Cardiovascular disease is the leading single cause of death in New Zealand!
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, applies to any disease affecting the heart or blood vessels. One of the most common manifestations is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on the walls of the arteries – leading to angina (chest pain), heart attacks and strokes. Most types of cardiovascular disease are highly preventable, and the early stages of most are reversible.
What causes heart disease?
There are many factors that can predispose a person to developing this condition.
And those factors that can’t be altered:
- being male
- being a post-menopausal woman
- having a family history or genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease
There are risk factors that can be modified, such as:
- poor dietary habits
- lack of physical activity
- being overweight
- high blood pressure
- chronic inflammatory conditions
- smoking
- high blood cholesterol
- high blood sugar levels, metabolic syndrome or diabetes
- stress
The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to have a heart attack or stroke.
Reference: A Systematic Review of Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Growing Global Health Concern. Cureus (2022); 14(10):e30119.
HOW WE WORK TO SUPPORT HEART DISEASE PREVENTION
We pride ourselves on individualised care for people with cardiovascular concerns – both from a preventative standpoint as well as management.
Your heart is more than just cholesterol and blood pressure. Your heart should lead you through your relationships and direct your actions. Keeping our hearts healthy requires attention and self-love. We know more today about how specific heart-healthy foods and specific physical activity reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sound research shows natural treatments can improve the function of the heart! An emerging heart-healthy tip is drinking hydrogen-enriched water. Many people have levels of oxidative stress, which is believed to be an underlying factor in the development of many diseases, due to the unmitigated production of high levels of “free radicals”. Hydrogen-enriched water selectively neutralises the most harmful of these free radicals, removing them as a source of oxidative stress.
It is important to be aware that interactions between medications and natural treatments may be harmful. These factors demand an individualised approach to assessment and treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
WHO CAN WE HELP?
If you . . .
- Have you been told you are at risk for heart disease, or do you simply want to get an idea of what your risk for developing heart disease is
- Have ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or early heart failure and want to do your best to prevent deterioration and avoid medical intervention
- Have changed your diet and lifestyle as instructed, and STILL your cholesterol hasn’t come down.
- Are interested in improving your diet and lifestyle to reduce risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
- Are receiving conventional care but want to know whether additional (complementary) treatments exist
- Want to know if you have nutritional deficiencies that may be affecting your heart health?
Then we can work with you.
Human and animal studies indicate that treatment with molecular hydrogen protects against injury to the heart, the development of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases.
References:
- Hydrogen therapy as a potential therapeutic intervention in heart disease: from the past evidence to future application. Cell Mol Life Sci (2023); 80(6):174.
- Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry (2018); 47 (1): 1–10. and J Lipid Res (2013); 54(7): 1884-1893
- Heart failure: Front Physiol (2018); 9: 1026 and Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol (2003); 285(2):H822-32.
- Cerebral ischaemia (low blood supply to brain) by inhalation of H2 gas: Med Gas Res (2012); 2(1):21.
Statin medications can cause deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 and may impact the function of your heart?
References:
- Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Arch Neurol (2004); 61(6):889-92.
- Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Statin-Induced Myopathy: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc (2018); 7(19):e009835.
Pomegranate may reduce your blood pressure and help to reverse atherosclerosis? See the Mediterannean Diet Recipe book for ideas to use pomegranates in your diet.
References:
- Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr (2004); 23(3):423-33.
Exercise has been shown to be more beneficial for survival than invasive coronary procedures. Read more here. Even gentle exercise like yoga improves your heart health.
References:
- Effect of yoga on cardiovascular system in subjects above 40 years. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol (2003); 47(2):202-6.
- Percutaneous coronary angioplasty compared with exercise training in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomized trial. Circulation (2004); 109(11):1371-8.
Protect yourself with holistic care! Contact us to make an appointment with one of our qualified practitioners to get you on the road to great health and vitality again!