CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States (30% of all deaths each year). Over 700,000 people die yearly from heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and other vascular disease. The incidence of heart attacks increased in the 1920’s when mass consumption of cigarettes increased but has gone down starting in the late 1960’s. This decrease is due primarily to improved lifestyle habits and to a lesser extent because of better medical treatments. Autopsy studies of young adults shows that the disease actually begins early in many people.
Conventional treatment consists of lifestyle changes (stopping smoking, regular exercise, eating a diet low in saturated fats), lowering high blood pressure and lowering high cholesterol with diet and drugs. In advanced cases, surgery to unblock (angioplasty) or bypass the obstructed arteries of the heart is done to relieve symptoms. Studies comparing the outcomes between medical and surgical therapy show similar outcomes except for certain specific types of coronary artery blockage (severe obstruction of the left main coronary artery is better treated by bypass surgery). The main problem with surgery (besides the major risks and high cost) is that it does nothing to halt the underlying disease process.
Risk factors for coronary artery disease include family history of early disease (before age 55), male sex, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, high sugar intake, elevated homocysteine level, obesity, high intake of saturated fats, grief, depression, hostility and social isolation. The holistic approach includes looking at all of these factors and helping each person make needed lifestyle changes.
Diet is of paramount importance and should include high intake of whole foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, beans, seeds, fiber). Adequate intake of omega-3 oils lowers the risk of heart disease. These oils are found in cold-water fish and flaxseed. Garlic and onions lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The carotenoid chemical lycopene lowers risk and can be found in tomatoes, dried apricots, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit. While following a healthy whole food diet will raise levels of many antioxidants, studies show that fewer than 5% of Americans eat a diet that supplies the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for all vitamins and minerals. There is strong evidence that increased intake of antioxidant nutrients prevents heart disease. These nutrients include Vitamins C, E, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-12, beta-carotene, folic acid, and magnesium.
Hawthorn berry extract protects blood vessel walls. Ginkgo biloba improves microcirculation throughout the body. L-carnitine is an amino acid that is depleted in people with heart disease. Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and improves energy production with the heart muscle cells. DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone within the body that declines to low levels as we age. Evidence suggests that supplements may retard aging and help prevent heart attacks. Low testosterone levels in men are associated with increased chances of heart disease.
Chelation therapy is used to bind to and remove heavy metals from the body. This intravenous therapy has been used in thousands of patients for over 35 years and has successfully reversed the abnormalities in the vessel walls of many who have tried it. A large placebo controlled trial is in the design phase so those who commit to this relatively expensive and prolonged therapy will have to do so based on enthusiastic testimonials, case reports and extensive basic science research showing the plausibility of why it works. It is not covered by most insurance, including Medicare.
No holistic approach to treat or prevent heart disease is complete without addressing mental, emotional and spiritual health issues. Lowering stress levels by regular meditation, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback or hypnosis will lower high levels of damaging stress hormones and cholesterol. Social connectedness clearly lowers risk of bad outcomes in people who have suffered a heart attack. Cultivating compassion for yourself and others and learning forgiveness can eliminate the damaging effects of hostility, anger, resentment, grief and loneliness. Consultation and regular follow-up with a holistic physician can assist those with established heart disease to develop a comprehensive program designed to improve heart structure and function.
Daniel Blodgett MD