A diagnosis of coronary artery disease can be alarming. Whether you have had a heart attack or a physician caught your disease prior to having one, you no doubt understand the threat to your heart that now exists. Joining your physician in the management of your condition can help mitigate this risk. Several home remedies are known to promote a better cardiac outcome.
Eat a Proper Diet
What you put into your body greatly impacts the health of your arteries. Fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, fish, nuts, beans and whole grains all benefit the circulatory system. Good choices include berries, tomatoes, bananas, apples, greens, oatmeal, olive oil, black beans, salmon, walnuts and almonds. Strive for at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day. Avoid trans fat, fatty meats, shortening, excess salt, fried foods and whole milk products. Cleveland Clinic also recommends that you have no more than one alcoholic drink each day. You may wish to drink a glass of grape juice each day as a home remedy. Putting healthy foods into your body and avoiding artery-clogging fats is an important way you can help your condition at home.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, your doctor has probably already admonished you about this unhealthy habit. Educate yourself on the various quitting methods available. Other heart patients have succeeded by using nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine mints, "fake" cigarettes, hypnosis, counseling, behavior modification and prescription drugs that reduce the urge to light up. Talk with your physician about the options that are appropriate for your condition. If you have concerns about gaining weight or not being able to deal with cravings, explain that to her. She may have ways to help you avoid these potential outcomes. Allowing only healthy air into your lungs instead of artery-damaging smoke may improve your coronary artery disease or help prevent it from worsening.
Lower Your Stress
As another home remedy, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends that you take active steps to reduce the stress in your life. If you find that you often worry about finances, loved ones, work or other responsibilities, then practice relieving yourself of those concerns. Try different stress-reduction methods until you learn what works for you. Good strategies include spending time in nature, talking with a friend, exploring spirituality, finding a healthy distraction, meditation and counseling. A fishing expedition with your best friend, for example, may help you put your worries in perspective. If chronic stress is an ongoing problem for you, your physician may wish to prescribe medication to help you relax.
Lose Excess Weight
The conditions of obesity and overweight worsen coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Weight loss can be a struggle; it becomes important to remember that your physician is your ally in making this important change. Ask him what your goal weight should be and if he has any tools to assist you. Reducing portion sizes and becoming more active can help you lose one to two pounds each week. Purchase a scale and weigh weekly to encourage yourself. Consider joining a weight loss support group and plan rewards for meeting your goals. Losing excess weight greatly relieves the stress on your heart and may be the most effective home remedy you can do.
Get Regular Exercise
If you love exercise, this home remedy should be easy. If you don't like to work out, however, you will need to find aerobic activities that you enjoy. If you have limited time available, make your exercise meaningful--work in your yard, wash your car, briskly walk the dog or clean up an elderly neighbor's yard. Join a gym if you enjoy being in a group atmosphere. If you prefer to exercise alone, consider swimming, jogging, using exercise DVD's--whatever gets you moving. Music may help you keep your motivation up. Most heart patients are encouraged to exercise for thirty minutes, several times each week. Ask your doctor for recommendations specific to your condition. If your heart becomes severely compromised, she may suggest you attend cardiac rehabilitation.
