, such as Capoten (captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Vasotec
(enalapril), Accupril (quinapril),
Zestril (lisinopril), and
Cozaar (losartan) lower
blood pressure by suppressing body signals that cause a rise in blood
pressure. This ...puts you at a real disadvantage if you need to exert
yourself. Another problem is that body tissues that need blood are deprived
of it and produce waste products that cause the heart to beat faster (raise
the pressure) in order for more blood to be delivered to the site. This
worsens the very situation the drugs are aimed at remedying. If the deprived
tissues are in the brain, then a stroke is possible. Side effects of these
drugs include a persistent cough that causes loss of sleep and the need for
yet more drugs to suppress the cough and treat the insomnia. As is common
with all drugs that lower blood pressure, you may experience headaches,
diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, rash, vision, and taste disturbances. Some ACE
inhibitors have been known to cause breast enlargement in men" (Mendell)
*
"Calcium channel blockers
such as Norvasc (amlodipine),
Cardizem (diltiazem), Vascor
(bepridil), and Procardia
(nifedipine) work by blocking the flow of calcium in and out of heart cells,
thus preventing rapid smooth muscle contractions resulting in lower blood
pressure. These drugs are newer, costlier, and more widely prescribed than
other blood pressure drugs, yet are also among the most dangerous. New
research is showing they do not prevent heart attack and may even increase
the risk of death. In a study presented at the meeting of the European
Society of Cardiology in August, 2000, it was shown that for patients using
calcium channel blockers, risk of heart failure was 26 percent higher than for those using diuretics,
beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors. Again, many people report a nagging cough,
in addition to irregular heartbeat, dangerously low blood pressure, overly
slowed heart rate, congestive heart failure, heart attack, gastrointestinal
bleeding, damage to liver and kidneys, and reduced immunity" (Mendell)
* Cholesterol-lowering drugs appear to treat
the perceived symptom while making the problem worse in the long run. "High levels of cholesterol do not
cause heart disease, and simply lowering cholesterol will not make heart
disease go away. Researchers at the
"Cholesterol is a fat-like material found
in the brain, nerves, blood, bile and liver. It is an essential component in
producing your stress and sex hormones—cortisone, testosterone, estrogen,
progesterone, and DHEA—and in maintaining nerve function, as well as other
important bodily processes. The damage to blood vessels occurs when oxidized cholesterol is deposited on artery walls, not simply cholesterol
itself. Oxidation...is the process by which free-radical damage occurs,
making vessels vulnerable to the build up of substances called plaques.
Oxidized bad LDL cholesterol is the real culprit in heart disease, not
merely the deposits on artery walls of cholesterol itself"(Mendell)
."Bile-blocking
cholesterol drugs, such as Questran (cholestryamine) and Colestid (colestipol HCL) work mainly by blocking production of bile,
a substance released by the liver to increase the absorption of fats, and by
blocking the production of cholesterol. They are especially hard on the
liver, making it work overtime to take up more cholesterol from the blood.
They also lower levels of vitamin E, causing a deficiency which is a known
factor in heart disease. Bile-blockers also deplete folic acid, which in turn raises homocysteine
levels, another risk factor for heart disease. Most alarming are the results
of studies showing that rats given Questran grew cancerous tumors" (Mendell)
"Cholesterol-blockers, or statins, marketed under the names Lipitor (atovastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin) work by blocking the enzyme needed to make cholesterol in the body..... Side effects include liver damage, stomach ulcers, and rhabdomolysis, a disease that destroys muscle tissue. Statins block the production of coenzyme Q10, a substance in your body that is essential to a healthy heart and muscles. Once again, we see a drug given to reverse heart disease, but which instead robs you of your natural defenses against it" (Mendell)
* Chelation
therapy
Mild reactions may include, but are not
limited to, local irritation at the infusion site, skin reactions, nausea, headache, dizziness, hypoglycemia, fever, leg cramps, or loose bowel movements. Some of the more
serious complications reported have included hypocalcemia,
kidney damage, decreased clotting ability, anemia, bone marrow damage,
insulin shock, thrombophlebitis
with embolism, and even rare
deaths.. (Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the
Gale Group)
Unfortunately, X-rays and biopsies later showed that chelation had no effect at all on calcium within the
arteries, and this early theory was discounted.
What are the safe natural remedies for cardiovascular disease?
"Overwhelming evidence shows that the risks of
heart attacks and strokes can be greatly decreased
through dietary changes, exercise, stress
reduction, and nutritional supplementation to help
prevent excess oxidation of cholesterol in the
blood stream"
(Burton, p 711).
- "Regular physical exercise—half an hour, four or five days a week—raises the good HDL" (Heart Drugs And Their Natural Alternatives, http://www.livethefreelife.com/drugs.htm).
- Avoid exposure to chemical such as pesticides, solvents, glues, dyes, paints, and PCBs, which create free-radical damage to your tissues when they accumulate in the body
- Drink eight to ten glasses of pure, filtered water daily to flush toxic substances from your blood and organs.
- Learn Stress Reduction techniques and Self Hypnosis with Laurie Lynch, ND, CHt. (910) 426-5159.
-
Proper diet – "A fresh,
whole food diet will help you increase your levels of this mineral, which is
essential for prevention and treatment of any heart disorder. In the study, researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine
showed that mice "fed a diet rich in vegetables were less likely to
develop atherosclerosis. ... Sixteen weeks later, mice fed vegetables had 38
percent less buildup of fatty plaques in their arteries, along with a reduction
in total cholesterol and body weight. Further, mice that ate a vegetable-rich
diet had a 37 percent reduction in a marker of inflammation called serum amyloid, which suggests the vegetables may fight
inflammation. (Inflammation in the arteries is linked to
atherosclerosis.)"
(Mercola.com).
"You can raise your potassium intake by eating bananas, apples, avocados, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and apricots. Fresh celery, as much as four stalks a day has been known to significantly reduce blood pressure. Try drinking a fresh carrot/celery juice mix daily. A diet of highly processed food can cause imbalance between sodium, potassium, and magnesium" (Mendell)
-
Antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E play a key role in
protecting the lipid layer of cell membranes in artery walls. Remember,
the
problem is not how high your cholesterol reading is, but how badly
oxidized it is. Vitamin E is especially protective, as it prevents LDL
cholesterol from being oxidized by free radicals in your blood. In one study,
ingesting 800 IU daily brought a 26 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol
production. To add more vitamin E to your diet, eat foods that contain healthy
fats, like whole grains, nuts, seeds, greens, vegetable oils, eggs, and
avocados" (Mendell)
- A Wellness Consultation with Laurie Lynch, N.D. will provide you with information on the specific foods and herbs that are highest in various vitamins and minerals, and will also provide information on the specific foods, herbs, and methods to eliminate the causes of your health problems, regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., regenerate weak glands and organs, and nourish your body back to health. Dr. Lynch can be reached at The Living Well Health & Education Center @ (910) 426-5159.
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*
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