Congestive heart failure is a very serious affliction caused by many different risk factors for heart disease. Basically, the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Lung congestion can occur because of backflow of blood from the heart to the lungs. Congestive heart failure involves the heart, kidneys, vascular system and ultimately the brain. Life Extension Foundation reports that 20 percent of those diagnosed with CHF die within one year. Fifty percent die within five years.
Hawthorne
Studies show that standardized Hawthorne extracts can help treat left ventricular dysfunction. By increasing blood flow to the heart, Hawthorne is said to improve exercise tolerance and decrease the symptoms of mild to moderate congestive heart failure. According to the Life Extension Foundation, beneficial effects have been demonstrated in animal and human double-blind clinical trials. Hawthorne may also improve heart pumping efficiency and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition, while decreasing vascular resistance. Hawthorne can cause low blood pressure and sedative effects. Do not take Hawthorne if you are currently taking digoxin. Take 80mg to 300mg of standardized Hawthorne extract, two or three times a day.
Forskolin
Clinical research has shown that Forskolin may improve heart function via several different pathways. From the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii, Forskolin can help to dilate blood vessels, which can decrease blood pressure. Forskolin may also improve the strength of heartbeats, making the heart more efficient in delivering blood and oxygen to the body due to increased cardiac output. Clinical trials show improved function in patients with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Intravenous Forskolin was used in some studies, so more research is needed on the exact dosage of oral treatment. Between 200mg and 600 mg, standardized for 10 percent Forskolin, is recommended per day. Forskolin may help congestive heart failure patients reduce their dependence on synthetic drugs.
Arjuna Bark
In doses of 500mg, Arjuna bark has been shown to have diuretic properties that can alleviate congestive heart failure. Diuretics or water pills remove excess fluid from blood, which decreases blood volume. This aids blood pressure and heart pumping. Many congestive heart failure patients show improvement with Arjuna. A small trial by Bharani A, Ganguly A, Bhargava KD, showed increased heart function and decreased lung congestion in severe CHF cases, with 500mg three times a day. Improvements materialized after only two weeks and continued for over two years. Researchers admit that more trials are needed to demonstrate this effect on a larger scale.
