Angina Causes Heart Attack

Angina

HEART DISEASE & HEART ATTACK

Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Cardiac Arrhythmia, LDL Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Pulmonary Edema, Trimethylamine-N-oxide

Coronary Heart disease or Cardiovascular disease involve the heart and blood vessels, (arteries, valves, heart muscles, capillaries & veins). In time, arteries may become so narrow that they cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause angina – a pain or discomfort in the chest.

This can be caused by exasperated by high blood pressure and may be caused by high levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol building up the fatty materials and plaque on the artery walls.

If a piece of the atheroma (fatty material) in the arteries breaks away it may cause a blood clot to form.

If the blood clot blocks the coronary artery and cuts off the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, the heart muscle may become permanently damaged. This is known as a heart attack.

A clean healthy diet is essential to avoid and recover from heart disease. Follow the advice here and you are sure to see and feel the difference with in a very short space of time.

NOTE: Certain drugs taken by patients with heart problems can cause dangerous deficiencies of nutrients especially diuretic and cholesterol lowering medications.

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP)

Stable coronary artery disease and angina can cause disabling symptoms including shortness of breath, pressure or discomfort in the chest, exercise intolerance, and fatigue. It is a safe, effective, non-invasive therapy for the symptoms of coronary artery disease and angina is now available. Enhanced external counterpulsation alleviates cardiac symptoms by enhancing coronary collateral circulation alternate pathways by which blood can reach the heart muscle.

The procedure is performed in a series of outpatient treatments, in which inflatable cuffs wrapped around the legs inflate and deflate in rhythm with the patient’s heartbeat. More than 100 published studies show that EECP can effectively relieve symptoms of heart failure, increase exercise tolerance, reduce reliance on medication and improve quality of life. Benefits of treatment can last up to five years. This novel therapy simulates the circulatory benefits of exercise, allowing patients to overcome symptoms and resume a healthy, active lifestyle.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

This is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. A heartbeat that is too fast is called tachycardia. A heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia.

Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious or even life threatening. During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood around the body. Lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart and other organs.

Cholesterol

There are many foods that can readdress the balance of cholesterol in the body. Some organs such as the brain and heart require cholesterol to function normally. Pharmaceutical companies have become rich on the assumption that reducing cholesterol levels in the blood will also reduce build up of plaque on the artery walls. This is untrue however because the body excretes excess cholesterol as a natural function if the correct diet is being consumed. The consumption of fibre and omega 3 fatty acids are essential to stop plaque build up.

Pomegranate juice has been proven to not only reduce build up of plaque on the walls of the arteries but actually reduce plaque that is already there. Foods containing antioxidants that cleanse the liver, such as fruit, also readdress the balance of cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol is not a fat, but rather a soft, waxy, "fat-like" substance that circulates in the bloodstream. It is vital to life and is found in all cell membranes. It is necessary for the production of bile acids and steroid hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, but is also present in all animal foods. It is abundant in organ meats, shell fish and egg yolks but is contained in smaller amounts in all meats and poultry.

If cholesterol levels were precursors to heart disease, Eskimos (who eat raw blubber as a steady diet) would have become extinct due to heart disease years ago. Yet, heart disease is virtually non-existent among these people probably due to the high amount of omega 3 fatty acids they consume from fish.

Triglycerides

Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) level and a low HDL (good) level. Many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.

Lp(a) Cholesterol

Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries. Lp(a) isn't fully understood, but it may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the build up of fatty deposits.

LDL cholesterol ( low-density lipoprotein)

LDL cholesterol is what the body uses, together with other substances, to form a glue which instantly repairs damaged arteries in the body to prevent death from internal bleeding. Plaque is this hardened glue and is only found in arteries and not in veins. Unfortunately due to diet and excessive damage to the arteries there can be an overproduction of plaque which can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. The liver is responsible for over 80% of the body's cholesterol levels. Diet accounts for less than 20%. The liver not only manufactures and secretes LDL cholesterol into the blood, it also removes it. To remove LDL cholesterol from the blood, the liver relies on special proteins called LDL receptors that are normally present on the surface of liver cells. LDL receptors snatch LDL cholesterol particles from the blood and transport them inside the liver. A high number of active LDL receptors on the liver surfaces are associated with the rapid removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood and low blood LDL levels. A deficiency of LDL receptors is associated with high LDL cholesterol blood levels. But it is also crucial that the cholesterol which has been stored in the liver by the LDL receptors be regularly "flushed" to make room for “new” deposits, or the process comes to a standstill, thus causing levels to soar in the bloodstream.

Foods rich in LDL Cholesterol are: egg yolks, beef, butter, cheese, lamb, milk (full fat), pork, poultry, shellfish.

HDL Cholesterol

About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. HDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it's stored until the liver is flushed by antioxidant rich foods and passed from the body. HDL helps to remove excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its build-up.

An imbalance of cholesterol in the blood can be caused by liver damage where some LDL receptors are missing. This could be due to too much alcohol ingestion, toxic overload and some medications. Reducing LDL cholesterol synthetically using drugs such as statins simply masks the underlying cause which should be treated first. The liver can easily repair itself given the chance by detoxification. But to add more toxic chemicals, such as statins, is actually adding to the problem by overworking the damaged liver even more and certainly not resolving it.

Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis

The terms atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are frequently used as though they are the same condition. While both conditions are types of coronary artery disease, and may lead to the need for heart surgery, they are not the same.

Arteriosclerosis is hardening of the arteries. This condition not only thickens the wall of arteries, but also causes stiffness and a loss of elasticity. Over time, the arteries become harder and harder as they are slowly damaged by high blood pressure. Arteriosclerosis may be present in any artery of the body, but the disease is most concerning when it attacks the coronary arteries and threatens to cause a heart attack.

Raw Juice Therapy can treat arteriosclerosis. The best natural foods to juice are: grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, celery, carrot, lettuce and spinach.

Atherosclerosis is the most common type of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and caused by plaque building up in the vessels. Over time the plaque causes thickening of the walls of the artery. Stiffness and a loss of elasticity also result.

To clarify, a patient with arteriosclerosis (hardened arteries) may not have atherosclerosis (plaque), but a patient with atherosclerosis does have arteriosclerosis. Patients often have both conditions, which can cause a decrease in the blood flow to the heart muscle.

Long before any symptoms are clinically evident, vascular disease begins as a malfunction of specialized cells that line the arteries. These cells, called endothelial cells, are the key to atherosclerosis and underlying endothelial dysfunction is the central feature of this  disease.

Not every person who suffers from atherosclerosis presents with the risk factors commonly associated with the condition, such as elevated cholesterol, but every single person with atherosclerosis has endothelial dysfunction. Aging humans are faced with an onslaught of atherogenic risk factors that, over time, contribute to endothelial dysfunction and the development of atherosclerosis.

In the antiquated view of mainstream medicine, blood vessels have been thought of as stiff pipes that gradually become clogged with excess cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. The solution that physicians recommend most often is cholesterol-lowering drugs, which target only a very small number of the numerous factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Conventional medicine’s preferred method of re-establishing blood flow in clogged vessels is through surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery) or by insertion of catheters bearing tiny balloons that crush the plaque deposits against the arterial walls (angioplasty), followed by the implantation of tiny mesh tubes (stents) to keep the blood vessels open. However, the grafts used to re-establish blood flow often develop plaque deposits themselves. The same was true for balloon angioplasty; in their early years, up to half of all angioplasty procedures “failed” when the arteries gradually closed again. Even today, with the use of improved stents, the failure rate is considerable and many people have to undergo repeat angioplasty or even surgery.

The cause and progression of vascular disease is intimately related to the health of the inner arterial wall. Blood vessels are composed of three layers. The outer layer is mostly connective tissue and provides structure to the layers beneath. The middle layer is smooth muscle; it contracts and dilates to control blood flow and maintain blood pressure. The inner lining consists of a thin layer of endothelial cells (the endothelium), which provides a smooth, protective surface. Endothelial cells prevent toxic, blood-borne substances from penetrating the smooth muscle of the blood vessel.

However, as people age, a barrage of atherogenic factors, if left unchecked, damages the delicate endothelial cells. This damage leads to endothelial dysfunction and ultimately allows lipids and toxins to penetrate the endothelial layer and enter the smooth muscle cells. This results in the initiation of an oxidative and inflammatory cascade that culminates in the development of plaque deposits. Subsequently, these plaques begin to calcify and, over time, become prone to rupture. If a plaque deposit ruptures, the result is oftentimes a deadly stroke causing blood clot.

Numerous factors that directly contribute to endothelial dysfunction have been identified and aging individuals can easily assess their risk for vascular disease through blood testing. The results of these blood tests can then be used to develop targeted intervention strategies to modify levels of risk factors that do not fall within an optimal range. Atherogenic factors that all aging individuals must be aware of include:

Consuming plenty of oily fish such as anchovies can prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Elevated LDL cholesterol. LDL is dangerous because it can penetrate the endothelial wall and contribute to the creation foam cells, which form the core of a plaque deposit. Oxidized LDL cholesterol (LDL that has been exposed to free radicals) within the endothelium also triggers an inflammatory process that accelerates vascular disease. LDL cholesterol levels should be below 80 mg/dL.

Low HDL cholesterol. HDL protects against vascular disease by transporting cholesterol from the blood vessel wall back to the liver for disposal through a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. If HDL levels are low, then reverse cholesterol transport becomes inefficient, allowing for increased accumulation of cholesterol in the vessel wall. HDL levels of at least 50-60 mg/dL are recommended for optimal vascular protection.

Elevated triglycerides. Triglycerides interact with LDL cholesterol to form a particularly dangerous sub-type of LDL known as small-dense LDL. Small-dense LDL particles penetrate the endothelial layer and contribute to plaque formation much more efficiently than larger, more buoyant LDL particles. Fasting triglycerides levels should be below 80 mg/dL to limit the formation of small-dense LDL particles.

Oxidized LDL. The oxidation of LDL results in severe vascular damage. Thousands of studies now reveal how oxidized LDL contributes to the entire atherogenic process from start to finish. Commercial blood tests are not yet available at affordable prices to measure oxidized LDL. Aging individuals should assume their endogenous antioxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) are being depleted and that the oxidation of their LDL is progressively worsening. Many of the nutrient suggestions in this protocol afford considerable protection against LDL oxidation.

Hypertension. High blood pressure is known to aggravate endothelial dysfunction and leading researchers have identified the endothelium as an “end organ” for damage caused by high blood pressure. Optimal blood pressure of 115/75 mmHg (or lower) is recommended.

Elevated C-reactive protein. Inflammation is central to the endothelial dysfunction that underlies vascular disease. An effective way to measure inflammation is through a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test. Studies have shown that higher levels of CRP are associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack and peripheral vascular disease. Stroke patients with the highest CRP levels are two to three times more likely to die or experience a new vascular event within a year than are patients with the lowest levels.

Elevated Lp-PLA2. Like CRP, Lp-PLA2 is a marker of inflammation. However, Lp-PLA2 is a much more specific measure of vascular inflammation than CRP. Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme secreted by inflamed vascular plaque, thus the quantity of it in circulation correlates with the amount of inflamed plaque in the blood vessels. Levels of Lp-PLA2 above 200 ng/mL are indicative of heightened levels of vascular plaque build-up.

Elevated omega-6:omega-3 ratio. High levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids relative to anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids create an environment that fosters inflammation and contributes to vascular disease. It has been shown that lowering the omega-6:omega-3 ratio significantly decreases atherosclerotic lesion size and reduces numerous measures of inflammation. A blood omega-6:omega-3 ratio of less than 4:1 is recommended.

Elevated glucose. High circulating levels of blood glucose (and insulin) cause micro vascular damage that accelerates the atherogenic process, partly by contributing to endothelial dysfunction. It has been shown that a fasting blood glucose level of greater than 85 mg/dL significantly increases risk of cardiovascular related mortality.

Excess insulin. As people age, they lose their ability to utilize insulin to effectively drive blood glucose into energy-producing cells. As glucose levels rise in the blood, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. As “insulin resistance” worsens, even more insulin is secreted in attempt to restore glucose control. Excess insulin is associated with a significantly greater risk of heart disease. Life Fasting insulin should be below 5 mcIU/mL.

Elevated homocysteine. High homocysteine levels damage endothelial cells and contribute to the initial pathogenesis vascular disease. Homocysteine levels are associated with risk of heart disease. To keep homocysteine-induced endothelial damage to a minimum, levels of homocysteine should be kept below 7-8 µmol/L.

Elevated fibrinogen. When a blood clot forms, fibrinogen is converted to fibrin, which forms the structural matrix of a blood clot. Fibrinogen also facilitates platelet adherence to endothelial cells. People with high levels of fibrinogen are more than twice as likely to die of a heart attack or stroke as people with normal fibrinogen levels. This risk goes up even more in the presence of hypertension. Fibrinogen levels should be kept between 295 to 369 mg/dl.

Insufficient vitamin D. Vitamin D protects against vascular disease via several different mechanisms, including reducing chronic inflammatory reactions that contribute to the pathology of the disease. It has been shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Maintaining a 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood level of 50 – 80 ng/mL can eliminate this risk.

Insufficient vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for regulating proteins in the body that direct calcium to the bones and keep it out of the arterial wall. Low vitamin K status predisposes aging humans to vascular calcification, chronic inflammation and sharply higher heart attack risks. Vitamin K blood tests assess levels of vitamin K to maintain healthy coagulation, but at this time are not used to identify optimal levels to reduce heart attack risk. However, there is a substantial amount of evidence that suggests that consuming foods rich in  vitamin K easily corrects the vitamin K deficits that are so common today.

Natural sources of vitamin K are: alfalfa, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, buckwheat, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, cress, dandelion leaves, green tea, kale, oregano, parsley, rye, soybean oil, spinach, turnip greens, watercress

Avoid: almonds, cabbage & kale if suffering with thyroid problems, kidney & gallstones, joint problems, or osteoporosis

Limit foods with Vitamin K: If pregnant, breast feeding or taking blood thinning medication (such as anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs)

Low testosterone and excess oestrogen (in men). Numerous studies link low testosterone (and excess estradiol) with increased heart attack and stroke risk. Testosterone is intimately involved in the reverse cholesterol transport process, which removes cholesterol from the arterial wall by HDL. Excess oestrogen is linked with higher C-reactive protein and a greater propensity for abnormal blood clots to form in arteries, causing a sudden heart attack or stroke. Men should keep their free testosterone in a range of 20 – 25 pg/mL and their estradiol levels between 20 – 30 pg/mL.

Insufficient CoQ10. Supplemental CoenzymeQ10 alters the pathology of vascular diseases and has the potential for prevention of vascular disease through the inhibition of LDL cholesterol oxidation and by the maintenance of optimal cellular and mitochondrial function throughout the ravages of time and internal and external stresses. The attainment of higher blood levels of CoQ10 (3.5 micrograms/mL) with the use of higher doses of CoQ10 appears to enhance both the magnitude and rate of clinical improvement.

Natural sources of CoQ10 are: whole grains, barley, buckwheat, oats, rye, quinoa, nuts, spinach, organ meats, calf's liver, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, trout, tuna, yoghurt.

Nitric oxide deficit. Nitric oxide is an important messenger molecule required for healthy cardiovascular function. Nitric oxide enables blood vessels to expand and contract with youthful elasticity and is vital to maintaining the structural integrity of the endothelium, thus protecting against vascular disease. Even when all other risk factors are controlled for, the age-related decline in endothelial nitric oxide too often causes accelerated vascular disease unless corrective measures are taken. Commercial blood tests are not yet available at affordable prices to assess nitric oxide status. Aging individuals should assume they are developing a nitric oxide deficit in their inner arterial wall (the endothelium) and follow simple steps outlined in this protocol to protect themselves.

For the body to produce nitric oxide the following natural foods need to be consumed: beef, beetroot, broccoli, collard greens, spinach, nuts, pine nuts, pheasant, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, shellfish

Flavonoids, including apigenin, prevent in vitro LDL oxidation may help to prevent atherosclerosis. Natural foods containing flavanoids are: artichoke, basil, celery, olives (in brine), parsley, peppermint, thyme.

Nature Cures High Cholesterol and Heart Conditions

The liver has one of the first stop jobs of sorting through the food and toxins that are ingested. It can regenerate itself if minor damage from excessive toxins occurs but eventually it will get clogged and overworked which is when food stops being digested properly and the rest of the system is affected. The following will clean it up so it can do it's job. The pancreas produces insulin and can easily become damaged by toxins and alcohol. This remedy will also serve to heal a damage pancreas.

Daily Morning Liver and Pancreas Cleanser

These ingredients together taken in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning will detoxify the liver

lemon or lime juice (tablespoon), apple cider vinegar (tablespoon), pure honey (teaspoon),

turmeric (pinch), cayenne pepper (pinch), rosemary (pinch)

Try the daily morning liver cleanser for two weeks then have the cholesterol levels checked again. If there is even a slight reduction of LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol the problem is obviously the liver so a more intense flush needs to be undertaken. See the Cleanse and Detoxify and the Raw Juice Therapy pages. It is advisable to try this method first before resorting to cholesterol lowering drugs which can have debilitating affects on the body including the liver. See Medication Dangers

A diet that includes at least 25g of soya per day has been associated with reductions in LDL cholesterol and CVD. Soya isoflavones in particular have been shown to reduce CVD risk as they inhibit the growth of cells that form artery-clogging plaque. Soya protein is also an excellent substitute for meat. Another good source of soya protein is soya milk and yoghurt.

Consuming 2g of ginger per day can produce significantly higher insulin sensitivity which is beneficial to diabetics as well as lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Soluble dietary fibre, found in oats, whole grains, psyllium husks, beans and legumes can help to lower LDL cholesterol. These foods should be included as part of an overall healthy balanced diet, at least two to three times each week.

Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol (1 glass of wine per day) has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol can increase HDL cholesterol and makes it less likely that clots will form. Drinking more than this has serious adverse affects.

Pomegranate juice has shown to not only prevent plaque build up in the arteries but also reduce plaques already there.

---

High Blood Pressure - Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Causes the heart to work harder than normal putting both the heart and arteries at greater risk of damage. High blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure often has no symptoms or warning signs. If it stays elevated above 120/80 mmHg over time and is uncontrolled, it can lead to increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, damage to the eyes, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis and many other medical problems.

Left untreated high blood pressure can cause the heart to become abnormally large and less efficient (ventricular hypertrophy) causing heart failure and increased risk of heart attack.

Although high blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people suffer no symptoms at all. As a result many people with hypertension remain undiagnosed because they have no symptoms to motivate them to see a doctor or get their blood pressure checked. If high blood pressure isn't treated and is combined with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack is several times higher.

Causes & precautions

-Can be caused by a kidney abnormality, tumour of the adrenal gland or congenital defect of the aorta

-People from African-Caribbean and South Asian communities are at greater risk of high blood pressure

-Can be an inherited condition

-High blood pressure can affect older people who have led an unhealthy lifestyle

-Dramatically reducing your salt intake can help to lower blood pressure

-Too much alcohol and caffeine can raise the blood pressure significantly

-Being overweight & under active

-Not eating enough fruit & vegetables

-Shedding pounds, cutting down on sodium, boosting potassium intake, stopping smoking and limiting -----

-alcohol are all proven ways to help control blood pressure.

Potassium, as well as calcium, plays an important role in regulating high blood pressure. Bananas, beans, potatoes & skins, green leafy vegetables, grapes, oranges, lemons, raisins, whole grains, lentils, sunflower seeds, nuts and tofu are all rich sources of potassium. Bananas and potatoes can increase weight though. Try baking, roasting or steaming when cooking vegetables. Avoid boiling as potassium leaches out into the water during cooking. As for calcium, an average adult needs at least 1000mg of calcium daily.

Garlic, daikon and flax seed have shown some effect in lowering high blood pressure.

People who cooked with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils saw a significant drop in blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. The researchers found cooking with a combination of these oils in a variety of ways worked nearly as well as commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication and that use of the oil blend with medication yielded even more impressive results.

Avoid taking the following herbal supplements as they may increase blood pressure: ephedra, ginseng, liquorice and feverfew.

Reducing salt intake lowers the blood pressure. Use spices or seaweed for taste instead which will add more very healthy nutrients to your diet.

---

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)

Some bacteria in the intestines turn lecithin - a nutrient found in avocado, beef, egg yolks, legumes, nuts, oily fish, organ meats, pork, soya and whole grains into an artery-clogging compound called trimethylamine-N-oxide.

Some intestinal bacteria also transform carnitine, a nutrient found in beef, cheese, halibut, milk, oily fish, pork, poultry, rabbit, venison into trimethylamine-N-oxide.

Both lecithin and carnitine are manufactured by the human body and essential for vital processes in the body.

Lecithin is produced in the liver and consists of fatty acids and choline and is essential for processes in all cells of the body.

Carnitine is made in the body from the two amino acids lysine and methionine and is essential to lipid metabolism.

However, excess trimethylamine-N-oxide caused by certain bacteria in the intestines, transforming lecithin and carnitine which is derived from animal foods into this compound, can lead to blood cholesterol build up on artery walls, causing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and, if the build up ruptures and blocks an artery, results in a stroke or heart attack.

It is therefore healthier to ensure the plant nutrients required for the body to manufacture it's own lecithin and carnitine are present rather than consuming animal products which contain these nutrients which feeds the trimethylamine-N-oxide producing bacteria in the intestines instead.

Natural plant foods to consume to ensure the body can produce it's own lecithin and carnitine are:

almonds, amaranth, brazil nuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts, buckwheat, cauliflower, collard greens, flaxseed, garlic, grape seed oil, kale, mustard greens, navy beans, oats, onions, peanuts, pecans, peppers (red), pine nuts, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, rampion, rapeseed oil, sesame seeds & oil, soybean oil, sunflower seeds, spinach, walnuts, whole grains

---

Water retention

Heart disease can cause respiratory problems like fluid on the lungs. Eating the correct foods to gain a natural diuretic and water balancing affect in the body will benefit the whole system as they also contain many other essential phytonutrients and no side effects. Natural food remedies which can aid as a diuretic and reduce water retention are:

VEGETABLES

alfalfa, artichoke, asparagus,  aubergines, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, garlic, onions, lettuce, radishes, horseradish, watercress

WHOLE GRAIN FIBRE

all whole grains especially amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, psyllium husks, quinoa, rye

FRUIT 

cranberry juice, lemon, melon

SEEDS 

watermelon

HERBS

bissy nut, blue vervain, drumstick, parsley, fennel, dandelion, common stinging nettles, corn silk, hawthorn berries, horsetail, juniper, psyllium husks, saffron, sarsaparilla, uva ursi

SPICES

black pepper, cayenne pepper

DERIVATIVES

apple cider vinegar, brine pickles, tea, green tea

Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water (to avoid the chlorine and other chemicals added to tap water)

---

HEALTHY HEART ADVICE

-Only buy organic produce.

-Avoid all processed food (packaged, frozen, ready meals, biscuits, salty snacks, cakes, etc)

-Replace meat, cheese and eggs with fish, legumes, seeds, soya and nuts. If over weight keep nuts to a small   handful per day.

-Replace sugar with pure organic honey, fruit, raisins, pure coconut milk or parsnips.

-Replace fats with herb, vegetable and seed oils especially olive oil, pure coconut milk and organic live    yoghurt.

-Replace salt with shredded seaweed, spices and herbs. Seaweed tastes salty, is very nutritious and can be --sprinkled on many meals. Its salt content is far lower than table salt.

-Use turmeric, cumin and black pepper which will assist your body with transporting nutrients to where they    are needed & aid digestion and also help to thin and purify the blood

-Turkey improves the blood and concentration levels

-Duck improves the blood and concentration levels

-Tuna (contains Coenzyme Q10 vital for the heart

-Salmon contains Coenzyme Q10 vital for the heart

-Sardines contains omega 3 oils essential for heart

-Egg (yolks only) contains almost every essential vitamin and mineral

-Psyllium husks should be sprinkled on meals daily to keep the digestive system working well

-Eat whole grains and brown rice

-Drink tea (especially green tea) instead of coffee which can stop the body from absorbing nutrients and -----create toxins hard for the heart to contend with. See Dangers of coffee

-Aim to eat as many different types of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that you can from the list below  everyday. A small amount of each mixed in a blender to create thick potage easily digested soups and fruity  drinks will give you all the nutrients you need to strengthen your heart and keep your blood clean. Add live  probiotic yoghurt for a creamy twist to soups and fruit smoothies.

-Try lacto acid brine pickling of the vegetables, herbs and spices to add high absorption of nutrients and  essential friendly bacteria to your diet. See the Pickle page to find out how.

-Grow your own seed, legume, nut and wholegrain sprouts and make a healthy Nutty Salad Snack Pot. See  the Micro Diet Sprouting page.

-Roast whole garlic cloves and parsnip and keep in the fridge to eat when you are hungry instead of        unhealthy processed salty snacks, and biscuits. Cocoa beans and carob are nutritious but the damage to the   heart is done by the processing and high fat and sugar content added to chocolate bars.

-Take gentle exercise daily and remove yourself from stressful situations.

-Be creative and enjoy experimenting with your new diet!

---

Natural Food Remedies for a Healthy Heart

Eating a multitude (not just 5) of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices per day will ensure you consume all the traces of a huge amount of phytonutrients that the body and heart requires to work effectively.

Oily fish, legumes, tofu, whole grains, nuts and seeds will provide the protein required without the bad fats ingested from meat as well as all the fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients needed to keep the heart and circulation healthy.

Try steaming a wide selection of the vegetables listed with the herbs and spices listed and a tablespoon or two of bottled or filtered water (fastest in the in the microwave 8 minutes approx.) then place in a blender for a deliciously healthy potage soup and eat a small bowl before each meal.

Similarly blend a wide selection of the fruits together with nutmeg, cinnamon and honey to provide a tasty nutritious 'smoothie'. Add live probiotic organic yoghurt to make the 'smoothie' or soup creamy.

If nothing else but the natural foods listed here are consumed, a profound difference in health will be felt in just two weeks. Indulging in anything else is only going to reverse the process and damage the heart and lungs further.

MEAT (2 times a week)

chicken (no skin) rabbit, venison

FISH (at least 4 times a week. Consume green tea with sea food to reduce the absorption of mercury found in some fish)

anchovies, bloater fish, carp, cod, eel, herring, halibut, kipper, lobster, mackerel, octopus, pilchards, salmon, sardines, shellfish, swordfish, hilsa fish, sprats, trout, tuna (fresh only), turbot, whitebait

DAIRY (1 x egg 3 times a week, yoghurt daily)

eggs, yoghurt (live low fat probiotic)

VEGETABLES  (a selection of at least 3 colours per day meaning all have been eaten during a month)

alfalfa, aubergine, artichoke, asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, bell peppers (red, green & yellow), Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, chicory, courgettes, corn, cress, cucumber, daikon, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, peas, kelp, lettuce, marrow, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, radishes, seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, sweet potato, swede, tomatoes, turnip, watercress

LEGUMES (a selection of 2 or 3 at least 3 times a week)

black beans, black eyed peas, broad beans, chickpeas, green beans, lentils, lima beans, mung beans, navy beans, red kidney beans, peas, pinto beans, soybeans, winged beans

WHOLE GRAIN FIBRE (at least 1 whole grain everyday)

amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, psyllium husks, quinoa, rye

FRUIT (a selection of at least 3 colours per day meaning all have been eaten at during a month)

apples, apricots, bananas, berries, blackberries, kiwi fruit, cranberry juice, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, limes, mango, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, rosehip berries, soursop, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, grated orange and tangerine peel,

JUICE (pure, additive free, unsweetened - daily as often as possible)

beetroot, carrot, cranberry, blueberry, mango, pomegranate, tomato

DRIED FRUIT (as snacks or added to meals daily)

dates, figs, goji berries, raisins

NUTS (as snacks or added to meals daily)

almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts

SEEDS (as snacks or added to meals daily)

flaxseeds, grape seeds, poppy, pumpkin, sunflower, watermelon

MICRO DIET SPROUTS (see the Micro Diet Sprouting page to find out how to grow your own then add to meals and snacks daily)

alfalfa, almond, amaranth, barley, broccoli, buckwheat, cabbage, chickpea, corn, daikon, hazelnut, fenugreek, flaxseeds, kamut, leek, lemon grass, lentil, lettuce, milk thistle, mizuna, mung beans, mustard, oat, onion, pea, peanut, radish, rice, rocket, rye, quinoa, sesame, spinach, spring onions, sunflower, turnip, watercress, wheat

OILS

cod liver, flaxseed, grape seed, nut, olive, rapeseed, sunflower, a blend of sesame & rice bran oils

COMMON HERBS (nutritious herbs to be used as often as possible)

basil, cardamom, coriander, cloves, dill, lemongrass, oregano, parsley, saffron, safflower, sage, tarragon, thyme

MEDICINAL HERBS (consume as teas or add to meals as required)

ash gourd, bdellium gum, borage, burdock root, dandelion, hawthorn berries, milk thistle, nettle, Japanese or Chinese knotweed

SPICES (nutritious spices to be used as often as possible daily)

black pepper, cayenne pepper, cilantro, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, nutmeg, turmeric

DERIVATIVES (to be consumed and used as desired on a daily basis)

apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, black strap molasses, brine pickles, tea, green tea, honey, miso, tofu

---

CUT OUT meat products, salt, sugar, coffee, processed food, food additives, sugar free products, aspartame, refined oils, margarine, white flour, peppermint, ephedra, ginseng, yohimbine, liquorice, feverfew, rosemary

To avoid chemical fungicide and pesticide which can seriously lower resistance to infection and stop absorption of vital phytonutrients causing a great strain on the heart only organically grown fruits and vegetables should be consumed. The following have been proven to contain these toxic residues: Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Cocoa Beans, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries. See the Pesticide Dangers page

AVOID

grapefruit if you are taking ‘Statins’ to lower cholesterol or medications for blood pressure & some other medications

wheat if suffering from gluten intolerance or intestinal upsets as it can irritate the stomach lining

seeds & nuts if you suffer from diverticulitis

ginger, turmeric & Japanese or Chinese knotweed if pregnant or taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin and ibuprofen due to the risk of bleeding.

---

Common Conditions Affecting the Heart

Angina - an indication of heart disease

Aortic stenosis - can be present at birth but it's more common in older people

Atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries caused by plaque building up in the vessel

Arrhythmia - an abnormal heartbeat is common and not always dangerous

Arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries

Atrial fibrillation - this is the most common cause of the heart beating irregularly

Cardiomyopathy - where the structure of the heart muscle changes or weakens

Cardiovascular disease - a group of conditions including stroke and heart disease

Congenital heart defects - present in about six out of every 1,000 babies

Hardening of the arteries - often the result of high cholesterol

Heart attack - occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked

Heart attack recovery - the first 48 hours after a heart attack are critical

Heart failure - one in 20 admissions to hospital is the result of heart failure

Heart murmurs - about 30 per cent of children have an innocent heart murmur

Heart problems in babies - most heart problems in babies are due to faulty genes

Heart valve disease - can develop over years or in a matter of days

High blood pressure - hypertension increases the risk of a heart attack

Palpitations - when you describe your heart as 'racing', 'thumping' or 'pounding'

Ventricular Hypertrophy - heart becomes abnormally large and less efficient sometimes due to high blood pressure

---

WATER AND HEART ATTACKS

Many people say they don't drink anything before going to bed because they'll have to get up during the night.

Why do people urinate so much at night? Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright (legs swell).

When you lie down and the lower body (legs and etc) is level with the kidneys, it is then that the kidneys remove the water because it is easier.

Drinking water at a certain time maximizes its effectiveness on the body

2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

Water at bed time will also help prevent night time leg cramps.

Most heart attacks occur in the day, generally between 6 A.M. and noon. Having one during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that something unusual happened. Sleep apnea could be to blame.

1. If you take an aspirin or a baby aspirin once a day, take it at night. Aspirin has a 24-hour "half-life"; therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the small hours of the morning, the Aspirin would be strongest in your system.

2. Aspirin lasts a really long time in the medicine chest, for years, (when it gets old, it smells like vinegar).

Why keep Aspirin by your bedside? It's about Heart Attacks.

There are other symptoms of a heart attack, besides the pain on the left arm. One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin, as well as nausea and lots of sweating; however, these symptoms may also occur less frequently.

Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a heart attack.

The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake up.

However, if it occurs, the chest pain may wake you up from your deep sleep.

If that happens, immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth and swallow them with a some water.

Afterwards: Call 999

Take a seat on a chair near the front door and wait for their arrival and ...DO NOT LIE DOWN!

Consuming ginger and turmeric (which has the same effects as aspirin) with a snack in the evening can also help protect against strokes and heart attack.

Do Share (or) Send a link to this page to your contacts. It may save lives!

Posted in: Angina