Heart Disease: Common Symptoms
Without a doubt, heart disease is a preventable condition. It is proven that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle have the greatest impact on your heart. Below are the risk factors for heart disease, what you can do to change your lifestyle, and protect your heart:
Elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Elevated levels of this amino acid have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Mainly, elevated levels of homocysteine increase the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (read more below). Vitamin B-6 (folic acid) and Vitamin B-12 have the greatest effect in reducing homocysteine levels.1 Fruits and vegetables are typically rich in B vitamins. Americans typically eat a highly processed diet devoid of healthy fruits and vegetables. Increasing your fresh fruit and vegetable intake, along with adequate B-vitamin supplementation, may help reduce your risk for heart disease.
Silent inflammation. It has been shown that elevated C-reactive proteins in the blood increase heart disease risk. C-reactive proteins are elevated in the blood when the body is inflamed; in other words, when the body is actively fighting a chronic foreign invader such as Candida (yeast fungi), bacteria, mold, food allergies, and/or environmental toxins such as pesticides, air pollution, and heavy metals. Sometimes the symptoms of chronic inflammation are subtle or vague, which means that treatment becomes delayed due to a lack of understanding about the true causes of inflammation. By paying close attention to your body’s red flags, and by proactively resolving the underlying problems that are causing systemic inflammation, you can reduce the C-reactive protein levels in your blood, and your risk for heart disease.2
Oxidation of bad cholesterol. During the process of oxidation, oxygen binds with low-density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad” cholesterol). Oxidated LDL cholesterol is cytotoxic, which means that it has a toxic effect on cells. Oxidated LDL cholesterol contributes to the formation of fatty deposits along the arterial walls, leading to atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries). One way to combat LDL oxidation is to make sure you eat plenty of healthy foods that contain ample amounts of antioxidants (substances that fight free radicals in the blood). Heart-healthy antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), betacarotene, selenium, bioflavonoids and ubiquinone.
High plasma fibrin D-dimer levels. Increased fibrin D-dimer levels lead to hypercoagulability, otherwise known as thick blood. Thick blood is caused by an excess of fibrin in the blood. The body normally produces fibrin when it is under attack, in an effort to help the blood clot during an injury or illness. When the body is systemically and chronically inflamed, fibrin is produced in excess, which causes the blood to become thick and unable to circulate freely throughout the body. Anticoagulants such as aspirin or Coumadin (Warfarin) can be prescribed, and/or Heparin (an antiplatelet agent). Systemic Enzymes can also help by dissolving excess fibrin in the blood.
NOTE: Never take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with anticoagulant agents since the combination of these medications can increase the risk of bleeding. Also, never take more than one anticoagulant agent, or interchange medications, without medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional regarding the safe use of anticoagulant agents.
Obesity. The inability to lose weight is actually related to inflammation. When the body is chronically inflamed, metabolism is disrupted, and triglyceride, cholesterol, blood sugar, and key hormone levels all become imbalanced. Then it becomes extremely difficult to lose the extra pounds because the body’s ability to process foods efficiently is severely disrupted. High triglyceride and cholesterol levels due to excess weight have the potential to lead to heart disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that your heart is at risk if you have:
- An apple-shaped body. Studies have shown that people who have an apple-shaped body (fat around the waist) have a greater risk of heart disease than those who have a pear-shaped body (fat around the hips). In fact, waist-to-hip ratio has been shown to be a better indicator of the risk of heart disease than body mass index (BMI). To find out your risk, calculate your waist-to-hip ratio.
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Those who have a high BMI are at increased risk of developing heart disease. Find out your BMI now.
Hormone imbalances. Studies are now identifying that hormones can have a dramatic effect on the heart.
- Low testosterone levels: Researchers in Japan have found that low testosterone levels in men can contribute to hardening of the arteries. Studies are now revealing that testosterone is heart protective, much like estrogen is for women. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be considered an option for men with low testosterone levels.4,5
- Low estrogen levels: Post-menopausal women who lack estrogen are at greater risk of heart disease than pre-menopausal women who have naturally higher levels of estrogen. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be useful to not only curtail menopausal symptoms, but also to protect the heart against disease. On the other hand, women who use synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) experience increased CRP levels (an inflammatory marker for heart disease).
Family history of heart disease or stroke. Your heart disease risk increases if you have family members who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure (HBP). Also known as hypertension, High Blood Pressure is considered a “silent killer” because it typically has no visible symptoms. Think of your blood vessels as a garden hose, and the water as your blood. Blood that is pumped through the body at excessively high pressure has the potential to rupture a vessel, much like a ruptured garden hose that’s been damaged by high water pressure. Blood pressure is considered normal when it falls below 120/80 mmHg. Below are standard blood pressure guidelines:
- Pre-high blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg to 159/99 mmHg
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: Over 160/100 mmHg. Blood pressure over 160/100 can become life-threatening.
- Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can also occur, if systolic and diastolic pressure drop 25 mmHg lower than normal.
Cholesterol imbalance. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). High LDL (bad) cholesterol is potentially heart-damaging; while high HDL (good) cholesterol is potentially heart protective. Total cholesterol measures both LDL and HDL together. High total cholesterol levels (which cause heart disease and stroke) can be equally as damaging as low cholesterol levels (which cause depression, anxiety, aggression and mental dysfunction). Read more about cholesterol imbalance. Below you’ll find some guidelines for cholesterol.
- Total cholesterol less than 220 mg/dL is desirable.
- LDL (bad) cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL is optimal.
- HDL (good) cholesterol greater than 40 mg/dL is desirable.
Prolonged use of medications such as glucocorticoids (steroids or corticosteroids), and anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs. Studies show that these medications increase the risk for heart disease.6
Bacteria, virus, and fungi exposure. Microorganisms have the ability to weaken the immune system and damage the heart. Myocarditis is a heart disorder caused by viral infections such as coxsackie virus, adenovirus, and echovirus. Myocarditis may also occur during or after various viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, such as polio, influenza, or rubella.
Smoking. Cigarettes contain well over 4000 chemicals, many of which are known to damage the heart muscle and weaken blood vessels. Furthermore, smoking increases the production of fibrin in the blood, leading to thick blood.
Heavy Metal Toxicity. Heavy metal toxicity has been shown to increase the risk of atherosclerosis, mainly because the toxicity increases triglyceride levels. Heavy metal toxicity can also lead to weight gain and an inability to lose extra pounds, mainly because the body’s metabolic processes are disrupted.7
Birth control pills and synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). One study has shown that women who use the birth control pill have twice the level of C-reactive protein levels as non-users. Additionally, women who use synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also experience increased CRP levels. Since high CRP levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease, women over 35 (particularly those who also smoke) should exhibit caution when using the pill or synthetic HRT. Further research is required to confirm this risk in young women (under 35).8
Sedentary lifestyle. “Use it or lose it.” Heart health is positively influenced by exercise—particularly when choosing activities that increase heart rate. A good way to gauge heart-healthy exercise is to make sure that you can still talk comfortably to another person while exercising.
Poor diet. A highly processed diet can damage the heart, especially due to an over-consumption of bad trans fats, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and refined processed grains that are stripped of their important nutrients. Read more about healthy dietary guidelines.
Periodontal disease. Diseased gums actually put your heart at risk by releasing bacterial components into the bloodstream. These bacterial components raise the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, a known indicator for potential heart disease.9
Depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression really can “break your heart.” Depression can lead to chronically elevated levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which can have negative effects on the heart. Furthermore, depressed individuals who have heart disease are less likely to follow medication therapies, putting them at risk for more heart problems.10
Male/female differences. Heart disease is the number one killer of women over age 65. Men and women have nearly the same risk of heart disease before age 65. However, after menopause, women are at a much higher risk of heart disease than men, mainly due to the reduced levels of heart-protective estrogen. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be useful in reducing heart disease risk in older women.11
Alcohol and drug abuse. A long-term study on the effects of cocaine showed that during the first hour after using cocaine, the user's risk of heart attack increases nearly 24 times.12 Illegal, designer, and street drugs can permanently damage the heart and cause sudden death. Additionally, studies have suggested that the flavonoids and antioxidants in wine are heart healthy. However, moderation is essential, since over-consumption can lead to alcoholism, a debilitating progressive disease that (among many other things) raises triglyceride levels, a known risk factor for heart disease.
Diagnosis
The following tests and procedures may help you determine if you are at risk for heart disease:
- Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis Self-assessment and the Magnesium Assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions. Learn more about Self-assessments.
- Lipid profile – A blood test that measures total cholesterol, good HDL and bad LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides—all of which are important in assessing heart disease risk.13
- Blood pressure measurement – Blood pressure reading above 120/80 mm/Hg increases the risk of heart disease.
- Hormone levels – It is important to measure key hormone levels in the body, especially the male hormone testosterone, the female hormone estrogen, and cortisol. Imbalances of these hormones have been linked to increased risk for heart disease.
- Homocysteine levels – A simple blood test can determine homocysteine levels. Evidence suggests that too much of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood may promote atherosclerosis by damaging blood vessels and increasing blood clotting.
- Plasma fibrin D-dimer levels – A simple blood test can determine plasma fibrin D-dimer levels. High levels are associated with thick blood, leading to blood clots and heart disease.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels – A simple blood test can determine CRP levels in the blood. Studies have shown that inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein levels can be vital in determining heart disease risk.
- Exercise stress test – During this test, you are connected to monitors that evaluate your heart while you walk steadily on a treadmill. Your heart continues to be monitored as the speed and the incline of the treadmill are gradually increased. Based on the findings, further testing and/or treatment may be required.
- Ultrasound – An image of the heart can pinpoint heart defects, congenital abnormalities, and can even reveal arterial plaque (the precursor to atherosclerosis, also known as clogged arteries).
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – A test is performed in a doctor’s office that records the electrical activity of the heart. You are asked to lie down while electrodes that record electrical activity are placed on your arms, legs, and chest.
- Holter monitor – An ambulatory device allows you to carry out your normal activities while still being connected to electrodes that monitor electrical activity. It is worn for 24 hours or longer to capture possible cardiac irregularities not easily detected during a single office visit, such as during sleep.
Additional Information about Heart Disease
- Heart Disease Overview
- Common causes of heart disease
- Natural and alternative treatments for heart disease
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of heart disease
- Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of heart disease
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for heart disease
Article ID: 263
