Natural Treatments for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, often referred to simply as heart disease, is a general term for diseases involving the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels to or in the heart. Heart disease, which is the number one killer of adults in the U.S. and worldwide, can lead to heart attack, chest pain and stroke.

Obviously, if you suffer from cardiovascular disease, you should be under a doctor's care. Also, you should discuss natural treatments for cardiovascular disease with your physician before you incorporate them into your health routine.

Some alternative therapies for cardiovascular disease to consider include the following.

Meditation. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can play an important role in a heart-healthy lifestyle. In addition to reducing stress, research has shown that meditation can, at times, help to lower and control blood pressure, increase blood flow to the heart, and contribute to feelings of calm and well being.

Yoga. Studies have shown that yoga can help to reduce blood pressure, which can lower the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. In addition, like meditation, yoga can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Aerobic Exercise. According to the American Heart Association, physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Regular aerobic activity (approximately 30 minutes a day most days a week) can help to reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, reduce and control weight, and contribute to a better quality of life. The good news is that there are so many kinds of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, biking, dancing, swimming) that there is sure to be one that you will enjoy and that you can fit into your daily routine.

Diet. There are many heart-healthy diets, including the Mediterranean diet, which includes healthy fats, such as olive oil and canola oil; plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables; nuts; and grains and limits red meat. Another diet alternative that reportedly has actually shown success in reducing blockages in blood vessels to the heart is the Ornish diet. This vegetarian diet includes generous amounts of beans and legumes, fruits, grains and vegetables and moderate amounts of nonfat dairy products and other nonfat or low-fat products and severely limits calorie intake from fat. For more detailed information on this diet, check out Dr. Ornish's book, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease, at www.amazon.com/Ornishs-Program-Reversing-Heart-Disease.

Weight Management. American Heart Association identifies obesity as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Among other things, being overweight can contribute to high "bad" cholesterol and low "good" cholesterol, high blood pressure and the onset of diabetes. As the millions of people who have fought the battle of the bulge and lost can attest, dropping those extra pounds is difficult. However, it can be done. You can start by talking to your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight, finding a diet that is not too extreme and that suits your lifestyle, and joining an exercise class.

Sources:

www.yogajournal.com, Yoga Journal - Yoga News & Trends - Meet the Innovators: Dean Ornish, M.D.

health.howstuffworks.com, HowStuffWorks "Alternative Medicines for Heart Disease"

www.mayoclinic.com,Heart disease - MayoClinic.com

www.webmd.com/ornish, Review: Eat More, Weigh Less

www.americanheart.org/obesity and overweight

www.americanheart.org/exercise and fitness