Guest guest Posted August 21, 2006 Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 Good Morning! Keeping Up with Heart Health The heart provides the power we need to live. Arguably the most important muscle we have. In an average lifetime, the heart beats more than two and a half billion times, without ever pausing to rest. The heart supplies the force to circulate blood throughout the body. The blood transports oxygen and nutrient to the cells of the body and carries waste and other substances from the cells. It pumps an average of 6000 quarts of blood daily. The heart is made up of four chambers. There are two chambers on each side of the heart. One chamber is on the top and one chamber is on the bottom. The two chambers on top are called the atria. The atria fill with the blood returning to the heart from the body and lungs. The heart has a left atrium and a right atrium. The two bottom chambers are called the ventricles. The heart has a left ventricle and a right ventricle. They pump out blood to the body and lungs. Running down the middle of the heart is a thick wall of muscle called the septum. The septum separates the left and right side of the heart. The atria fill with blood, then pump it into the ventricles. The ventricles then pump blood out of the heart. While the ventricles are pushing, the atria refill for the next contraction. Four valves control the flow of blood through the chambers. Two of the heart valves are the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. They let blood flow from the atria to the ventricles. The other two are called the aortic valve and pulmonary valve. They control the flow as the blood leaves the heart. These valves all work to keep the blood flowing forward. They open up to let the blood move ahead, then they close quickly to keep the blood from flowing backward. The heart is monitored by two vital statistics; checking the blood pressure and the pulse. Your doctor could also do an Echocardiograph and Electrocardiograph, which are two techniques that provide detailed information about the heart without causing any discomfort to the patient. If these procedures do not provide enough information, exploratory procedures may need to be performed. Cardiac catheterization and angioplasty are two common methods for exploring the heart. Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women. Awareness is the first step. Know your cholesterol, blood pressure and ideal weight. Lower risk factors and prevent early disability, illness or even death from heart disease or stroke. Herbal medicine is a wonderful preventative solution. Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or any other heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements. Blessed Thistle: Strengthens the heart. Capsicum: Blood pressure and health of blood vessels, Capsicum stimulants circulation, enhances blood flow and is considered to be food for the circulatory system. Capsicum assists in lowering blood pressure and breaking down cholesterol buildup. Cayenne Pepper is renowned, not only for healing the entire digestive system, and for arthritic pain relief, but also for the heart and circulatory system. It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them. Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. Cayenne has a high source of Vitamins A & C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium, which is one of the reasons it is good for the heart. Consider the synergy of taking both cayenne and Hawthorne berry together. Cornsilk: Natural diuretic. Garlic: A rich source of potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and Vitamin C, is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. Research has shown that garlic is an anti- cholesterol remedy and is recommended for heart and circulatory problems. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function, as well. Goldenseal: Berberine, an active ingredient of goldenseal, can dilate blood vessels. Therefore, it may prove useful in the treatment of certain causes of both irregular heartbeat and heart failure. Gotu Kola: Strengthens the heart and helps lower blood pressure. Hawthorn Berry: a member of the rose family, was recognized by physicians in the early 1800s for its ability to treat disorders related to circulation and respiration (breathing). Considered a " cardiotonic " herb, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure. Hawthorn berries contain large amounts of bioflavonoids, which help dilate and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relax arteries, and improve circulation of blood to heart muscles. studies suggest that Hawthorn berry extract improves heart function and exercise capacity in those with CHF. Participants in research trials also report significantly improved symptoms (like reduced shortness of breath and fatigue). Hawthorn extract may even prove to be as effective as low doses of ACE inhibitors (a leading class of heart medication) in improving symptoms of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne must be taken daily to be affective. Kelp: Helps to clean and maintain the arteries. Mistletoe: Used as a cardiac tonic to stimulate circulation, reduce blood pressure and arteriosclerosis and strengthen capillary walls. Constricts blood vessels and stimulates heart beat. Motherwort: Improves blood flow circulation and reduces heart blood pressure and palpitations. Myrrh: Quickens the hearts action. Olive Leaf Extract: Naturally support the circulatory and immune systems. Rosemary: Is considered a heart tonic. For more details on alternative medicine for heart health, consider: http://www.peacefulmind.com/heart_health.htm Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac. Peacefulmind.com Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 Hello Andrew. Great information and easily understood. I'm saving it for myself but would like to know if I could pass it on to some other lists I'm on. I will include your name and web site. samala Renee ---- Keeping Up with Heart Health The heart provides the power we need to live. Arguably the most important muscle we have. In an average lifetime, the heart beats more than two and a half billion times, without ever pausing to rest. The heart supplies the force to circulate blood throughout the body. The blood transports oxygen and nutrient to the cells of the body and carries waste and other substances from the cells. It pumps an average of 6000 quarts of blood daily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 Good Morning, Renee I would be honored. Please pass on the information. The more who know and understand, the better. Thank you. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2006 Report Share Posted August 22, 2006 Many blessings on you, Andrew. Thanks. I'm sure many will benefit from this samala Renee ---- I would be honored. Please pass on the information. The more who know and understand, the better Thank you. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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