HEART DISEASE

(Arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, CHF)

Heart disease is largely caused by diet, lifestyle, and nutrient imbalances. Certain viruses and inflammation can also damage the heart. Fortunately, heart disease is often reversible, even if you have already had surgery and are on medications. Heart disease is serious. It is best to work with an holistic physician who can help you discover the cause of the problem and make specific recommendations for correction. Never stop taking heart medication without the guidance of a physician!

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Follow the Ten Rules of Good Health
• Practice stress reduction techniques and anger management. People with "hot tempers" are at higher risk for cardiac events.
• Do NOT SMOKE! Smoking is one of the most damaging habits to the heart and cardiovascular system.
• Maintain a normal body weight.
• Exercise regularly. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are over 30, highly deconditioned, or have already-established heart disease. He/she can tell you how much exercise is safe for you to begin with.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

• Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This daily "multiple" contains high potency antioxidants. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), magnesium, B complex vitamins, and bioflavonoids are particularly important for the heart. Take additional B complex vitamins if your multiple does not contain optimal doses. B vitamins, (especially B6, B12, and folic acid) lower homocysteine levels, an independent risk for heart disease that many researchers feel is more important than cholesterol levels.
• Max EPA (fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals to prevent or reverse inflammation. Take higher doses as directed if your hs-CRP tests are elevated. Flax oil is also beneficial but requires a biochemical conversion in the body, which is deficient in many people, so fish oil is more certain.
• CoQ10: 50-300mg per day. This powerful antioxidant, produced by the body, diminishes with age. It is especially valuable for all types of heart disease. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS deplete CoQ10. (Amounts will depend on the severity of the disease. Lower doses may be used for health maintenance; higher doses in cases of arrhythmia, angina, and atherosclerosis).
• Magnesium: 2 taps, 3 times per day with meals (Target dose: 500-1500mg per day. Maxi Multi contains 500mg).
• Grape Seed Extract: 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 150-300mg daily). Proanthocyanidins in grape seed extract act as a potent antioxidants and ACE inhibitors. They also help prevent platelet aggregation (blood cells sticking together) and protect blood vessels from damage.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For High Blood Pressure

• Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii): 1-2 caps per day.
• See also HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE recommendations.

For Atherosclerosis

• See also ATHEROSCLEROSIS recommendations.

For Arrhythmia

• Low dose aspirin (81mg): 1 tab per day.
• L-carnitine: 500-1,000mg, 3 times per day with meals.

For Congestive Heart Failure

• L-carnitine: 500mg, 3 times per day with meals.
• Hawthorn Plus+: 2 caps, 2 times per day with meals.