Cardiovascular Health

Naturopathic Medicine uses a holistic approach to address cardiovascular disease. Treatment plans often include:

• Nutritional counselling to reduce cholesterol and manage inflammation
  
• Herbal medicines and neutraceutical supplements to improve lab results (CRP, cholesterol, homocysteine)
  
• Lifestyle coaching to address stress management, sleep, work and family balance, novel ways to fit in exercise, etc.
  
• Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
  
• Homeopathic remedies

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, often referred to as hardening of the arteries, is currently believed to be the leading cause of heart attack and stroke. Atherosclerosis is an accumulation of fat and other blood materials on the artery wall at a site of injury or dysfunction. Symptoms vary depending on the blockage and where it is in your body. Some people experience no symptoms, but others experience the following, among others:

• Angina
  
• Dizziness, weakness
  
• Leg cramps
  
• Gradual mental deterioration
  
• High blood pressure

Risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

• Smoking
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Diabetes
  
• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Insulin resistance
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• High C-reactive protein
  
• Low magnesium and potassium levels
  
• Elevated homocysteine
  
• Stressful lifestyle

Angina

Angina is a serious condition and medications should be strongly considered.

Angina is generally experienced as a pressure or squeezing sensation over the chest immediately after exertion. Episodes can last for one to 20 minutes. Tension, stress and high blood pressure are commonly associated with angina.
The primary cause is a large clot (atherosclerosis) that blocks at least 50% of the coronary artery. Other causes may include hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia or coronary artery spasm.

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on two factors in treating angina. First, improving metabolism of fatty acids by the heart; second, improving blood supply to the heart. One cannot happen without the other. Naturopathic Doctors will use the following modalities to help relieve angina:

• Nutrition
  
• Herbal medicine
  
• Acupuncture
  
• Lifestyle techniques to manage stress