Coronary heart disease, also called coronary atherosclerosis, occurs when the arteries that transport oxygenated blood to your heart become progressively more narrow. A coronary artery must be narrowed to at least 30 percent of its normal size before your heart begins to receive inadequate blood flow. Herbal treatments for coronary heart disease may help reduce your chances of developing long-term complications associated with this condition. Always consult with your doctor about taking herbs; they are not meant to replace other medications.
Causes and Complications
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that atherosclerosis --- a buildup of plaque on the walls of your arteries --- is the most common cause of coronary heart disease. Many risk factors increase your chances of developing this condition, including diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, physical inactivity and a stressful workplace and home environment. Complications of coronary heart disease include heart failure, unstable angina, heart attack and sudden death.
Herbal Treatments
Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that if one of your coronary arteries becomes obstructed by a buildup of deposits, your heart muscle will be starved for oxygen and you will suffer a heart attack. Balch notes that several herbal treatments may help treat atherosclerosis. Guggul, green tea and ginkgo are all helpful herbs. Hawthorn berries, cayenne, gymnema, ginger and garlic may also be beneficial.
Featured Herb
Hawthorn is a powerful herbal treatment for coronary heart disease. According to Balch, the berries, leaves and flowers of the hawthorn tree possess medicinal properties that help dilate coronary blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and restore the tone of the heart muscle. Hawthorn has been used to treat many cardiovascular system ailments, including coronary heart disease, anemia and heart failure. Hawthorn contains many important nutrients, including amino acids, calcium, chromium and essential fatty acids.
Additional Information
Many people do not realize they have coronary heart disease until they survive a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack. If you are in the high-risk category for coronary heart disease, consider visiting your physician for a full and thorough examination of your cardiovascular health. If you are diagnosed with coronary heart disease, discuss treatment strategies with your physician, including herbal treatments. Before using herbal treatments for your coronary heart disease, understand the potential health risks and benefits associated with this therapy.
References
- Columbia University Medical Center: Coronary Artery Disease
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Coronary Heart Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
