By Gayle Eversole DHom, PhD, MH, CRNP  

In February we like to think of hearts, flowers and chocolate.  It’s also when the focus is on heart health. 

Cardiovascular health concerns include high blood pressure, heart attack and chest pain, congestive heart failure, stroke, and congenital defects.

Heart Disease is preventable yet statistics remain grim: It’s America’s No.1 killer, claiming more lives than all other major causes of death, according to Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2004.   Stroke is a leading cause of death and cardiovascular disease accounts for one in five women’s deaths.

Aspirin, commonly prescribed by doctors for daily use has been proven in recent studies to lead to pancreatic cancer.  Other herbal anti-inflammatory and “blood-thinning” herbs can be considered.  These include willow bark and red clover.  Natural vitamin E will also help to prevent aggregation, the cellular stickiness that leads to clot forming plaque.

Preventative measures can be taken to reduce your risk of heart disease. A heart-healthy program includes: a nutritionally sound diet, moderate exercise, blood pressure care, and stress management. Herbs, vitamins, minerals and natural supplements play a significant role in the nutritional approach.  

Co-Enzyme Q 10 helps support normal heart function and regulate blood pressure.  Supplementation prevents losses when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. 

CoQ10 is found in virtually every cell of the body.  CoQ10 is found in liver, sardines, salmon, broccoli, cauliflower and nuts.  Therapeutic amounts must be obtained from supplementation. Cardiologist Stephen Sinatra notes, "The body requires certain blood levels of CoQ10 to function properly and prevent vulnerability to disease and premature aging."  CoQ10 deficiency has have been confirmed in people with congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, and other conditions.

CoQ10 is destroyed by cholesterol lowering statin drugs.  CoQ10 strengthens the heart, lowers high blood pressure, and prevents and/or treats a wide range of conditions. There are many studies reporting positive results from the use of CoQ10 for congestive heart failure. CoQ10 has been an approved drug in Japan for use in congestive heart failure since 1974.  Take 100-300 mg. daily.

CoQ10 may interact with certain prescription medication.

Hawthorn is one of the oldest known medicinal plants used in herbal medicine; its therapeutic actions were reported by first century Greek herbalist Dioscorides and later by Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493–1541).

Herbalists recognize Hawthorn as a superior cardio-tonic to strengthen the heart and arteries, regulate blood pressure, and increase coronary blood flow, correct conductivity and irregular rhythm. Hawthorn is safe and generally improves heart health.  Many physicians now use Hawthorn as a first treatment.

Also consider magnesium, Nature's ACE Inhibitor; Motherwort, Garlic and Cayenne, three traditional herbs used for heart health; EPA-DHA from fish oil.  Choose a high quality multi-vitamin/mineral without iron, as iron increases the risk of heart attack in men by 45 percent, and over 400 per cent in women.

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and not intended to replace professional medical advice. As always, these and other concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

© 2004 Health Matters.