Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure. Prescription heart medications, will cause heart failure when used for prolonged treatment. Statin drugs, used for cholesterol regulation, cause heart failure with prolonged use. Treatment includes exercise, dietary changes, medicines, and sometimes surgery. Heart failure is a sign that the heart is weak, possibly enlarged and not doing the job necessary for a healthy life.
Heart Failure Symptoms
What Are Heart Failure Symptoms?
You may not have any heart failure symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild to severe. Symptoms can be constant or can come and go. Heart failure symptoms are related to the changes that occur to your heart and body, and the severity depends on how weak your heart is. The symptoms can include:
Congested lungs. A weak heart causes fluid to back up in the lungs. This can cause shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. Lung congestion can also cause a dry, hacking cough or wheezing.
Fluid and water retention. A weak heart pumps less blood to your kidneys and causes fluid and water retention, resulting in swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen (called edema) and weight gain. This can also cause an increased need to urinate during the night as your body attempts to get rid of this excess fluid. Bloating in your stomach may cause a loss of appetite or nausea.
Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion.
Rapid or irregular heartbeats. The heart beats faster to pump enough blood to the body. This can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat.
What can I do to improve heart function?
There are several things you can do to improve heart function. First eliminate stress. Studies show that those with heart blockages survive better in low stress environments than stressed individuals.It can be as much as 40% less chance of death when stress is eliminated. (Read Dr. Phil's Book on Stress) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, less meat, avoid sugars, and a low intake of simple carbohydrates. Lose weight and reduce your risk of death and complications. Exercise regularly and start with walking everyday. Get a trainer or nutritionist who can manage your condition. (Call Dr. Pappas for a consult, 215-794-5311).
What supplements might be helpful?
There are several supplements that can improve heart function.
D-Ribose delivers energy to the heart muscle. Studies show those using D-Ribose in heart attack recovery have a much higher survival rate.
Jarrow Ribose Powder, 200 grams, taste great $24.99
Heart conditions
Carnitine is primarily used for heart-related conditions. Several clinical trials show that L-carnitine can be used along with conventional treatment for angina to reduce medication needs and improve the ability of those with angina to exercise without chest pain. Some studies suggest that people taking L-carnitine may be less likely to suffer a subsequent heart attack or experience chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms. L-Carnitine is a great heart oxygenator. This would be helpful for congestive heart failure.
L-Carnitine builds energy on a cellular level to increase endurance and rebound.
Dr. Phil and Lauren love L-Carnitine
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Jarrow's Great Tasting Liquid L-Carnitine - 16 oz
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Professional Solutions/Gaia Hawthorn Supreme Liquid Phyto-Caps 60's
In European countries hawthorn berry extract is considered a relatively safe and effective therapy for mild to moderate congestive heart failure. In congestive heart failure, the heart has a reduced ability to pump blood effectively, often due to a previous heart attack. Hawthorn berries may also be helpful in high blood pressure.
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Heart Failure
Hawthorn has been widely studied in people with heart failure (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to other organs in the body). A number of studies conclude that hawthorn significantly improved heart function. Studies also have found that the herb can improve the ability to exercise in a person with heart failure. Participants in studies have reported that hawthorn significantly improved symptoms of the disease (such as shortness of breath and fatigue). One study found that hawthorn extract (900 mg/day) taken for 2 months was as effective as doses of captopril (a prescription heart medication) in improving symptoms of heart failure.
A large study found that a standardized hawthorn supplement was effective in 952 patients with heart failure. The study compared conventional methods of treating heart failure (with different medications) with hawthorn alone and in addition to the drugs. After 2 years, the clinical symptoms of heart failure (palpitations, breathing problems, and fatigue) decreased significantly in the patients taking the hawthorn supplement. People taking hawthorn also took less medications for their condition.
Heart failure is a serious condition, and you should never try to self-treat with hawthorn. Ask your doctor if hawthorn is right for you.
Chest pain (Angina)
Some preliminary evidence suggests hawthorn may help combat chest pain (angina), which is caused by low blood flow to the heart. In one early study, 60 people with angina were given either 180 mg/day of hawthorn berry-leaf-flower extract or placebo for 3 weeks. Those who received hawthorn experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from chest pain.
High blood pressure
Although hawthorn has not been studied specifically in people with high blood pressure, some people think that its benefits in treating heart disease may carry over to treating high blood pressure (hypertension).
In one study, a hawthorn extract was found to be effective for hypertension in people with type 2 diabetes who were also taking their prescribed medicines. Participants took 1,200 mg hawthorn extract daily or placebo for 16 weeks. Those taking hawthorn had lower blood pressures than those taking the placebo.
You should talk with your doctor before taking hawthorn if you have high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Support was formulated for Dr. Phil and is unique among blood pressure products.
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Tablets
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Amount
Per % Daily
Serving Value
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*Daily Value not established
Other Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, magnesium
stearate, cellulose, vegetable stearin and silica.
**ForsleanTM brand from Sabinsa.
†This statement has not been evaluated
†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
