Do you have High Blood Pressure or High Cholesterol?
Have you been diagnosed with Cardiovascular disease?
Have you ever wondered if statins & blood pressure medications are the only answer?
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most widespread health problems in recent history. Statins (cholesterol lowering drugs) along with blood pressure medications are some of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals in the US.

A large amount of research, public education, and clearly identifiable risk factors still does not prevent literally millions from being diagnosed with some form of cardiovascular disease each year. (In 2000, 61,800,000 Americans had some form of cardiovascular disease).
Although pharmaceuticals can be necessary, they are not the only answer to this epidemic. Most medications work by suppressing symptoms. If the underlying cause of the symptom is not addressed, once you take away the medication the symptom naturally returns. This is why folks are often on medications for the rest of their lives.

As Naturopathic Doctors, we seek to find the underlying imbalance in the individual that is creating or causing the symptom.

Whether you have just been diagnosed, you are already on medication or you want to prevent disease, a Naturopathic Medical approach may be the most effective approach.

Did you know that statins cause a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant and necessary energy source for heart muscle? Our doctors are trained in both pharmacology as well as medically trained in natural medicines. If on medications, decreasing the side effects and correcting nutrient depletions is necessary for optimal health.

The utilization of preventive medicines in those at risk for heart disease (in addition to lifestyle [diet, exercise] changes) can provide effective medical therapy … before more drastic interventions are needed.

Apart from these approaches perhaps the most important “medicines” one may offer oneself are exercise and a healthful diet

In addition to exercise and a clean, whole foods diet, the following therapies are beneficial for heart health:

Magnesium

Magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer. It allows the muscles around the arteries to relax, thereby lowering blood pressure. Low body stores are associated with cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, stroke, and hypertension. Supplementation with magnesium displays a protective effect against the development of high blood pressure.

Fish Oils

The anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil are well accepted, and their role in a cardiovascular disease prevention program should not be overlooked. The low inflammatory effect of DHA may lower the risk of Coronary Artery Disease.
Botanicals

The botanical Hawthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha) has many cardiovascular benefits. One of the many active constituents in Hawthorne are the flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. In respect to blood pressure, Hawthorne acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, which increases coronary blood flow and vasodilation leading to lowered blood pressure. Other benefits of hawthorn include lowering of triglyerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL); it may also block accumulation of lipids into the aorta and liver.

B Vitamins

Vitamins B-12, B-6, B-2, and folic acid can effectively reduce homocysteine levels. The base of this therapy and source of other vitamins is a diet rich in fruits and leafy green vegetables. Another way to lower homocysteine levels would be a diet low in the precursor amino acid methionine. Homocysteine is a by-product of methionine; foods containing high levels of methionine include cheddar cheese, eggs, chicken, and beef.

Arginine

Arginine has become increasingly popular as part of cardiovascular treatment plans. More specifically, L-arginine is a precursor in the production of the nitric oxide synthase enzyme, which relaxes the arterial walls, thereby increasing coronary blood flow.