Healthy lifestyle interventions can help to prevent, manage, and treat cardiovascular conditions.

• Lower systemic inflammation

• Adopt healthier dietary habits

• Engage in regular exercise

• Improve sleeping habits

• Reduce physical and emotional stress

• Support a healthy gut microbiome

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among U.S. adults. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs in over 18 millions adults over the age of 20.

Common Types of CVD

Coronary Artery Disease

Also known as heart disease or ischemic heart disease, CAD is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arterial walls. Over time, this buildup can narrow the arteries and potentially block blood flow to/from the heart. When this happens, a heart attack may ensue.

Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Angina (chest pain/discomfort)

• Light-headedness

• Nausea or weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Pain/discomfort in the arms/shoulder

• Cold sweat

Arrhythmia

Irregular heartbeats are referred to as arrhythmia, which includes heartbeats that occur abnormally fast or slow. Severity ranges depending on each individual’s condition, and may lead to serious or fatal consequences. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia that may lead to a stroke.

Heart Failure

Often known as congestive heart failure (CHF), this condition develops due to a buildup of fluid in certain organs and lower extremities. CHF occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood because it is too weak.

Common Symptoms of CHF

• Fatigue/weakness

• Swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, stomach

• Atypical shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing while lying down

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_failure.htm

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is the umbrella term for various conditions pertaining to the heart muscle. Changes in the muscle may affect it’s ability to pump blood, thus potentially leading to arrhythmia, heart failure, or a backup of blood in the lungs or rest of the body.

Common Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue/weakness

• Swelling in the ankles and legs

• Syncope (fainting)

• Palpitations

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/cardiomyopathy.htm

Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease

• Smoking tobacco

• An imbalanced diet

• Lack of physical activity

• Alcohol/drug/caffeine abuse

• Family history of heart disease

• Hormone imbalance

Natural Treatment Approaches

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Dietary intervention is one of the primary approaches for patients with heart disease.

• Reduce sodium intake as necessary

• Eliminate refined vegetable oils commonly found in potato chips and other snacks, cookies and treats

• Increase intake of fiber from high-fiber foods such as leafy green veggies, beans and legumes, artichokes, chia and flax seeds, nuts like almonds and walnuts, squash and avocados.

• Swap out processed carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates (such as ancient whole grains, whole fruit, beans, legumes and starchy vegetables)

• Abstain from foods and drinks with concentrated sugar and alcohol (for example soda and soft drinks, packaged desserts, and sweetened dairy products

• Consume fish a few times per week to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake (like wild salmon, herring, sardines, trout, halibut or tuna.

• Maintain your body weight based on your height and build.

Learn more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118