Natural Remedies

[lynnebhunt]

Hi Everyone --

I was wondering what everyone's experience has been using natural remedies to strengthen their hearts. Regardless of what your valve and/or heart issue is, are there any natural things that any of you have tried that have helped? I've read all sorts of things, very confusing and often conflicting, about CoQ10, 1000 mgs. of omega 3 fish oil, Hawthorne extract, garlic extract, magnesium, etc. for strengthening the heart.

Also, we subscribe to many, many "alternative" newsletters that are always hawking products for "healthy hearts" and I just wondered if any of you have tried any of them, and are they worthwhile, bogus, or dangerous?

I asked my cardiologist about some of them and he just smiled and told me that he doesn't really get involved in this area. I understand the medical community in general is very anti-anything else.

Thanks!

lynnebhunt

 

[Mary]

Hi Lynne.
I'm glad you've joined us. Natural remedies have been discussed in the past. I think if you put in a search you will find the posts that have discussed this issue.
Quentlin particularly comes to mind, if you want to see what she has researched.
Once again, Welcome.
Mary

 

[lynnebhunt]

thanks

thanks

thanks -- I'll try that

Lynne

 

[Blanche]

Lynne:
There is very little agreement about "natural" remedies. However, I have used some non-drug treatments for various ailments with great success. Nothing beats vinegar for sun burn. My doctor would not prescribe Lamisil for my foot fungus, but tea tree oil (which was suggested to another board member by Dr. Andrew Weil) cleared up my problem quickly. Peppermint oil helped my sister after surgery with nausea and it is being recommended by some of the gynegological surgeons in my area. My dentist swears that oregano oil for bronchitis, and it seems to work for me.

I, for one, believe that many natural remedies are very effective. In the examples I have listed, one can guage and see the results. As far as making the heart stronger, I don't know of ways to judge the effectiveness. The American Heart Association has come out with a recent opinion on fish oil which seems quite positive. However, there is some question about fish oil and coumadin/warfarin. The link to AHA and fish oil follows.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3006624

Regards,

Blanche

 

[lynnebhunt]

thanks!

thanks!

Thanks to Blanche and everyone else that replied to this.

I really need to find something other than the meds I'm on (low dose of Toporol - 1/2 of a 25 mg pill, and 2.5 of Altace) because I have come close to fainting twice. I may have to just take my chances with the progression of my aortic regurtitation because I had to be carted out of church today and the other time, I was driving and almost passed out. When I took my BP at home, it was 111/54! Yipes. I have had headaches, can't sleep, am thirsty all the time, am dizzy all the time, tired, and feel overall cruddy -- much worse than before I started on all of these meds to try and slow the progress of this aortic valve situation.

If anyone knows of any more natural remedies, I'd be interested!

Lynne

 

[JimChicago]

Hi Lynne,
Some of the natural supplements I'm taking are CoQ10, MAgnesium, taurine, vitamin C, etc.

Some sites that give information on supplements for the heart are:
http://www.askbillsardi.com
http://www.lef.org

Also you might like Dr. Whitaker's book entitled: "Reversing Heart Disease"

http://www.whitakerwellness.com/html/books.html

 

[lynnebhunt]

Thanks

Thanks

Hi Lynne,
Some of the natural supplements I'm taking are CoQ10, MAgnesium, taurine, vitamin C, etc.

Some sites that give information on supplements for the heart are:
http://www.askbillsardi.com
http://www.lef.org

Also you might like Dr. Whitaker's book entitled: "Reversing Heart Disease"

http://www.whitakerwellness.com/html/books.html

Thanks for the great info. I will check these out!

Lynne

 

[lynnebhunt]

thanks

thanks

Your high pulse pressure (the difference between the systolic and diastolic numbers) is characteristic of aortic valve patients. My blood pressure wasn't controllable on medication until I had an effective valve replacement. Unfortunately the first operation didn't work, so I'm saying that it was after AVR#2 that my blood pressure started responding to medication. About the time my valve problem was first diagnosed, I was trying acupuncture, which didn't work either. I read every book on natural remedies for hypertension that I could get my hands on and tried everything that I could try in the way of diet, exercize, and supplements. Looking back in hindsight, I think my valve started going clinically bad about 1993. I was put on many different Rx meds; none of them worked. I figured out on my own that salt restriction was more effective than anything else. But eventually, about 2002, the hypertension got severe, and nothing worked. Then came a cardiology consult, the valve dx and two surgeries. Only after the second valve surgery has treatment for my hypertension been effective. Hopefully for most people the first surgery would get it right.

That may be what happens to me, ultimately -- that is, I will have the surgery. I am not doing well on any of the meds and even had to go to the hospital last night because I passed out and BP was extremely low. I'm off everything now and go back to the cardiologist in 2 weeks. I feel like I am recovering from a hangover -- I guess it IS drug withdrawal.