CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE is a symptom of many serious diseases including high blood pressure (see Hypertension, page 194), heart valve disease, heart attack (see Angina, page 12), emphysema, congenital heart disease, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), among others. It’s caused when the pumping action of the heart is impaired. Congestive heart failure differs from a heart attack or cardiac arrest in that the heart doesn’t stop, it just becomes less and less efficient at pumping blood. As the heart loses its ability to pump blood, fluid accumulates in the veins that carry blood from the lungs, causing the lungs to become swollen and congested. The legs also become swollen with fluid. You may become breathless, particularly after mild exercise. You may have difficulty breathing when you lie down. You may have chest pain. You may lose your appetite and experience mental confusion. You may also experience frequent urination, particularly at night.
Usually the first symptom of congestive heart failure that patients notice is breathlessness and fatigue. If you have a “heart condition” or if you notice these symptoms or any of those described above, you should see your doctor. Anyone with any form of heart failure should be under the care of a physician. The first step in treating congestive heart failure is to determine exactly what’s causing it. Is it high blood pressure? Heart valve disease? The result of a heart attack? Your doctor will of course determine the cause and prescribe the treatment.
You cannot depend on natural remedies to cure congestive heart failure. Where natural remedies can help you is in reducing the symptoms. I’ve had a number of patients who were on medication for heart failure -the common treatments being digitalis and diuretics and also a drug called Procardia-but were not getting sufficient relief from symptoms. These people have been greatly helped by adopting natural means. One of my male patients had great difficulty sleeping even though he was being treated with a variety of medications. Once he adopted a natural program, he found his symptoms relieved to the point where he sleeps as well as he ever has and rarely experience shortness of breath.
The supplement coenzyme QIO (or CoQlO) has been of enormous help to my patients with congestive heart failure. (Unfortunately, CoQ10 is on the FDA’s “hit list,” not because it’s dangerous, but because the FDA claims that it has no benefit. Consumer groups are fighting to keep it in the stores since it has been found to be so helpful.) Coenzyme QIO, which is also known as ubiquinone, plays an important role in fat and energy metabolism. It’s been shown to be of extreme benefit to people who suffer with any kind of heart disease, as it helps prevent the accumulation of fatty acids within the heart muscle. I’m aware of reports claiming that CoQlO is ineffective, but my patients invariably find that the supplement reduces their symptoms. They usually see results in one to three weeks.
There’s another nutritional supplement, an amino acid called carnitine, that improves the burning of fatty acids and thereby improves the heart muscle’s exercise tolerance. Studies also reveal that in addition to helping to strengthen the heart muscle, carnitine aids in lowering total cholesterol anti triglyceride levels and prevents irregular heartbeat. Carnitine is a substance natural to the body. As people age, they tend to become deficient in carnitine, which can have an adverse effect on the heart. I suggest that my patients with congestive heart failure take carnitine (available in health food stores) daily.
There are other supplements that can help give relief. Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, has been shown to have a significant effect in reducing symptoms (as well as the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac deaths). The most impressive evidence comes from a long-term study involving more than 22,000 male doctors who have been taking beta-carotene for an average of six years. The best effect is seen when the beta-carotene is ingested in the form of food, and I suggest that my patients make a serious effort to eat at least five half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables-primary sources of beta-carotene. This is not as difficult to achieve as you may think: A half cup is just an average serving of sliced carrots or a slice of cantaloupe. The best sources of beta-carotene are yellow/orange fruits and vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches, and cantaloupes, and dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and arugula. I also suggest to my patients that they take a supplement of beta-carotene daily.
Magnesium is another mineral that’s important for proper heart functioning. In fact, magnesium deficiencies have been found in over 20 percent of patients with congestive heart failure. In addition, patients with congestive heart failure are prone to irregular heartbeats in the form of premature ventricular contractions; magnesium has been used to control this condition.
Low levels of vitamin E have been implicated in the development of various heart problems. One World Health Organization study found low levels of vitamin E to be a major risk factor for death from heart disease.
Exercise is always important when discussing any kind of heart disease. A heart strengthened by exercise will be stronger and more resistant to failure. It’s important that you discuss exercise with your doctor.
NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
If you have congestive heart failure, you should be under the regular care of a physician. The following suggestions are meant to complement your doctor’s recommendations.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS, TAKE
- Coenzyme Q10: 30 to 60 mg. three times a day.
- DL-carnitine: 250 mg. three times a day.
- Beta-Carotene: five half-cup servings daily of fruits and vegetables — such as yellow/orange fruits and vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches, and cantaloupes, and dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and arugula. Or you can take beta-carotene supplements in the amount of 10,000 mg. daily.
- Magnesium: 250 mg. twice daily
- Vitamin E: 400 I.U. daily
- Exercise: Discuss with your doctor
