Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis – Hardening of the arteries
This is due to a buildup of plaque which contains cholesterol and fatty debris, usually the result of a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Congestive heart failure – The heart is a failing pump
This is often caused by long term effects of high blood pressure or disorders of the valves or muscles within the heart.

Arrhythmias – Abnormal heart beat
Atrial fibrillations are minor disturbances where the upper chambers of the heart beat very rapidly. However, if the lower chambers of the heart beat rapidly, uncontrolled and ineffective, as in ventricular arrhythmias, blood ejection ceases and death will occur unless immediate treatment is provided.

Mitral Valve Prolapse – The valves within the heart are not closing properly. The sound can be detected by stethoscope and is known as a heart murmur.

Cardiomyopathy – The muscle of the heart is unable to contract properly and therefore pump blood efficiently. Causes my be viral, toxic, autoimmune (the body works against itself), genetic or degenerative (aging).

Signs and Symptoms
· Fatigue
· Shortness of breath or wheezing
· Chronic cough
· Edema (swelling of tissues)
· Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the tissues)

Cause
· Consumption of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or other drugs
· Hyperthyroidism
· High blood pressure
· Lack of exercise
· Diet high in fat or cholesterol
· Genetics
· Age
· Obesity

Treatment
· Diet high in fruit and vegetables, low in fat, sugar and salt
· Elimination of drugs and toxins (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine)
· Incorporation of some form of exercise
· Antioxidants – Vitamin C, E
· Supplement with a high potency vitamin and mineral tablet daily
· Coenzyme Q10
· L-Carnitine
· Herbs -Hawthorn extract during the early stages.
· Drug therapy may also be necessary – check with your health care professional.