Cardiovascular diseases, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other conditions are the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. Heart disease effects one in three U.S. adults. Together heart disease and stroke account for 56% of cardiovascular related deaths. It is likely that you, someone in your family or close friend have some form of cardiovascular disease. Health care expenditures for cardiovascular disease exceeded $400 billion in 2006. Rates of cardiovascular disease have risen making it now the number one killer of women. 

 

The most prevalent forms of heart disease are related to arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis or fatty plaque formation within the walls of the arteries. It is believed that the process begins with an injury to the arterial wall by free radical damage, infection, high blood sugars, high blood pressure and toxic environmental exposures. This initial injury then promotes LDL cholesterol and platelets which result in  activation of the immune system and a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation, more LDL and smooth muscle cell accumulation within the vessel. As the plaque grows it becomes covered in a fibrous cap. If this fibrous cap is disrupted, platelets form a clot on the area and if the clot is large enough to block the flow of blood through the area, a heart attack or stroke ensues. 

 

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include diabetes mellitus, age of 50 for men and 60 for women, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and a family history of heart disease. Increases in cholesterol are associated with hypothyroidism. However, over half of individuals with atherosclerosis are free of the above risk factors necessitating the need to adopt a more comprehensive and pro-active preventative strategy. It is increasingly accepted that lack of exercise, obesity, systemic inflammation, diets low in vegetable and fruit pose a important risk. Recent research in cardiovascular health has revealed newer laboratory risk factors beyond total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol. These additional markers include C-reactive protein for inflammation, homocysteine level for improper metabolism of the amino acid methionine, fibrinogen for increased clotting, LDL subparticles and Lipoprotein (a) to further stratify cholesterol. Individuals who wish to address there cardiovascular risks more comprehensively should consider these markers for improved risk stratification.  

 

Like many conditions where lifestyle plays a major role, heart disease can be both treatable and preventable.  Diets high in fiber, vegetables and healthy fats and low in saturated fat and cholesterol are sensible. To date, the Lyon Diet Heart Study has shown the greatest reduction in heart disease mortality in post-heart attack patients using a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids and remains unmatched by cholesterol lowering drugs. Studies using 25 grams of daily soy protein revealed a near 30% total improvement in lipid levels. Lowering blood pressure is effectively performed with varying combination of Viscum, Tilia, Rauwolfia, fish ACE-peptides, and stress reduction. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, mixed tocopherols, coenzyme Q10 and others function to decrease the oxidation of LDL. Substances like garlic, policosanol, Tribulus terrastis and fish oil lower total cholesterol, LDL and raise HDL. Lastly, natural agents such as carnitine, arginine, taurine, Craetagus, coenzyme Q10 and Terminalia arjuna improve cardiac function by regulating rhythm and strengthening heart muscle improving energy and stamina. These are just a few of the many options available. The approach along with medicines used in your care will be chosen based on your gender, risk factors, life-style and laboratory assessment. Naturopathic medicine has many effective means to effectively treat the multi-faceted pathology of heart disease lowering or eliminating risk factors, improving energy and heart function and often providing for the reduction or elimination of some medications.  Call our office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.