A healthy Heart from Herbs

Heart disease is any form of illness associated with the heart. According to medical records, 1 out of 10 people suffer from severe heart conditions, and heart disease is one of the prominent causes of death in some countries, especially in the United States of America. In addition, these reports claim that 1 out of every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. Heart diseases affect every gender, race, and age-grade (though it is predominant among adults and aged people).

Heart disease is a generic name for a number of illnesses associated with the heart. This article discusses the different kinds of heart diseases, their causes, and symptoms. The major focus of this article is the different amazing herbs that help in the treatment and improvement of heart conditions.

Types of Heart Disease

There are various kinds of heart diseases, and each of them affects the heart differently.  The following are the different kinds of heart diseases that exist:

Coronary Artery Disease

Also known as coronary heart disease. It is the most common sort of heart disease in history. It happens when the arteries that transport blood from the heart to other parts of the body get clogged by plaques. This makes the artery narrow and hardened, thus making the pumping and passage of blood difficult. Plaque is ordinarily made up of cholesterol and other substances that are unhealthy for the heart. Due to the difficulty in pumping and transporting blood, the heart receives fewer nutrients and oxygen, thereby making the heart weakened. This leads to heart failure.

Congenital Heart Defect

People who suffer from this heart disease were born with it. Some other forms of congenital heart defects include;

• Abnormal heart valves; a condition when the valves may be too narrow or leaky.
• Septal defects; occur when the wall in between the upper and lower chambers of the heart has a hole in it.
• Atresia; is a rare heart condition that occurs when one of the heart valves is absent or missing.

Patients of any of these congenital heart diseases were born with them.

Arrhythmia

This, actually, is when the heartbeat is irregular, and this is due to the lack of proper functioning of the electrical impulses that generate or coordinate the heartbeat. The heartbeat here could either be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). Arrhythmia can be life-threatening in some cases.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Here, the lower and upper chambers of the heart become dilated. In other words, the muscles in the heart overstretch and become too thin. Toxins and arrhythmia are known to stem dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated heart muscles lead to a weak heart that cannot pump blood properly. This health condition can cause a blood clot in the heart as well as heart failure. It is common among people aged 20 to 60.

Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is also known as a heart attack. It is seen when there is an interruption in the flow of blood to and from the heart. This can result in the malfunctioning of some parts of the heart muscles. The most common cause of myocardial infarction includes blood clot and plaque.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is the resultant effect of untreated high blood pressure and arrhythmia. This condition affects the ability of the heart to pump blood properly. Heart failure is a life-threatening disease; however, seeking medical attention early enough would help prevent and manage complications.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart condition; that is, some people have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in their family history. This is noticed when there is an obstruction in the heart’s ability to pump blood. This heart condition worsens easily and leads to more chronic health conditions.  Studies show that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of cardiac arrest among people aged 35 and below.

Mitral Valve Regurgitation

This occurs when the valve in the heart is not tightly closed, such that blood flows back into the heart instead of flowing into other parts of the body. This condition leads to an enlarged heart as well as heart failure.

Causes of Heart Diseases

The major causes of most heart diseases include;

• High blood pressure
• High alcohol consumption
• Overweight and obesity
• Age
• Family history
• Low engagement in physical exercises
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High anxiety and stress levels

Symptoms of Heart Diseases

• Difficulty in breathing
• Edema
• Lightheadedness and fatigue

Natural Remedies for Heart Diseases

Green Tea

Green tea is widely known to be a strong natural remedy for the treatment of various illnesses. It has antioxidants that combat free radicals that lead to heart diseases. It contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is effective in combatting toxins that are produced in the body by physiological and metabolic processes.  Green tea mostly comes in bags. Soak tea bags in hot water and take them orally. Studies show that drinking 4-5 cups of green tea is enough to hack heart problems from the root.

Turmeric

Curcumin, which is the reason for the yellow color in turmeric, is a property that is effective in the ultimate protection of the heart muscles. Turmeric is also known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. In addition, its antithrombotic properties contribute to blood thinning. Consuming turmeric regularly could help protect your heart from diseases. Sprinkle two teaspoons of turmeric powder on your breakfast, dessert, or dinner. You can as well include it in your beverage ingredients. Clinic research has shown that consuming turmeric can awaken and strengthen weak hearts and preventing irregular heartbeats by regulating the amount of calcium that gets into the heart muscles. It is also known to reduce the risk of heart failure.

Garlic

Garlic is both a food spice and a potent herb. Whether taken as a food spice or as a herb, it generates therapeutic effects in your body. It is rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A and B complex. The benefits of garlic include;

Lowering of high cholesterol level. Cholesterol is the major component of plaque that blocks the arteries.

It reduces the stickiness of blood cells.

It controls blood pressure.

It reduces stress and anxiety that may lead to heart failure or heart attack.

Capsicum

Capsicum contains a lot of heart-friendly properties. It is known to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, reduce the stress and dilation of the arteries and heart muscles, and slows down atherosclerosis. It prevents heart attack by thinning the blood from clotting.

Cinnamon

Just like garlic, it helps reduce cholesterol levels. It also helps lower blood sugar and prevents cases of heart attacks and stroke. Cinnamon is easy to include in your diet. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder in your smoothie or beverages.

Berberine

Berberine is a herb that is helpful in the lowering of high cholesterol in the blood. It also improves the symptoms of low blood sugar. Berberine is difficult to get from foods. It is majorly found in capsules. People claim that sprinkling berberine capsules in smoothies and beverages yield immediate and obvious results.

Cardamom

Herbalists claim that cardamom spice is effective in lowering the risks of the blood clot. Cardamom comes in pods. You can eat the pod as a snack.

Most of these herbs hinder the proper functioning of heart drugs and treatments. Thus, it is advisable to consult medical practitioners when taking these herbs to prevent complications.

Prevention of Heart Diseases

Some of these heart diseases can be prevented, especially those caused by a certain kind of food and a particular lifestyle. Some preventive measures for heart diseases include;

• Avoiding tobacco smoking
• Management and control of other health conditions that may lead to heart diseases. Some of these health conditions include high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Eating meals that are low in saturated fat and salt
• Maintaining a healthy diet.
• Managing and reducing stress

In conclusion, heart disease is a common health problem. There are different types of heart problems, each with its peculiar cause. Some of these heart problems are not preventable, especially the ones that are inherited. In all cases, heart disease complications can be prevented and managed. These measures include adopting a healthy diet, including herbs in your diet, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and consulting medical practitioners at the early stage of symptoms. There are interestingly a number of natural herbal remedies to prevent heart diseases. They work effectively when you are consistent with them. Combining these herbs with a healthy diet and a healthy diet would reduce your risk of developing heart-related issues.